Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager

Principal International; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Asset Management is seeking a Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager to lead an onboarding team for retirement plans in a client-facing capacity. You will coordinate all plan-level activities, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure a best-in-class onboarding experience while building strong client relationships.

You will collaborate with internal teams, monitor timelines, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive process improvements.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of onboarding retirement plans (e.g. 401(k), 403(b) or similar).
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent relationship building and communication across verbal, written, video and presentation formats.
• Knowledge of defined contribution plans, including design, products, services, and regulations preferred.
• Proficient analytical and problem solving skills with initiative.
• Ability to manage multiple transitions with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and recordkeeping/workflow systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding for an assigned portfolio, serving as primary contact and guiding plan sponsors, advisors, TPAs, participants, and partners.
• Coordinate onboarding activities including contributions, elections, rollovers, distributions, and beneficiary updates.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS rules, and internal procedures; perform accurate recordkeeping and reporting.
• Communicate status updates, schedule calls, and manage project timelines with stakeholders.
• Identify inefficiencies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve onboarding processes.

Skills

Onboarding

Client service

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Recordkeeping systems

Job description

What You’ll Do

The Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager will lead an assigned group of clients at a plan level, through the retirement plan onboarding process by coordinating all aspects of the projects plan, providing updates to stakeholders while maintaining overall responsibility for a best-in-class onboarding experience. Build trust and satisfaction from day one by delivering reliable support and fostering strong client relationships.

• Client facing Support & Communication: Manage onboarding for an assigned portfolio or block of business, serving as the primary point of contact throughout the process. Guide and consult plan sponsors, adviors, TPA's, participants, internal teams and/or distribution partners through onboarding and client strategy by providing expert support, timely communication, and clear direction. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders by providing timely status reports through scheduled update calls and timeline/project plan updates. Ensure onboarding activities are completed accurately and in alignment with company policies and service standards. Demonstrate flexibility to meet client needs. Collaborate with senior COMs and internal partners to resolve issues, set expectations, and deliver a smooth onboarding experience.
• Transactional & Technical Processing: Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely execution in alignment with internal procedures and regulatory requirements. Maintain and reconcile client and participant records and resolve discrepancies with minimal oversight. Lead internal contract and plan/policy-level coding to support onboarding setup and serve as a resource for troubleshooting and process improvement. Oversee onboarding activities, including contributions, distributions, rollovers, loans, investment elections, beneficiary updates.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Accurately process onboarding transactions in alignment with regulatory and procedural guidelines (e.g., ERISA, IRS rules, state insurance regulations). Identify potential risks proactively and recommend solutions. Support internal audits by maintaining thorough records and documentation.
• Operational Excellence & Collaboration: Independently manage onboarding processes with attention to detail and timeliness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve routine issues and ensure smooth handoffs. Identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements within own workflow.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as required.

Who You Are

• 2+ years of experience in onboarding retirement plans (i.e. 401(k), 403(b), client service, financial services, or plan/policy operations or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent relationship building and communication skills, including verbal, written, video and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of defined contribution plans, including plan design, products, services, administrative systems, investments, laws and regulations is preferred.
• Proficient analytical, innovative, and creative thinking, along with problem solving skills.
• Proven ability to take initiative and have organizational skills to work efficiently to meet deadlines on multiple transitions.
• Highly focused on accuracy, details, and confidentiality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with recordkeeping or workflow systems.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Overnight travel may be required on a limited basis.

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)

$55800 - $126000 / year

Salary Details

The following levels and locations are examples of market-specific salary ranges across different job levels and geographies. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience.

• Wichita, KS:
  • Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager: $55,800 - $75,600 / year
  • Client Service Onboarding Manager: $69,300 - $94,500 / year
• Des Moines, IA:
  • Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager: $58,900 - $79,800 / year
  • Client Service Onboarding Manager: $73,150 - $99,750 / year
• Charlotte, NC:
  • Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager: $62,000 - $84,000 / year
  • Client Service Onboarding Manager: $77,000 - $105,000 / year
• Chicago/Minneapolis:
  • Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager: $68,200 - $92,400 / year
  • Client Service Onboarding Manager: $84,700 - $115,500 / year
• Los Angeles/New York City:
  • Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager: $74,400 - $100,800 / year
  • Client Service Onboarding Manager: $92,400 - $126,000 / 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 Environment

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, Charlotte, NC, and Raleigh, NC). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

Job Level

We’re open to hiring in at the next level with the right skills and experience.

Client Service Onboarding Manager:

• 4+ years of experience in client service, financial services, or plan/policy operations or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education.
• Strong understanding of plan/policy administration and financial concepts, with the ability to apply procedures accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to lead client onboarding engagements, serve as the primary point of contact, and build trust through clear communication and timely issue resolution.
• Experience with retirement products and services such as 401(k), 403(b), defined benefit arrangements, pension risk transfer group annuity contracts, or other defined contribution offerings.

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.

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.

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

10/19/2026

Most Recently Posted Date

10/29/2026

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