Global Asset Management Compensation Leader

Principal International; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 179,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

Head of Global Asset Management Compensation at Principal Asset Management leads strategy, design, governance and delivery of global compensation programs for investment, international pension, and sales channels. You will shape base pay, incentives, equity, and deferred compensation while advising executives on market trends and risk.

The role requires building a high‑performing team, partnering with Finance, Risk, Legal, and Compliance to ensure programs are compliant, financially sound, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible compensation/Total Rewards experience in asset management.
• CCP designation preferred.
• Expertise in investment and/or distribution compensation, incentive design, equity programs, market pricing, job evaluation, and governance.
• Experience advising executive leadership and presenting complex analysis to senior management.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including investment and distribution economics.
• Proven leadership, consulting, analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Ability to operate across functions/geographies and partner with legal/compliance on wage and hour/incentive requirements.
• Travel (~5%) may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of compensation programs for investment, international pension, and distribution roles, including base pay, incentives, stock, and carried interest.
• Set and maintain an integrated Asset Management compensation strategy; advise executives and HR on market dynamics and talent risks.
• Establish governance, documentation standards, and controls across the compensation portfolio with cross‑functional partners.
• Provide leadership for annual compensation reviews, budgeting, and communications with disciplined project management.
• Build and develop a high‑performing team; set priorities, coach staff, and develop scalable tools and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain relationships with consultants and market data providers; represent HR on relevant committees and forums.

Skills

Investment compensation

Distribution compensation

Incentive design

Equity programs

Market pricing

Job evaluation

Governance

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

CCP designation

Job description

Head of Global Asset Management Compensation at Principal Asset Management leads strategy, design, governance and delivery of global compensation programs for investment, international pension, and sales channels. You will shape base pay, incentives, equity, and deferred compensation while advising executives on market trends and risk.

The role requires building a high‑performing team, partnering with Finance, Risk, Legal, and Compliance to ensure programs are compliant, financially sound, and