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Principal Financial Group · 20 hours ago

Assistant Director-Payroll Operations Leader- Retirement Services

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$127K/yr - $171K/yr

8+ years exp

Principal Financial Group is looking for a strategic Payroll Operations Leader to oversee payroll services within their Retirement business. This role involves leading a team, ensuring accurate payroll processing, and enhancing service delivery through collaboration with various departments.

Financial ServicesInsurance

No H1B

Responsibilities

Leading and developing a team of 5+ direct reports and overseeing a span of ≈60 employees, including dotted-line accountability to ≈90 global employees

Delivering operational results for daily payroll operations supporting retirement plan processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to internal and regulatory standards

Collaborate with cross-functional partners—including Client Services, Compliance, Technology, and Finance—to resolve issues and enhance service delivery

Monitor performance metrics, analyze trends, and implement solutions that improve quality and operational outcomes

Lead and support operational initiatives, system enhancements, and process improvement projects within the payroll function

Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to improve service delivery and operational performance

Lead, mentor, and develop teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Ensure adherence to internal controls, regulatory requirements, and industry standards

Contribute to special projects and perform additional duties as needed to support the broader Retirement Services organization

Qualification

Payroll Operations LeadershipRetirement Plan ProcessingOperational ExcellenceData AnalysisStakeholder ManagementTeam DevelopmentProblem-SolvingStrategic ThinkingCommunication Skills

Required

8+ years of experience in operations, service delivery, payroll administration, payroll integrations or a related functional area—experience in retirement plan payroll processing required

Proven leader in managing operations teams with demonstrated success in driving performance and developing talent

Strong understanding of retirement plan operations, payroll cycles, contribution and distribution processing, payroll integrations, regulatory frameworks, and plan rules

Proven ability to lead teams through change, influence stakeholders, and drive operational excellence

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and implement scalable solutions

High integrity, strong customer focus, and commitment to ethical operations

Preferred

Strong background in retirement plan platforms, payroll integrations/vendors, and financial reconciliation

You anticipate service needs, translate feedback into action, and empower front-line teams with the tools and training they need to exceed expectations

Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop roadmaps, analyze workflows, and implement initiatives that scale efficiently across the organization

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

People Development: Experience coaching leaders, managing performance, and cultivating a positive team culture focused on growth and engagement

Benefits

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.

Pension Eligible

Company

Principal Financial Group

Glassdoor3.9

Principal Financial Group® is dedicated to improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses around the world—helping more than 62M customers plan, protect, invest, and retire as of December 31, 2023.

Founded in 1879

Des Moines, Iowa, USA

10001+ employees