Sr Operations Analyst

Overview

This Sr Operations Analyst role involves independently executing complex administrative functions, supporting report preparation, projects, and analysis, while ensuring compliance with established regulatory and operational procedures. You will serve as an operational lead for Principal Exclusive Separate Account (PESA) initiatives by partnering with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate requirements, identify operational implications, resolve complex issues, and drive initiatives through implementation and ongoing support.

You will also provide training, written communication, and general support to sales and service representatives, retirement plan clients, participants, and others as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity of investment data in mainframe, databases, and materials; lead impact analysis.
• Manage relationships with outside partners providing products and services to support investment data.
• Lead and coordinate PESA and other complex investment and operational initiatives with limited guidance, including:
  • Handling competing priorities
  • Facilitating cross-functional workgroups
  • Exercising sound judgment
  • Owning key deliverables through completion
• Support initiatives related to events impacting investment platform options, including:
  • Regulatory changes
  • Mergers, closures, and name changes
  • Policy changes
  • Redemption fees
  • Transfer restrictions
• For PESA initiatives, evaluate new and evolving requirements, identify operational impacts and dependencies, coordinate among internal teams and outside partners, and drive issues and decisions toward resolution.
• Research and support new Mutual Fund Network funds and other non-proprietary investment options, including CITs:
  • Evaluate trading and settlement requirements
  • Review required documentation and revenue considerations
  • Establish relationships with new fund companies
• Provide training on investment platforms, projects, and other investment-related topics; lead or contribute to special projects as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in finance or business preferred.
• 5+ years’ work experience in investment/mutual fund operations or related field preferred.
• FINRA Series 6 or 7 preferred.
• Working knowledge of financial services/investment products and services and information technology required.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills required.
• Detail oriented with solid problem solving, planning, time management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships, exercise flexibility when dealing with people, and effectively communicate 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 required.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, CFA, or CIMA

Compensation & Benefits

• Targeted base salary range: $69,300 - $109,200 / year
• Salary details (examples by location):
  • Wichita, KS: $69,300 - $81,900 / year
  • Des Moines, IA: $73,150 - $86,450 / year
  • Charlotte, NC: $77,000 - $91,000 / year
  • Chicago/Minneapolis: $84,700 - $100,100 / year
  • Los Angeles/New York City: $92,400 - $109,200 / year
• Bonus program eligibility:
  • Non-sales positions may participate in a bonus program.
  • Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, where total compensation may exceed base salary depending on individual performance.
• Actual compensation will be finalized at the time of offer based on geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) for salaried (exempt) employees: vacation, personal, or short-term illness with pay; no accrual and no set number of days provided.
• Pension Eligible: Yes

Work Environment

• In-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements.
• Remote work allowed only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, or Charlotte, NC.

Work Authorization / Sponsorship

At this time, the organization is not considering applicants who need any form of immigration sponsorship now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, and others.

Posting Window

• Applications will be accepted for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date (11/3/2026). After that, the posting may remain open or be removed based on applications received.
• If reposted, applications will be accepted for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date (11/3/2026).

Equal Opportunity

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.

Additional Information

• Investment Ethical Guidelines: For Principal Asset Management roles, you must adhere to an Investment Code of Ethics covering personal and business behavior, including personal trading activities for you and your household members. These rules might apply to other roles within the organization as well.
• Artificial intelligence tools may be used to assist with reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons; human recruiters make final decisions.