Sr. Manager, Pension & Investment Strategy

Job DescriptionManage the equity, fixed income (private and public) and real assets investment portfolios and oversee the investment administration and compliance of the company sponsored and union defined benefit plan and assets for which Kroger has fiduciary responsibility. Oversee investment strategy, investment administration and custody of the company sponsored defined contribution plan assets. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.Responsibilities• Manage the relationships, performance, and investment strategy of the equity, fixed income and real assets for the defined benefit plans• Work with investment consultant to generate annual pacing schedules and make commitments for the real assets, infrastructure, and private debt investment portfolios in the defined benefit plans• Manage the relationships with generalist consultants, custodian, and trustee of the defined benefit plans• Serve as the primary point of contact for the OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) for the Kroger defined contribution plans; drive demographic studies of DC participants for further refining of plan structure and investment options• Oversee the investment strategy and custody of the company sponsored defined contribution plan assets• For defined benefit plans, prepare quarterly investment performance analysis for fixed income, equity, real assets asset classes, summarizing the portfolio holdings, geographic/sector tilts, duration, etc. along with performance reports and recommended any changes needed• Drive asset allocation studies and portfolio analysis with investment consultants, confirm recommended changes, prepare for committee approval and implement for all DB plans once approved• Maintain industry knowledge and analyze market developments, new investment products and all other areas that affect the investment strategy of the defined benefit, defined contribution and foundation assets• Assist with the Multi-Employer Pension Plan (MEPP) investment strategy• Drive asset allocation and asset liability studies with investment consultants, review/revise the recommendations, prepare for committee approvals and implement for defined benefit plans• Work with investment consultant(s) on manager searches which includes setting research meetings to determine areas of interest and/or need that may constitute plan investment, vet 'high conviction' manager candidates with investment consultant via internal DDQ process and deliver recommendation memos for any hiring decisions.• Maintain and update DDQ forms and processes as necessary to properly evaluate potential and current investment managers• Review and reconcile investment consultant performance reports for accuracy• Travel to meet with stakeholders and review investment opportunities• Assist with the investment strategy for Kroger non-profit pools including work with the Foundation Office to prepare investment materials for Kroger Foundation board meetings• Take a lead role in any pension risk transfer activities the company might undertake (i.e., retiree annuities, term-vested lump sum cash outs, plan terminations, etc.)• Work closely with legal partners to review all documentation for all investments/potential investments to ensure Kroger is not exposed to unnecessary risk• Lead and facilitate integration of any merger company's investment lineup• Provide guidance and support in Retirement Benefit Plan Management Committee (RBPMC) meetings and Kroger Foundation board meetings• For RBPMC meetings, prepare the agenda and classify topics for committee members; work with outside parties on the appropriate meeting materials; gather, review and distribute meeting materials; prepare executive versions of the materials and agenda for Finance and Total Rewards leadership review• Oversee cash levels in defined benefit plans, investing excess cash as necessary while ensuring there is adequate cash available for benefit payments each month; invest/allocate cash contributions made to the plans by the company; work with consultants to create efficient rebalancing plans when necessary• Participate in any RFP related to retirement plans, including the creation, process and evaluation for investment consulting business for all defined benefit and defined contribution plans, as well as recordkeeper, trustee and custody services• Serve as a backup on MEPP negotiations, restructuring, design, evaluation, etc.• Serve as an employer trustee on the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan• Work with Investment Specialist annually to ensure the compliance calendar is accurate and up-to-date and that all regulatory filings are included• Oversee and complete tasks required for Kroger's year-end 10-K filing, annual DB and DC plan audits, and 11k filing• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodationQualificationsMINIMUM• Bachelor's Degree in business related field (i.e. business administration, finance, economics)• 7+ years experience working in a financial analysis discipline• Any Proven leadership experience• Ability to prioritize/multi-task while providing accurate/on-time results• Ability to work successfully across all organizational levels• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information• Proficient in Microsoft Office• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills• Strong attention to detail• Proven business acumen skills• Outstanding organization skillsDESIRED• Currently holding a CFA or CAIA certification or willing to pursue certification• Experience working with large investment portfolios• Experience with investment manager and asset allocation research and implementation