US Pensions Bulk Check
Administrative Services Consultant I
Role Value Proposition:
This position will be a key member of the US Pensions team dedicated to administration of MetLife’sdefined benefit bulk check group annuity contracts. The role will be responsible for administration of a portfolio of key US Pensions clients utilizing bulk check arrangements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure that MetLife delivers on its commitments to an assigned portfolio of bulk check clients.
- Engage in on-going communication with clients regarding monthly activity, reconciliations, and general contract questions/updates, as needed.
- Respond to routine and ad-hoc requests for contract or participant data.
- Ensure monthly activity is processed correctly and wires disbursed on time.
- Use judgment and initiative to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
- Analyze bulk check activity including lump sums, new retirements, and deaths to determine which events can be handled by GSS (Global Shared Services) and which activity requires special or nonstandard processing and implementation.
- Review and sign-off processing of routine activity by GSS, directing corrections where necessary.
- For activity requiring special or non-standard implementation, work with the Operations Benefit
- Calculation Team and, as needed, the client, to ensure the activity or event is correctly handled in accordance with the contract provisions.
- Conduct independent reviews of internal and external commencement and payment reports to determine consistency with the contract provisions and information received from the client.
- Review any adjustments to monthly wire payments for assigned bulk check clients including lump sums, ongoing annuity forms, and death benefits to determine if they are consistent with the contract provisions and any other agreements with the client.
- Ensure client-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are comprehensive, complete, easy-to follow and up-to-date.
- Gather data for internal and external audit requests and demonstrate processes to auditors as needed.
- Conduct research and analysis of contract files and pension system data to interpret contract provisions and determine eligibility for benefits.
- Work with partners in Operations and RIS Business Solutions to research and determine the source and cause of errors and discrepancies. Analyze, develop, and implement solutions to address these issues based on experience with specific contract interpretations.
- Support reconciliation processes conducted by the Bulk Check Reconciliation team including making updates to participant data on the administration system.
- Submit requests for corrections to be made in the administration system and work with partners in Operations and RIS Business Solutions to ensure they are correctly implemented.
- Ensure general (i.e., non-contract specific) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are comprehensive, complete, easy-to-follow and up-to-date.
- Assist other team members interpret how Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be applied to specific contracts and situations.
- Develop subject matter expertise related to the non-contract specific technical aspects of pension benefits, group annuity contracts and MetLife systems.
- Provide guidance and training to GSS associates and other Bulk Check administrators.
- Perform quality review of other team members’ work.
- Propose new workflows to management and drive their implementation including conducting training sessions for the other administrators.
- Identify and make recommendations for other process improvements or training needs.
- Work with IT and other business partners as appropriate to investigate and resolve noncontract specific system or process issues.
- Support IT system testing and provide feedback on system updates, improvements and new features.
Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:
- Understanding of annuity products and pension benefits preferred.
- Strong relationship management skills and effective communication skills, including presentation skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- At least 5 years relevant experience
- Demonstrated planning, tactical, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
- Project management skills including leading projects and working effectively with others.
- HS diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.