Director - Client Implementation

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What You'll Do

We're looking for a Client Implementation Leader to join our team! In this role, you'll lead and coordinate all aspects of client transitions and product implementations, serving as a strategic liaison between internal and external stakeholders, and our client-facing teams. Your responsibilities include identifying and resolving complex implementation challenges, through project leadership, developing and implementing new processes, conducting process reviews, and driving system enhancements. You'll provide guidance and set expectations for team members while maintaining a strategic view of the broader organization to ensure all solutions align with company objectives.

• Collaborate with our Global Sales and Client teams and engage directly with Clients to provide a best-in-class client experience throughout the onboarding process.
• Lead and develop a team supporting global client and product implementation. Build a culture of ownership and excellence through clear metrics, accountability, and strong project management capabilities across the team.
• Drive end-to-end client implementation including new account onboarding, in-kind transfers, complex mandate changes, and account closures. Ensure a best-in-class client experience throughout the entire lifecycle.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product, Sales, Client teams, Legal, Compliance, Investment Team, and Operations to coordinate project workstreams and ensure successful delivery of client transitions and product launches.
• Support new product launches in partnership with the Fund Platform team. Ensure operational requirements are understood and setup is facilitated with internal/external partners.
• Manage complex, concurrent projects using detailed planning, status tracking, monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder communication. Develop strategies for managing timelines across multiple deliverables and internal stakeholders.
• Enhance operational efficiency by simplifying client and product implementation through improved process design, technology integration, and driving thoughtful improvements across the organization.
• Maintain strong risk and control environment by working closely with Risk, Audit, and Operational Excellence teams. Build and maintain department procedures and documentation.
• Partner with Principal Client Experience Leadership team to enhance client experience and develop best practice for servicing our global client base.
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices to continuously advance Principal's client experience and operational excellence initiatives.

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

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in accounting, finance, economics or business required
• 10+ years' related work experience required, preferably in investment/mutual fund operations or related field.
• Investment operations onboarding experience is preferred
• Consultative communication skills and ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to translate and execute business strategies
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, problem solving, interpersonal, time management, and decision making
• Strong client service orientation
• Ability to take initiative, be a self-starter and work independently

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)

$141000 - $191000 / 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

No

Work Environments

This role offers an in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangement in Des Moines, IA, New York, NY, Denver, CO or Charlotte, NC.

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.

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

1/30/2026

Most Recently Posted Date

1/30/2026

If you have questions about this posting, please contact [email protected]