Director, Retirement Plan Services
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Director, Retirement Plan Services (RPS) is a hands-on leader responsible for stabilizing and scaling the company’s ~$1.2B retirement plan business into a structured, advisor-aligned growth capability.
The function has historically operated as a reactive service model with limited structure, inconsistent advisor engagement, and minimal performance visibility. This role is critical in transforming RPS into a disciplined, measurable, and growth-contributing part of the firm as the company continues to scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own and stabilize the existing RPS business (~$1.2B across ~200 plans)
- Develop and execute a clear business plan for RPS (retention + growth)
- Partner with advisors to identify and convert retirement plan opportunities within the existing client base
- Improve RFP quality, plan design, and advisor positioning to increase win rates
- Shift the model from reactive support to proactive advisor enablement
- Establish KPIs, reporting, and performance visibility across the function
- Build and implement a scalable operating model and service structure
- Lead and develop a small, growing team (currently ~3, expanding to ~5)
- Partner with Compliance to ensure ERISA and fiduciary standards are met
REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years in retirement plan services, institutional consulting, or related field
- Relevant certifications (e.g., AIF®, CPFA®, CEBS, CFP®, CFA) preferred, with demonstrated expertise in retirement plan governance and fiduciary standards
- Deep expertise in 401(k) / defined contribution plans and fiduciary governance
- Experience managing and servicing retirement plan business (not purely sales)
- Experience working with or influencing advisors / client-facing teams
- Ability to balance hands-on execution with building scalable processes
SUCCESS PROFILE
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- RPS Subject Matter Expertise – Credible expert in retirement plans, governance, and servicing
- Advisor Influence – Partners effectively with advisors to drive adoption and growth
- Commercial Mindset – Understands how to unlock revenue through internal opportunity capture
- Player-Coach Leadership – Leads a team while remaining hands-on in execution
- Operating Agility – Comfortable building in ambiguity within a fast-growing organization
COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate, including base salary and performance-based bonus. Compensation will be calibrated to reflect the scope and leadership expectations of the role.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, preferably in MS Word format, to Derek Bush dbush@harvardsearch.com. A fully detailed, formal specification will be sent to qualified candidates.
