Corporate Strategy & Development Assistant Director - Principal Financial Group

What You'll Do:

We’re looking for a Corporate Strategy & Development Assistant Director to join our Corporate Strategy team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for understanding the strategic priorities of our diverse businesses and taking initial research insights and/or corresponding ideas and transforming them into a business plan and tangible product or service. Contribute to the continued profitable operations, growth, and overall success of the company by (1) providing strategic insights, technical expertise, and fact-based recommendations to the CEO, CFO, CRO, CGO and business units’ senior management and (2) executing related transactions involving strategic partnerships, financing, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, and capital management. Collaborate and utilize an agile approach to integrate potential solutions toward enhancing our products, services, and strategy.

• Manage and lead the execution of specific components of strategic projects, including mergers, acquisitions, and dispositions (M&A), business development, and innovation initiatives. Direct cross-disciplinary teams, conduct due diligence, and lead the valuation of potential transactions. Negotiate with stakeholders. Guide the design and implementation of new products, services, and consumer experiences to ensure differentiation in the market. Develop relationships with external partners and lead the network of ecosystem collaborators.
• Lead the evaluation and recommendation of subcomponents of organic and inorganic strategic priorities. Direct the analysis and prioritization of business development initiatives, ensuring they align with the organization's innovation needs. Oversee market analysis and identify opportunities for mergers, acquisitions, and dispositions. Engage with external advisors and stakeholders to guide decision-making and innovation efforts.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as required, including but not limited to a) actively developing as a Corporate Strategy & Development professional, b) informal oversight of more junior and senior team members, and c) influencing of peers across the organization and externally with insights and recommendations.

 

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:

• Bachelor's degree required; achieved or pursuing advanced degrees and/or certifications (e.g., MBA, CFA, CPA, etc.) are strongly preferred
• 6+ years of related work experience required and proven track record of achievement leading at least one of the following: strategy initiatives, business development projects, M&A transactions
• Must have strong problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills
• Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions
• Good oral and written communication skills required
• Must have good interpersonal, customer service, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and adapt to a changing environment
• Willingness to take on new challenges and adapt to changing priorities and business needs
• High level of motivation and a proactive approach to learning and professional development
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
• Team player with positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to balance and integrate qualitative and quantitative data to support strategic decision-making
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for long hours as required
• Broad knowledge of financial services industry and skilled in conducting market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and industry trend identification
• Ability to self-direct, analyze, evaluate, and form independent judgments
• Ability to effectively interact and build relationships with senior management and global stakeholders
• Commercially savvy with ability to exercise discretion with respect to highly confidential/sensitive information
• Integrity, ethical standards, and sound judgment
• This position may be subject to SEC restrictions on personal political contributions

 

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Partnering with distribution teams to align and support overall business objectives, designing and executing effective distribution strategies;
• Managing insurance and reinsurance transactions;
• Developing and implementing capital structuring and strategy; or
• Leading strategic initiatives that enable growth through shared functions.

 

We are actively considering hiring multiple candidates to fulfill our needs and will consider talent at the next levels (Director - Corporate Strategy & Development) with the right experience and skills.

Salary Range Information:Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.Salary Range:$123000 - $185000 / yearTime Off Program: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. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.Pension Eligible:YesAdditional Information:

Work Environments

This role offers an in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangement in Des Moines, IA.

Job Level

We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills.

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):1/17/2025Latest Post Date: Careers - US:1/17/2025