Sr Associate, Client Service Onboarding Manager

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of defined contribution plans, including plan design, products, services, administrative systems, investments, laws and regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Pension Eligible

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed