Principal Financial Group Inc

Program Manager, Customer Experience Technology

Principal Financial Group Inc • $150K — $185K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of program management experience in project delivery or related roles
  • Successful in cross-functional technology and business initiatives
  • Strong program management skills with a focus on strategic execution
  • Ability to influence and drive outcomes without formal authority
  • Experience in leading organizational change initiatives
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
  • Skilled in managing ambiguity and competing priorities across large organizations

Responsibilities

  • Lead high-impact customer experience initiatives that align with enterprise strategy
  • Facilitate alignment across business units regarding project priorities and risks
  • Collaborate with product and engineering leaders to ensure transparency and alignment in decision-making
  • Drive engagement and effective communication with stakeholders and executives
  • Define success metrics related to customer outcomes and strategic objectives
  • Lead change efforts around new technologies and enterprise transformation
  • Support initiatives focused on digital experience and AI-driven customer engagement

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) program for salaried employees
  • Pension eligible options available
  • Opportunities for professional growth and skill development through comprehensive benefits
  • Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and in-office collaboration
  • Culture of support for employee well-being and diversity in experiences and backgrounds
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

We’re looking for a Program Manager II to join our Customer Experience Technology (CXT) team. In this role, you’ll help shape how individual customers experience Principal across digital channels while driving alignment and execution across some of our most visible enterprise initiatives.

 

As a Program Manager, you'll operate at the intersection of technology, business, and customer experience, helping teams translate strategy into action while ensuring priorities, dependencies, and decisions remain aligned across the enterprise. You'll partner closely with leaders, product management, engineering, marketing, UX/CX, and other key partners.

You'll have the opportunity to:
  • Lead complex, high-visibility individual customer experience initiatives that span multiple business, product, and technology teams, ensuring alignment to enterprise strategy, customer outcomes, and business priorities
  • Facilitate strategic alignment across business units by connecting priorities, dependencies, risks, and decisions that impact the individual customer experience and enterprise customer experience strategy
  • Partner with product, engineering, delivery, and business leaders to drive collaboration, influence decision-making, and create transparency around tradeoffs, resource constraints, and competing priorities
  • Drive stakeholder engagement and executive communication, ensuring strategic direction, priorities, and decisions are effectively communicated and understood across the organization
  • Define and monitor success measures tied to customer outcomes, adoption, business value, efficiency, and strategic objectives while helping teams accelerate value delivery, reduce organizational friction, and improve realization of customer and business outcomes
  • Lead change efforts associated with new technologies, evolving operating models, AI-enabled capabilities, and enterprise transformation initiatives, building stakeholder alignment and driving successful adoption across teams
  • Support strategic Customer Experience Technology initiatives focused on digital experiences, mobile capabilities, AI-enabled customer engagement, and enterprise modernization efforts, balancing strategic thinking with practical execution to move initiatives forward
Who You Are
  • 10+ years project, program, initiative management experience or equivalent demonstrated through one or combination of the following: work experience, military experience, or education
  • Demonstrated success delivering cross-functional initiatives involving technology, product, and business partners
  • Strong program management experience with the ability to balance strategic planning and execution
  • Ability to influence, collaborate, and drive outcomes without formal authority
  • Experience leading organizational change and driving adoption of new capabilities, processes, or operating models
  • Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, facilitation, and decision-making skills
  • Ability to manage ambiguity, navigate competing priorities, and build alignment across large organizations
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
  • Experience leading customer-facing or digital customer experience initiatives
  • Experience partnering across customer experience (CX), user experience (UX), product, and technology organizations
  • Strong AI understanding and adoption
  • Strong technical acumen and the ability to effectively collaborate with engineering leaders and technology teams
  • Agile, Scrum, or similar program management certifications
  • Financial services or other regulated industry experience
Salary Range InformationSalary 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$150000 - $185000 / year Time Off ProgramFlexible 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 EligibleYes Additional Information Work Environments

This role offers an in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangement in Des Moines, IA.

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.

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.

Posting WindowWe will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline. Date First Posted (TTF)9/30/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US9/30/2026

LinkedIn Hashtag

#LI-EW1

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

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