Sr Operations Analyst

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

3d

About The Position

As a Sr Operations Analyst, you will independently execute complex administrative functions, prepare reports, manage projects, and perform analysis while ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational procedures. You will lead Principal Exclusive Separate Account (PESA) initiatives from an operational perspective, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate requirements, identify operational implications, resolve complex issues, and carry initiatives through implementation and ongoing support. You will also provide training, written communications, and general support to sales and service representatives, retirement plan clients, participants, and others as needed.

The role maintains investment-data integrity across mainframes, databases, and materials; leads impact analysis; and manages relationships with outside alliances that provide investment-data products and services. It leads and coordinates complex investment and operational initiatives with limited guidance, including projects involving regulatory changes, mergers, fund closures, name or policy changes, redemption fees, and transfer restrictions. For PESA initiatives, the analyst evaluates requirements, identifies operational impacts and dependencies, coordinates company personnel and outside partners, and drives issues and decisions toward resolution.

The analyst researches and supports new Mutual Fund Network funds and other non-proprietary investment options, including CITs, evaluating trading and settlement requirements, documentation, and revenue considerations, and establishing relationships with new fund companies. The role also provides training on investment platforms, projects, and other investment-related topics, and leads or contributes to special projects as needed. Some travel may be required.

Principal describes itself as a purpose-led financial services firm focused on making financial security accessible to all. The position offers in-office, hybrid, or remote arrangements; remote work is available only to those residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, or Charlotte, North Carolina.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of financial services, investment products and services, and information technology.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Detail orientation and solid problem-solving, planning, time-management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships, be flexible when dealing with people, and communicate effectively with internal and external contacts at all levels.
• Ability to independently lead complex investment initiatives, quickly learn and navigate sophisticated investment arrangements, interpret business and contractual requirements, and collaborate across departments and with external partners to develop operationally sound solutions.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Some travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in finance or business preferred.
• 5+ years of work experience in investment or mutual fund operations, or a related field, preferred.
• FINRA Series 6 or 7 preferred.
• MBA, CFA, or CIMA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity of investment data in mainframes, databases, and materials; lead impact analysis.
• Manage relationships with outside alliances providing products and services that support investment data.
• Lead and coordinate PESA and other complex investment and operational initiatives with limited guidance, managing competing priorities and cross-functional workgroups and retaining ownership of deliverables through completion.
• Evaluate new and evolving PESA requirements, identify operational impacts and dependencies, coordinate company personnel and outside partners, and drive issues and decisions toward resolution.
• Manage projects related to events affecting investment platform options, including regulatory changes, mergers, closures, name changes, policy changes, redemption fees, and transfer restrictions.
• Research and support new Mutual Fund Network funds and other non-proprietary investment options, including CITs.
• Evaluate trading and settlement requirements, required documentation, and revenue considerations for investment options; establish relationships with new fund companies.
• Provide training on investment platforms, projects, and other investment-related topics.
• Provide written communication and general support to sales and service representatives, retirement plan clients, participants, and others as needed.
• Lead or contribute to special projects as needed.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) for salaried (exempt) employees, with paid time away for vacation, personal needs, or short-term illness and no fixed number of days.
• Bonus program opportunity for non-sales positions.
• Pension eligible.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefit packages designed to support employees' physical, financial, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

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