Assistant Director - payroll Operations Leader - Retirement Services - Remote Eligible

Payroll Operations Leader

We're looking for a strategic, people-focused Payroll Operations Leader to oversee the day-to-day delivery of payroll services within our Retirement business. This leader will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for retirement plan contributions, set ups and integrations. You'll guide a high-performing team, drive operational excellence, and partner across the organization to strengthen processes that directly impact plan sponsors, participants, and internal stakeholders. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving operational challenges, and are passionate about elevating the payroll experience within the retirement industry, this is a role where you can make a meaningful impact.

You'll be responsible for:

• 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
• Collaborating with cross-functional partners—including Client Services, Compliance, Technology, and Finance—to resolve issues and enhance service delivery
• Monitoring performance metrics, analyzing trends, and implementing solutions that improve quality and operational outcomes
• Leading and supporting operational initiatives, system enhancements, and process improvement projects within the payroll function
• Providing data-driven insights and recommendations to improve service delivery and operational performance
• Leading, mentoring, and developing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensuring adherence to internal controls, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Contributing to special projects and performing additional duties as needed to support the broader Retirement Services organization

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!

Who You Are:

• 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

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out:

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

You'll be part of a team that plays a critical role in ensuring participants' retirement contributions and payments are processed accurately and on time—work that directly impacts financial futures. You'll have the opportunity to shape processes, develop talent, and contribute to a culture of excellence within a growing and evolving organization.

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 (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly) $127000 - $171000 / 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

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, 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 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.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window:

We 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.

Original Posting Date 1/9/2026 Most Recently Posted Date 1/9/2026 LinkedIn Remote Hashtag #LI-Remote