Mgr Partner Advocate

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

The Manager Partner Advocate is seen as a subject matter expert related to working with our Advisors in the Core Market.  Will be expected to take a leadership role with mentoring and training of new hires, specialized project initiatives and team member coverage for open territories on plans typically less than $5 million in assets. This position is also responsible for Oversee staff training, staff mentoring, quality standards, reporting, disciplinary action, motivation, identify appropriate staffing levels to projected volume with overtime/vacations and forecasting strategies, timely performance appraisals and salary/promotion/merit increase recommendations.
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Primary Duties and Responsibilities: -

•    Establishes operational objectives and work plans. Delegates assignments to subordinates.
•    Develops, modifying, and executes policies and procedures.
•    Serves as first point of escalation for issues or activities. 
•    Manages and oversees the activities of the Partner Advocates with focus on business plan and corporate goals.
•    Work in partnership with internal departments to deliver solutions to Advisor/Partner questions and needs.  First call resolution is the goal.
•    Provide relationship management expertise to assigned plans within the territory.  Responsibilities include plan review and design, plan pricing, product placement and participant education coordination.
•    Assist the director with special projects, training and development, process improvement and issue escalation.
•    Works closely with Director and PA Managers in a leadership role.
•    Demonstrates ability to solve complex service issues and collaborate with leadership on solutions.
•    Employees will need to demonstrate creative problem solving for Advisors/Partners, plan sponsors and internal staff; must be able to break down complex industry related issues and provide alternate solutions.
•    Staffing - assesses staffing needs, conducts prospective employee interviews, and makes decisions regarding the hiring of new employees. Conducts performance evaluations and manages staff issues according to company and divisional policies. Performs/assists in compensation during year end performance review, also taking necessary disciplinary action if necessary.
•    Career Development & Coaching - responsible for the development of staff. Conducts monthly one-on-one meetings and ongoing coaching with staff. Provides ongoing feedback regarding quality of work to team members and works to improve processes and overall quality for the team/department.
•    Ensures team performance meets and exceed function/department goals, quality targets, and service level expectations. Monitors individual reconciler statistics to ensure they are within established guidelines. Prepares reports measuring/detailing performance, including monthly management reports.
•    Demonstrated capability to solve escalated or complex issues with little to no supervision or guidance.
•    Demonstrated ability to form strong business partner relationships which drive enterprise results and advisor satisfaction and trust.
•    Other duties as assigned.
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Background and Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s degree in any stream with a 8-10 years’ experience 
•    Knowledge of retirement plan recordkeeping preferred
•    Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook email, Adobe, Chrome/Internet Explorer knowledge
•    Ability to work independently and in a team environment
•    Strong analytical ability in solving business and technical problems
•    AASPA certification on retirement domain preferred
•    Strong attention to detail required.
•    Intermediate experience and demonstration of organization and problem-solving skills.
•    Intermediate ability to multi-task and prioritize workload while assisting less experienced colleagues.
•    Demonstrated ability to collaborate and develop relationships with peers and management acting as a guide and Subject Matter Expert.
•    Basic knowledge of Six Sigma tools & concepts preferred.
•    Excellent organization, prioritization and planning skills required.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.