US Retirement Benefits Manager – 401(k) & Non-qualified Plans
Gaithersburg, MD
Human Resources
Hybrid Work- on average 3 days a week from office
Are you ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and make a significant impact on the lives of our employees?
AstraZeneca is looking for an experienced retirement benefits professional to own and evolve our US retirement programs with a main focus on our 401(k) and non-qualified deferred compensation plans.
In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert for US retirement benefits, partnering with internal stakeholders and external providers to ensure our plans are competitive, compliant, and easy for employees to understand and use. You’ll also have the opportunity to shape and support broader US health & welfare projects as part of a high-performing Total Rewards team.
What you'll do
Own US retirement plan design & performance
Lead the ongoing design and management of our US 401(k) and non-qualified deferred compensation plans.
Assess plan competitiveness, participation, and outcomes, and recommend design improvements grounded in data and market insights.
Ensure program practices align with AstraZeneca’s Total Rewards philosophy and business objectives.
Ensure flawless operations, compliance & controls
Serve as the subject matter expert on retirement plan provisions, administration, and operations.
Ensure plans are administered in accordance with plan documents and legal/regulatory requirements.
Lead all aspects of required compliance activities (e.g., reporting, disclosures, testing) in coordination with internal teams and external providers.
Drive HRIS and process excellence
Partner with HRIS (Workday) and vendors to implement 401(k) design changes and lead related UAT.
Identify and deliver process improvements and efficiencies, including using automation or AI-enabled tools where appropriate.
Act as an expert resource on plan functionality within Workday and related systems.
Lead through influence – vendors and stakeholders
Manage relationships with retirement plan providers and other external partners, ensuring strong service delivery, cost management, and employee experience.
Advise HR, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders on retirement plan implications, including M&A diligence and integration.
Coach teammates on retirement plan administration and help build retirement knowledge across the broader benefits team.
Contribute beyond retirement
Contribute to or lead benefit projects in the US health & welfare space, collaborating closely with colleagues across Total Rewards and HR.
Essential for the role
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Finance, HR, Business, or a related field
4–7+ years of experience in employee benefits, including at least 3–4 years managing or heavily supporting a large 401(k) plan
Hands-on experience testing and implementing 401(k) changes in an HRIS (Workday or similar)
In-depth knowledge of 401(k) plan design, administration, and regulatory requirements; exposure to non-qualified deferred compensation plans
Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and efficiencies (e.g., through automation, workflow tools, or AI-enabled solutions)
Strong relationship and influencing skills – able to partner effectively with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers
Experience managing cross-functional benefits projects in a fast-paced environment
High level of proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Desirable for the role
Direct experience designing or administering non-qualified deferred compensation plans
CEBS or other relevant professional designation
Experience with US health & welfare benefit plans
Proficiency with Workday
Advanced Excel skills (modelling, complex formulas, dashboards)
Experience in a public U.S. corporation or similarly complex, regulated organization
Experience supporting benefits aspects of mergers and acquisitions
Office Working Requirements
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 111,228.00 - 166,842.00 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Equal Opportunities
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
#LI-Hybrid
Date Posted
24-Nov-2025Closing Date
07-Dec-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.