The Lead Payroll Integration Manager will serve as the primary owner and subject matter expert for payroll setup and integration within the Nonqualified (NQ) Retirement Solutions business. This role is responsible for leading client and payroll provider conversations, supporting accurate and secure data integration, and helping establish scalable processes that improve the client, participant, and operational experience.

This individual will coordinate closely with clients, payroll vendors, consultants, technology partners, onboarding, administration, and the WSRS (401k) Payroll Integration Team to support new implementations, conversions, and migration efforts. The role requires strong ownership, consultative communication, technical curiosity, and the ability to drive progress in an evolving area of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead point of contact for NQ payroll setup and integration efforts, including client, payroll provider, consultant, and internal partner coordination.
• Lead end-to-end payroll implementation activities, including file specifications, configuration, testing, validation, issue resolution, and production readiness.
• Provide subject matter expertise on NQ payroll setup and integration processes, payroll file requirements, provider capabilities, migration strategies, and downstream administrative impacts.
• Partner across onboarding, administration, consulting, technology, operations, and WSRS Payroll Integration teams to align standards, share best practices, and deliver scalable solutions.
• Lead and support FTP-to-IPP migration efforts, transitioning clients from legacy file solutions to more automated integration methods that improve efficiency, scalability, and risk controls.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual work, improve quality, strengthen controls, and enhance the overall client and participant experience.
• Develop and maintain procedures, training resources, and quality standards related to payroll setup and integration processes.
• Demonstrate initiative and ownership by leveraging available resources, building expertise, solving problems independently, and establishing credibility with limited day-to-day direction.

We are looking for someone with:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, plus 4+ years of related experience.
• Working knowledge of business processes, financial services products, and supporting systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and drive results in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to understand cross-functional impacts and downstream process implications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively while proactively seeking information, resources, and partnerships.

Preferred Qualifications — Skills that will help you stand out

• Working knowledge of non-qualified deferred compensation plans, including plan design complexities, Section 409A requirements, payroll deduction structures, and related administrative impacts.
• Experience implementing or supporting payroll, HRIS, benefits, or retirement plan integrations.
• Experience with payroll setup, payroll deduction codes, payroll administration, or vendor payroll file requirements.
• Experience managing client implementations, onboarding projects, conversions, or complex operational initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of file transmission methods, data mapping, validation, testing, and integration controls.
• Experience supporting process improvement, operational excellence, automation, or scalable workflow design.

Work Environment

This role offers in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), in Des Moines, IA, Charlotte, NC or Raleigh, 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 candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role. (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.) 

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Global Investors 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.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.