Principal Financial Group Inc

Project Manager IV (Retirement and Income Solutions)

Principal Financial Group Inc • $104K — $187K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Des Moines, IA
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of project or program management experience, including military or training backgrounds.
  • Strong understanding and application of project methodologies, including quality and risk control.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels without formal authority.
  • Proven relationship-building and collaboration skills.
  • Results-oriented with adaptability to ambiguous situations.
  • Sound knowledge of IT applications for process improvement.

Responsibilities

  • Lead multiple complex initiatives to successful completion using appropriate project management methodologies.
  • Identify and manage risks, issues, and dependencies while facilitating timely decision-making.
  • Communicate transparently with stakeholders regarding risks, progress, and results.
  • Manage vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of services and products.
  • Apply problem-solving techniques to define issues and propose solutions with cost/benefit analysis.
  • Mentor and coach less experienced project managers, sharing best practices and facilitating improvements.
  • Implement strategies to manage organizational change and its impact on culture.

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) for vacation and personal needs without a set number of days.
  • Pension eligibility for long-term financial security.
  • Hybrid work arrangements available, including remote options for eligible candidates.
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

We’re looking for a Project Manager to join our Retirement and Income Solutions (RIS) team. In this role, you'll organize and lead medium-to-large initiatives in alignment with strategic initiatives. You'll manage multiple concurrent initiatives, collaborate with internal partners and external stakeholders, provide mentorship to team members, and act as a consultant for priority initiatives

.

  • Lead multiple complex, high-risk, high visibility, strategically alignedinitiatives to successful completion simultaneously. Apply the appropriate project management methodology.
  • Identify and manage risks, issues, decisions and dependencies. Leverage the team toresearch, negotiate, and facilitate the making of cost-effective and timely decisions for meeting objectives. Engage and partner with leaders. Balance competing demands and proactively escalate critical unresolved risks to the appropriate level of leadership to enable timely decision making an issue resolution.
  • Demonstrate effective stakeholder management. Provide timely and transparent communication for intended audiences including timely risk awareness, progress updates, and results to the stakeholders and business unit(s).
  • Lead activities with outside vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery and expected results of systems and services. Proactively manage the vendor relationship. Participate in negotiations, procurement, and contract administration activities.
  • Apply problem-solving techniques to present clear problemdefinition and provide potential solutions and workarounds with impacts, including cost/benefit analysis. Partner with leaders to drive decisions on direction.
  • Contribute to the organization learning by leading, mentoring, and coaching less experienced project managers, developing and sharing best practices, and taking action to facilitate improvements. Conduct reviews to regularly compare results against objectives. Build and sustain relationships through motivation, team building, influence, and empowerment. Implement strategies to handle organizational change and effectively lead the impact on the culture and individuals involved. May formally lead project managers or project analysts.

As Principal continues to modernize its systems, this role will offer you an exciting opportunity to build solutions that will directly impact our long-term strategy and tech stack, all while ensuring that our products are robust, scalable, and secure!

Who You Are

We are looking for someone with:

  • 6+ years project, program, initiative management experience or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education.
  • Demonstrable skills, understanding, and applicationof project methodologies are essential, including quality and risk control, communication, and HR management and integration.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, planning, decision making, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to work with people at all levels, including external consultants and vendors, and able to influence others without formal authority.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships andfacilitate collaboration and communication.
  • Must be results oriented and able to adapt and deal with ambiguous situations and manage expectations.
  • Ability to execute effectively in matrix management environment.
  • Sound knowledge of information technology and applications to discover opportunities for process improvement.
  • Advanced knowledge of PC and project planning oriented software.
  • Broad understanding of products and services affecting the project(s)
  • Possess a solid understanding of negotiation and procurement processes for purchase of professional services and/or products.
  • May be on-call for job responsibilities.
  • Minimal travel may be required, including overnight stays.
  • May be required to become an associated person of Principal Securities, Inc., which requires fingerprinting and a full background check.

Nice to have skill:

  • Ability to responsibly leverage AI tools to optimize project planning, analysis, and delivery, while validating outputs for accuracy, protecting confidential data, and complying with all security regulations.
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$104400 - $187200 / year Salary Details 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, 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 (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 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

While our expertise spans the globe, we're bound by one common purpose: to foster a world where financial security is accessible to all. And our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees – individually and all of us together. Explore our core values, benefits and why we’re an exceptional place to grow your career.

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 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)10/2/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US10/2/2026

LinkedIn Remote Hashtag

#LI-Remote

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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