Leadership Development Program Associate

Principal International; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Asset Management's Leadership Development Program is a full-time opportunity for high-potential individuals who aspire to become future leaders. As an LDP Associate, you’ll rotate through four to six six-month assignments, receive coaching, practice leadership skills, and collaborate with peers to propel your career at a Fortune 500 company.

Based in Des Moines, IA, the program blends leadership development with real business experience, cross‑functional exposure, and a path to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required by start date.
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA as of graduation date OR anticipate having a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA upon graduation
• Strong desire to become a future formal leader
• Demonstration of effective communication, reliability, and a self‑starter mindset
• Exceptional business acumen and leadership skills demonstrated through leadership positions, internships, or other work experience
• Aptitude for strategic and critical thinking, willingness to be challenged, and open to new opportunities
• Initiative to lead with or without a formal title
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through others
• Commitment to relocating to Des Moines, IA for the duration of the program
• Willingness to travel as some travel may be required, including overnight stays (5%)

Responsibilities

• Participate in four to six rotations (about six months each) across the enterprise.
• Develop leadership skills through increasing responsibilities and mentorship.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and leaders to drive impactful projects.

Skills

Leadership mindset

Effective communication

Strategic thinking

Willing to relocate

Travel readiness

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

What You'll Do

Leadership Development Program at Principal®

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a full‑time opportunity designed for high‑potential individuals who aspire to become future leaders. As an LDP Associate, you’ll work on business objectives, receive individual coaching, actively practice leadership skills, and collaborate with program peers as you propel your career at a Fortune 500 company.

LDP Associates navigate through four to six self‑selected rotations for approximately six months in length. Each rotation offers a unique growth experience with the purpose of building a cross‑functional understanding of the enterprise, gaining exposure to diverse leadership styles, and contributing to highly impactful projects.

In addition to rotation experiences, associates build leadership skills through increasing responsibilities within the program:

• As a Level I Associate, you will be focused on learning the foundational aspects of Principal, refining core professional competencies, and identifying opportunities to build targeted skillsets.
• As a Level II Associate, you will be responsible for executing the strategy for one of the program’s high‑level initiatives. In this role, you will be responsible for driving results through team performance, collaborating effectively with various stakeholders, and reporting back to the program.
• As a Level III Associate, you will be responsible for formally leading a Level I LDP Associate. Through this experience, you’ll support the growth and development of your direct report(s) and be challenged to drive optimal results through individuals.

Learn more about The Leadership Development Program by watching this quick video.

What’s in it for you?

Here’s what you will gain as an LDP Associate:

• An opportunity to define and develop your leadership style through formal and informal leadership experiences.
• Unique responsibilities through diverse rotations that develop leadership capabilities and transferable skills.
• Exposure to the organization that strengthens business and financial acumen while broadening enterprise perspective.
• Professional development planning through individualized mentorship and coaching.
• Exposure to senior leadership and a network of leaders invested in your growth and development.
• Peer support and shared learning through the LDP cohort and alumni network.
• Support in attaining placement within Principal upon successful completion of the program.

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

An ideal candidate for the Leadership Development Program:

We’re seeking forward‑thinking and adaptable candidates who aspire to be a future leader.

Qualifications for the LDP include:

• Bachelor’s degree required by your start date
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA as of your graduation date OR anticipate having a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA upon graduation
• Strong desire to become a future formal leader
• Demonstration of effective communication, reliability, and a self‑starter mindset
• Exceptional business acumen and leadership skills demonstrated through leadership positions, internships, or other work experience
• Aptitude for strategic and critical thinking, willingness to be challenged, and open to new opportunities
• Initiative to lead with or without a formal title
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through others
• Commitment to relocating to Des Moines, IA for the duration of the program
• Willingness to travel as some travel may be required, including overnight stays (5%)

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)

$58,900 - $79,800 / 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 hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in our corporate office in Des Moines, Iowa.

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.