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Senior Defined Contribution Consultant

Marsh McLennan · Chicago, IL · $84,500–$168,500 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you grew an existing client relationship into new work.

What they are checking: Ability to retain and grow a book of business, a stated expectation.

Tell me about a difficult conversation with a client about underperformance.

What they are checking: Whether they can deliver bad news about results candidly while keeping the committee's trust.

How are you using AI or technology tools to serve a book of clients more efficiently?

What they are checking: Comfort with technology-enabled tools, which the role says it embraces.

What would you do

A committee member wants to add a popular fund with a short track record. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Holding to the investment policy while respecting committee members.

How do you manage a book of clients with plans from $25 million to $500 million so each gets the right level of attention?

What they are checking: Book management and prioritization across clients of very different size.

About the work

Walk me through a quarterly investment review you would present to a 401(k) committee with a $200 million plan.

What they are checking: Command of performance review, watch lists, fees and how to guide committee decisions.

What makes a plan committee's fiduciary process strong, and where do committees usually fall short?

What they are checking: ERISA fiduciary knowledge, including documentation, prudent process and fee monitoring.

How do you benchmark recordkeeping fees, and what would you do if a client's fees are high?

What they are checking: Fee benchmarking skill and practical next steps like renegotiation or a search.

How would you explain the difference between advisory and OCIO services to a committee choosing between them?

What they are checking: Clear understanding of delegated responsibility and when each model fits.

In a plan document or SPD review, what operational errors do you most often find?

What they are checking: Practical compliance knowledge such as eligibility, compensation definitions and late deposits.

How would you raise participation and savings rates at a plan with a young workforce?

What they are checking: Knowledge of plan design levers like auto-enrollment, auto-escalation and match design.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Marsh McLennan.

Company: Mercer Description: We are seeking a talented individual to join our Defined Contribution (DC) team at Mercer, a Marsh business. This role will be based in our Central zone. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office. This position will serve as the lead consultant and advisor to a book of defined contribution clients with plans between $25M and $500M in assets. The DC Consultant will support clients on an ongoing basis with respect to plan investments, plan design and fee benchmarking, recordkeeping vendor management, fiduciary governance practices and employee engagement strategies. We will count on you to: • Present plan review/investment review reports to clients for advisory and OCIO engagements • Retain and grow a book of business by developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships with clients and decision makers within your existing client base; and other Mercer lines of business • Thrive and be motivated by an environment that embraces AI and technology-enabled tools • Serve as the subject matter expert on a variety of defined contribution topics, and ensure clients and prospects are aware of the various ways Mercer can support their initiatives including plan design consulting, investment advisory services, and delegated OCIO services • Conduct plan document/SPD, operational and compliance reviews as needed; demonstrate strategic plan design knowledge of DC retirement plans • Oversee RFP/RFI marketing process, strategy and transition; present RFP/RFI marketing results to client • Exhibit solid understanding of the defined contribution landscape, anticipate and uncover client needs and create a scope of services around those needs • Ensure timely delivery and accuracy of all client work • Ensure consistent compliance and professional standards into all work processes including transparency and peer review for team/projects • Cultivate new business through professional networks, events, conferences etc. • Participate in sales activity and assist other consultants and sales professionals in developing opportunities and corresponding strategy What you need to have: • 4+ years or more experience including a demonstrated track record of providing investment advice and consulting/strategy for retirement plans • A strong understanding of the defined contribution landscape including fiduciary topics, investments, plan design trends, administrative practices, employee engagement and retirement readiness trends, and the broad range of services providers • The ability to contribute to the development of new ideas and ways to solve client problems and make the team more efficient at the local and zone level • A track record of building intellectual capital for business development and client delivery • Strong presentation skills What will make you stand out: • Experience with 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans - Non-Profit Organizations and 457(b) – Government • Demonstrated experience in a client management role, business development, ability to handle client inquiries on a day-to-day basis, professional attitude, able to evaluate issues, objections, operational and plan design issues; excellent personal, telephone and communication skills, etc. • Experience conducting seminars for clients and presents at conferences, effectively communicating a point of view and thought leadership Why join our team: • We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders. • We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities. • Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being. Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X. Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com. Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person. The applicable base salary range for this role is $84,500 to $168,500. The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives. We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.

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