Associate, Client Service Manager - Defined Benefits

Summary

Principal Financial Group is a purpose-led financial services and technology company focused on making financial security accessible. The Associate, Client Service Manager will support defined benefit clients by responding to inquiries, processing retirement plan transactions, maintaining accurate records, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with internal teams to resolve issues and improve service.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

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

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 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
• 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%)
• 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)
• 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

Nice to Haves

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

Benefits

• Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus 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
• 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.