What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, RIS Operations position at Principal Financial Group?
What You'll Do:
We’re looking for a Director of RIS Operations to join our Retirement and Income Solutions team. In this role, you’ll lead the Principal Custody Solutions Financial Reporting teams and oversee client reporting statement functions to ensure accurate, timely service delivery. Drives process improvements, monitors performance, and supports initiatives that enhance outcomes for the business and its stakeholders. Aligns work with broader organizational goals while maintaining oversight of resources, risk, and compliance. Champions operational and reporting excellence and continuous improvement across their area of responsibility.
- Manage day-to-day operations within their team or functional area, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality service delivery. Lead process improvements, standardization, and adoption of best practices within the area. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to implement initiatives and leverage tools or technology to improve workflows and efficiency.Track team performance metrics and identify opportunities to enhance quality and efficiency.
- Partner across functions to support initiatives and drive results that align with business priorities. Work with senior leaders and managers to advance operational objectives, resource planning, and key projects. Collaborate with Business Risk & Controls teams to embed governance and compliance within processes and initiatives. Provide data, insights, and recommendations to improve team performance, efficiency, and service delivery. Identify opportunities to enhance operational outcomes within their area of responsibility.
- Lead managers and senior staff, developing leadership skills and building team capability. Set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and support the development of leadership capabilities within the team. Identify broader training and development needs to strengthen team skills and support career progression. Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the area of responsibility. Monitor key performance metrics and work with leaders to translate insights into strategic improvements.
- Manage the budget for team or functional areas, including planning, forecasting, and day-to-day resource allocation. Monitor financial performance within their scope and identify opportunities to optimize costs and improve efficiency. Ensure spending aligns with operational priorities and supports the goals of their team or area.
- Manage risk management activities within their team or functional area, identifying and addressing operational risks. Monitor trends, flag emerging issues, and help implement mitigation strategies to prevent recurring problems. Ensure compliance with internal policies and operational standards within their area of responsibility. Collaborate with risk and control partners to maintain effective internal controls and support governance processes.
- Perform other job-related duties and special projects as required.
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:
- 10 years of experience in operations, service delivery, or a related functional area, gained through work, training, military service, or education. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 5 years of experience leading teams, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and developing staff.
- Proven ability to lead, inspire, and influence multiple teams or business units to achieve operational objectives and drive enterprise priorities.
- Deep expertise in retirement operations, client servicing, regulatory frameworks, and plan rules/regulations, with a demonstrated record of ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and consistency across the organization.
- Extensive experience managing and coordinating complex operational initiatives, tracking performance across multiple teams or business units, and driving results to meet or exceed organizational service delivery expectations.
- Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret performance metrics, identify trends or systemic issues, and implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness at an enterprise level.
- Ability and willingness to travel 15% of the time.
- Preferred skills include background in Trust and Custody, securities processing, SEI T3000, InvestOne, experience participating in client presentation, and performance management knowledge.
Work Environments
This role offers an in-office and hybrid (blending at least three days in a typical workweek) work arrangement in Minneapolis, MN.
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. Date First Posted (TTF): 3/30/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 3/30/2026Salary : $141,000 - $191,000