Principal Financial Group Inc

Director - Process Improvement

Principal Financial Group Inc$141K — $191K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in process improvement or related fields, demonstrating expertise through education or experience.
  • 2+ years of people management experience, either informal or formal leadership roles.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification required; demonstrated success in relevant methodologies.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with proven leadership capabilities.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a matrix environment and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

  • Lead continuous process improvements across the organization to boost efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Manage team operations including recruitment and training, fostering a supportive culture of talent development.
  • Provide expertise in prioritizing and allocating resources for process improvement initiatives.
  • Implement standards and methodologies for performance improvement while tracking key performance indicators.
  • Create and manage departmental budgets, setting clear policies and objectives.

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy for salaried employees, allowing paid time away without accruing a bank of days.
  • Pension eligibility, offering long-term financial support post-employment.
  • Work environment options include in-office, hybrid, or remote arrangements based on location.
  • Opportunity for end-of-year bonuses in non-sales roles, rewarding individual performance.
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

We're looking for a Director for Process Improvement to join our Transformation team. In this role, you'll lead and champion process improvement initiatives to elevate organizational effectiveness and process excellence, and provide strategic direction and influence across departments, driving continuous improvement efforts from planning through execution to achieve measurable outcomes.

You'll have the opportunity to:

  • Lead and drive continuous process improvement to enhance organizational effectiveness. Partner with key stakeholders to align on business plans and strategic direction, influencing leaders to implement solutions or organizational changes that yield significant efficiency (cost savings) and effectiveness (client satisfaction) outcomes. Collaborate with Finance to quantify and reforecast these impacts.
  • Oversee and manage team operations, including headcount planning, recruitment, training, talent management, compensation administration, rewards and recognition, performance evaluations, and providing coaching and mentorship.
  • Offer expert guidance in process improvement efforts by initiating, prioritizing, and allocating resources to improvement initiatives, effectively balancing the demands of scope, time, quality, and cost.
  • Ensure that standards, processes, and methodologies for performance improvement are implemented and consistently shared across the organization. Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success and impact of process improvement initiatives.
  • Create and oversee the departmental budget, as well as establish objectives, policies, and procedures.
  • Deep knowledge of Lean principles and practices.
  • Working knowledge and practical application of Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Experience applying Toyota Kata principles to develop organizational learning and continuous improvement capability.
  • Experience utilizing Training Within Industry (TWI) methodologies to improve performance and workforce capability.
  • Strong understanding of value stream management, process performance measurement, visual management, and management systems.
  • Ability to translate strategic objectives into sustainable operational systems, routines, and behaviors.
  • Advanced facilitation skills, including leading workshops, problem-solving events, leader sessions, and stakeholder discussions.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret performance data, identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and prioritize opportunities.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries without direct reporting authority.
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive accountability in a dynamic environment. Travel
  • Ability to travel quarterly to Des Moines and occasionally to other company locations as business needs require.
  • Perform other job-related duties or special projects as required.


Who You Are

  • 8+ years of related work experience or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education
  • 2+ years people management experience of informal or formal leadership experience.
  • Must have excellent leadership qualities, organizational, problem-solving, analytical, presentation, and oral and written communication skills, as well as good interviewing, diplomacy, and negotiation skills with the ability to be a group facilitator
  • Must be able to conceptualize, analyze, and understand problems and their organizational impact, as well as demonstrate creativity
  • Must be able to build relationships and work in a matrix environment while being adaptable, flexible, a self-starter and big-picture thinker, and be fluent in identification of work processes
  • Requires demonstrated success in process improvement, process engineering, Lean Six Sigma and/or Kaizen methodologies. Lean Six Sigma certification required.
  • Must be able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, Organizational Development, or a related field. Certifications
  • Toyota Kata practitioner, coach, or related certification/training.
  • Training Within Industry (TWI) certification.
  • Additional certifications in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Change Management, or Process Improvement methodologies.


Salary Range Information

Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Salary Range

$141000 - $191000 / year

Time Off Program

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.

Pension Eligible

Yes

Additional Information

Work Environments

This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, Raleigh, NC or Charlotte, NC.). You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs, please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

About Principal Financial Group Inc

Principal Financial Group Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Principal Financial Group Inc, a global leader in investment management and retirement services. At Principal, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial security and success, making now the perfect time to explore job opportunities with us.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career at Principal Financial Group Inc and contribute to our mission of empowering financial well-being across the globe. Our company offers a wide range of positions, from finance to technology, where your skills will help shape the future of financial services.

Innovate and Lead

At Principal, innovation and leadership go hand in hand. We provide a platform where your ideas can lead to groundbreaking financial solutions, driving growth and efficiency. Join our team and be at the forefront of industry-leading projects that redefine what is possible in the financial sector.

Grow Your Career

Principal Financial Group Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow professionally and personally. We support career advancement through professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities for networking and mentorship. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all team members have the opportunity to succeed.

Experience Our Culture

Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Enjoy benefits that support both your professional and personal life, and work alongside colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in your professional journey, Principal offers a range of internship and employment opportunities. Gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and learn from leaders in the financial industry.

Join Our Team

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the job opportunities at Principal Financial Group Inc. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead with integrity. Check out our open positions, tailor your resume, and prepare for an interview that could lead to your next great adventure.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Principal Financial Group Inc by following our careers blog. Get insider perspectives, tips for a successful interview, and the latest news on the financial industry that you can apply directly to your career.

Networking and Professional Development

At Principal, your growth is our priority. Enhance your professional skills through comprehensive training programs and connect with industry leaders and peers through our robust networking events. Our commitment to your development is unwavering, as we believe it is fundamental to our collective success.

Explore Careers at Principal Financial Group Inc

Discover the exciting career paths available at Principal. From internships to leadership roles, the opportunities for professional growth are abundant. Join us and contribute to a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving exceptional results.

Apply Today

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry? Search for open positions that match your skills and interests at Principal Financial Group Inc. We look for passionate, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Start your journey with us today and be part of a team that’s redefining the future of finance.

Principal Financial Group Inc—where careers grow, innovation thrives, and leaders are made.

Learn more about Principal Financial Group Inc
Size
18,600 employees
Market Cap
$20.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
5 Year Trend
+2.7%
Revenue
$14.7 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Principal Financial Group Inc

More Business Services Jobs

Find similar Director - Process Improvement jobs: