Head of Programme Management

At Principal, we’re looking for a Program Manager to drive complex, high-impact initiatives in our Principal Asset Management business unit. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, brings structure to large initiatives, and can translate strategy into an executable plan with strong governance, clear communication, and disciplined risk/issue management.

At Principal, you’ll be expected to shape the narrative, create clarity and momentum, run governance, manage escalation paths, and establish a disciplined execution model in an environment where timelines and accountability may need stronger facilitation.

You will define the program vision, align work to strategic outcomes, and ensure delivery through strong planning, governance, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of interdependencies across multiple concurrent efforts.

Strategic Program & Initiative Management

Lead multiple complex, high-risk, high-visibility initiatives to successful completion for internal and/or external stakeholders.

Partner with Product Management, IT Delivery Management, and business SMEs to align on intended outcomes and strategic vision.

Build detailed project plans (including Gantt charts, task breakdowns, milestones, dependencies, and critical path) and assign clear ownership for deliverables.

manage program/project budgets and track spend for cost efficiency.

ensure decisions, actions, owners, and timelines are documented and progressed.

Risk, Issue & Escalation Management

Maintain program-level risk, issue, and dependency logs (e.g., Identify and manage interrelated risks impacting internal and external stakeholders; Oversee program/project activities involving outside vendors and consultants to ensure timely delivery and expected outcomes.

Proactively manage vendor relationships; partner with procurement/contract stakeholders to support statements of work, service delivery expectations, and contract administration activities (as applicable).

8+ years of project, program, or initiative management experience or equivalent

• Strong ability to build end-to-end project plans (schedule, resources, milestones, critical path) and communicate the plan as a clear narrative that drives action.
• Solid understanding of how technology capabilities enable process/workflow improvements.
• Advanced proficiency with PC tools and project planning software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Excel, PowerPoint or similar).

Asset Management experience and/or knowledge of asset management business processes and industry context.

Experience leading initiatives that include technology building blocks/foundational components, workflow/process design, centralized testing coordination, and strong alignment to legal/risk/compliance and front/middle/back office requirements.

PMP designation

Demonstrated strength in negotiation, stakeholder influence, and managing vendor/procurement processes related to professional services and/or product purchases.

At Principal, you’ll do meaningful work that impacts customers, partners, and business outcomes—while collaborating with smart, committed teams across the enterprise. 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 (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; 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

This role will be based in either our Des Moines Iowa or Chicago IL locations and will benefit from a hybrid work schedule with an average of four in-office days per week.

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.

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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Privacy Notice ( for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.