Manager, ESOP Administration
full-time•Appleton
About this role
Description
Put your ESOP expertise to work in a leadership role that truly makes an impact.
At Blue Ridge Associates, we don’t just administer retirement plans — we help people build lasting financial independence. As one of the nation’s leading ESOP and 401(k) administration firms, we support companies that believe in sharing success with their employees.
We’re looking for a Manager, ESOP Administration to join our growing team. This is a fully remote role with the opportunity to manage a team, guide clients through complex ESOP matters, and shape the future of wealth-building benefits nationwide.
About Blue Ridge Associates
We are a professional services firm providing third-party retirement plan administration, including Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), 401(k), Defined Benefit (DB), and Cash Balance (CB) plans. With offices in seven cities and clients across the country, Blue Ridge Associates is proud to be one of the top ESOP administration firms in the U.S.
We are a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to delivering outstanding service and supporting the financial futures of employees everywhere.
Your Role: Manager, ESOP Administration
As the Manager of ESOP Administration, you will oversee the full lifecycle of client engagements and lead a team of ESOP Administration Consultants. This is a client-facing leadership role requiring deep technical knowledge of ESOP plans, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of ESOP plan administration, including:
- Recordkeeping
- Compliance testing
- Distributions and loan processing
- Governmental and regulatory reporting
- Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of ESOP Consultants
- Ensure accuracy and compliance across client engagements
- Solve complex plan-related technical issues
- Maintain professional and proactive relationships with clients and internal teams
- Support ongoing process improvements and best practices
Requirements
What We’re Looking For
Ideal Candidate Attributes
- Customer-focused and results-driven
- Technically proficient in complex ESOP administration
- Self-motivated with strong leadership and time-management skills
- Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in defined contribution plan administration, including complex ESOPs
- Prior experience with ESOP compliance testing and regulatory filings
- QPA or QKA certification required
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong skills in Word and PowerPoint
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to interpret technical plan documents and resolve problems
- Comfortable working independently and managing a complex caseload
- Available for occasional overtime during peak workloads
- Prior management or team leadership experience preferred
What We Offer
You’ll be joining a company that values hard work, integrity, and shared success — and we support your career growth every step of the way.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
- 401(k) with company match + HSA with company contribution
- Generous paid time off, including parental leave and holidays
- Education and professional development assistance (certifications, dues)
- Fully remote work option or access to one of our office locations (VA, MD, IL, CA, MN, OH)
- A collaborative and inclusive culture with:
- Monthly birthday celebrations
- Quarterly virtual happy hours
- Annual social gatherings
- Volunteer and fundraising events
- Employee-led committees and special projects
Our Core Values
- Precision – Delivering accurate, timely, error-free service
- Efficacy – Helping clients ensure compliance and retirement readiness
- Advocacy – Supporting changes that benefit employees and employers
- Collaboration – Building trusted partnerships internally and externally
- Excellence – Providing proactive, high-touch, personalized service
Build a Career that Builds Financial Futures
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact while growing your leadership career in retirement plan administration, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and bring your ESOP expertise to a company that values your work.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Must be authorized to work in the US.
What you'll do
- The Manager of ESOP Administration will oversee the full lifecycle of client engagements and lead a team of ESOP Administration Consultants. This includes managing ESOP plan administration, serving as the primary contact for clients, and ensuring compliance and accuracy across engagements.
About Blue Ridge Associates
We are the trusted partner for retirement plan professionals and sponsors. Serving clients since 1966, Blue Ridge is a leading provider of administration solutions for employer-sponsored, tax-advantaged equity compensation and savings benefit plans. Our highly skilled team members provide a full suite of technology-enabled compliance services. Our integrated, best-of-breed delivery model and established network of strategic distribution partners make it easy for employers to provide wealth-building benefits to employees.
Ready to join Blue Ridge Associates?
Take the next step in your career journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Manager, ESOP Administration do at Blue Ridge Associates?
As a Manager, ESOP Administration at Blue Ridge Associates, you will: the Manager of ESOP Administration will oversee the full lifecycle of client engagements and lead a team of ESOP Administration Consultants. This includes managing ESOP plan administration, serving as the primary contact for clients, and ensuring compliance and accuracy across engagements..
Is the Manager, ESOP Administration position at Blue Ridge Associates remote?
The Manager, ESOP Administration position at Blue Ridge Associates is based in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Manager, ESOP Administration position at Blue Ridge Associates?
You can apply for the Manager, ESOP Administration position at Blue Ridge Associatesdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.