TA Operations and Compliance Lead

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re seeking a Talent Acquisition (TA) Operations & Compliance Lead to join our Talent Acquisition team. In this role you'll lead, coordinate, carry out and provide compliance expertise on recruiting related projects and processes, and lead and direct our Talent Acquisition Specialist Team.
Lead key TA compliance initiatives tied to new regulations, operational improvements, and technology rollouts. You’ll figure out what changes are needed, assess risks, translate requirements into effective approaches, and make sure teams are prepared through clear communications and training.
Manage compliance across the recruiting process, including areas like background checks and I-9s. You’ll partner with Talent Acquisition leaders and team members to ensure we’re hiring the right way, spot and investigate potential issues, and keep policies, audits, and training up to date.
Act as a trusted advisor on complex compliance topics. You’ll dig into challenging issues, recommend practical solutions, and help resolve critical or escalated situations with good judgment and expertise.
Stay ahead of what’s changing. You’ll keep a pulse on industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices—then translate what matters into clear actions that reduce risk and improve how we hire.
Lead and develop a high-impact TA Specialist team. This team supports candidate and hiring leader experience through scheduling, background checks, and other critical processes. You’ll hire, mentor, and develop the team while managing performance and resources.
Collaborate closely with partners across Compliance, Legal, Risk, and Privacy to ensure our hiring practices are not only effective, but also fully compliant.
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!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience plus an additional 8+ years of HR and/or compliance experience, with at least 5 years of exposure to Talent Acquisition processes
• Professional experience with risk mitigation, regulation adherence, or related activities
• Formal or Informal leadership experience
• Demonstrated consulting mindset with strong leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to plan, organize, and manage projects while building relationships and influencing results across all levels of stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with enterprise grade applicant tracking systems a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead key TA compliance initiatives tied to new regulations, operational improvements, and technology rollouts.
• Manage compliance across the recruiting process, including areas like background checks and I-9s.
• Act as a trusted advisor on complex compliance topics.
• Stay ahead of what’s changing in industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices.
• Lead and develop a high-impact TA Specialist team.
• Collaborate closely with partners across Compliance, Legal, Risk, and Privacy.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Pension Eligible
• Comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree