Associate, Client Service Manager - Defined Benefits

Principal Financial Group; Des Moines, Charlotte (IA, NC); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

PTO and holidays

Employee pension plan

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Principal Financial Group seeks an Associate, Client Service Manager to join the DB Client Services team in Des Moines, IA. You will support client inquiries via phone, email, or portal, ensuring accurate processing and timely responses while maintaining service standards.

Responsibilities include handling retirement plan transactions, ensuring ERISA/IRS compliance, maintaining client records, and collaborating with operations and advisor teams to improve processes. Some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of client service or retirement plan operations experience.
• Knowledge of retirement plan administration and financial concepts.
• Experience with Defined Benefit or 401(k) products preferred.
• Attention to detail and ability to resolve data discrepancies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data/reporting processes.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries via phone, email, or portal.
• Process a wide range of retirement plan transactions with accuracy.
• Adhere to ERISA, IRS rules and maintain confidentiality.
• Collaborate with operations, compliance, and advisor teams to improve processes.
• Support audits and document interactions and transactions.
• Perform other duties and special projects.

Skills

Client service

Financial services

Retirement plan operations

Microsoft Office

Tools

Recordkeeping systems

Workflow systems

CRM systems

Job description

What You'll Do

We are looking for an Associate, Client Service Manager to join our DB Client Services team! Supports an assigned group of clients by handling questions, requests, and issues quickly and accurately. This role provides hands‑on support, ensures service standards are met, and helps maintain strong client relationships every day.

• Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries via phone, email, or portal. Serve as a primary contact for plan sponsors, participants, and internal teams, providing guidance on retirement plan services. Assist clients in navigating account information, retirement plan options, and general administrative processes.
• Process a wide range of retirement plan transactions. Ensure accuracy and compliance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements. Maintain and reconcile client and participant records, resolving discrepancies as they arise.
• Adhere to regulatory, legal, and company policies, including ERISA and IRS rules. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive client information and escalate unusual or complex issues. Generate reports, document interactions and transactions, and support audits or internal reviews.
• Collaborate with operations, compliance, and advisor teams to ensure smooth workflow and issue resolution. Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and client experience.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as required.

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

• At least 1 year of experience in client service, financial services, or retirement plan operations or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education.
• Working knowledge of retirement plan administration and financial concepts, with the ability to apply procedures accurately and efficiently.
• Exposure to retirement products and services such as Defined Benefit, 401(k), 403(b), pension risk transfer group annuity contracts, or other defined contribution offerings preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve data discrepancies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with recordkeeping or workflow systems.
• Good communication skills and ability to interact professionally with clients and team members.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast‑paced environment.
• Some travel may be required (10%).

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Hands‑on Defined Benefit (DB) pension administration experience, including benefit calculations, plan operations, and participant servicing.

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)

$22.93 - $37.96 / hour

Salary Details

The following locations are examples of market‑specific salary ranges across different geographies.

• Wichita, KS: $22.93 - $28.72 / hr
• Des Moines, IA: $24.21 - $30.43 / hr
• Charlotte, NC: $25.48 - $31.13 / hr
• Chicago/Minneapolis: $28.03 - $33.55 / hr
• Los Angeles/New York City: $30.58 - $37.96 / hr

Time Off Program

Personal Time Off (PTO) is provided to hourly (non‑exempt) employees and provides a set amount of accrued time earned each pay period. Employees can use their PTO for vacation, personal or short‑term illness.

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 Raleigh, NC 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 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.

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.

Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. These AI tools support our human recruiters in the initial review process but do not make final hiring decisions without human involvement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Please review our Workforce (U.S.) Privacy Notice for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.