Job Description

What You'll Do:

L eadership Development Program at Principal®  

 

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a full-time accelerated development path that builds a future pipeline of  plug-and-play leadership talent for the organization. As an LDP Associate,  you’ll work on business  objectives , receive individual coaching, actively practice leadership skills, collaborate with program peers,   and create a customized rotation path as you propel your career at our Fortune 500 company.  

 

At Principal,  the  LDP Associates cycle across various business areas to learn the ins and outs of   the  enterprise .  Our program offers 4-6  self-selected rotations,  for  approximately 6 months each .  
 
Each rotation offer s a  unique  growth  experience   with  a purpose of  building  your understanding of the  various  business  lines and   gaining  exposure to diverse leaders hip styles ,   while participating in meaningful projects .  

 

T he t hree building blocks that form our accelerated leadership training :  

Our Leadership Development Program is designed to provide associates with  experiential leadership training.   In  conjunction   with their rotation  experience,  a ssociates  practice their leadership skills through their contributions to the program:  

• As a  Level I Associate , you will be focus ed on learning the  foundational aspects  of Principa l, refining your core professional competencies, and  identifying future  opportunities to build targeted skillsets .  

• As a  Level II Associate ,   you ’ r e   responsible for creat ing and develop ing a strategy for one of our program’s high-level initiatives. In this role, you will  be responsible for driving results through team performance, delegating team responsibilities, and  reporting  back to the program.  

• As a  Level III Associate , you will be formally responsible for leading, coaching, and mentoring a Level I LDP Associate. Through this experience,  you’ll learn how to bring out the best of your direct report and be challenged to drive  optimal results through individuals.  

 

Learn more about The Leadership Development Program by watching this quick  video .   

 

What’s in it for you? 

 

Here’s what you  will   gain  as an LDP Associate :  

 

• A fast- paced start to your career   at Principal  that accelerates your leadership skills and enhances your career  options.  

• A wide range of  individually tailored  experiences through  enterprise  rotations and unique  responsibilities  t hat will   advance your leadership  capabilities ,  build your business and financial acumen , and  allow you to  develop highly transferable skills.  

• Professional development planning through individualized mentorship and coaching.  

• Exposure to senior leadership, e xecutive   management  visibility, and support from strong  leaders throughout the organization.  

• An opportunity to define and develop your leadership style through formal and informal leadership experiences .  

• Peer support and shared learning through the LDP cohort .  

• Support in  attaining placement within Principal and launch ing into your career  with membership into our enterprise-wide alumni network, upon successful completion of the program.  

Who You Are:

An ideal candidate for the Leadership Development Program:  

 

We’re   seeking forward-thinking  and adaptable candidates who  aspire  to have  a future in leadership.  

Qualifications for the LDP include:  

• Bachelor’s degree required by your start date  

• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA as of your graduation date OR  anticipate having a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA upon graduation  

• Strong demonstration of core professional competencies: effective communication, reliability, team-oriented, organized, and self- motivated  

• Exceptional business acumen and leadership skills  demonstrated through leadership positions, internships, or other work experience  

• Strong desire to become a future  formal leader  

• Aptitude for strategic and critical thinking ,   willing ness to be challenged, and open to new opportunities and unique exposures  

• I nitiative to lead with or without a formal title  

• Demonstrated a bility to drive results through others  

• Commitment to  relocating to Des Moines, IA for the duration of the program  

• Willingness to travel as some travel may be  required , including overnight stays (5%) 

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: $58900 - $79800 / year Time 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: Yes Additional Information:

Want to know more? 

Reach out to ldphiring@principal.com with any questions you have on the program or the process! 

Application Process  

Once you apply, your application is reviewed by our talent team. Generally, within a few weeks, the team makes interview selection decisions and communicates those via email.  If selected, you’ll receive an email from Principal Talent Team to schedule an initial phone interview.  Be sure to check your email frequently and follow the steps shared. 

Please note: This position is posted through January 30, 2026. Two rounds of interviews will be conducted following the closing of the job posting. Final decisions will be made and communicated to applicants in mid-February. Learn more about our  hiring steps and find answers to frequently asked questions. The anticipated start date for the Leadership Development Program role will be June 8, 2026 depending on associate and program availability.

Work Environments

This role offers hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in our corportate office in Des Moines, Iowa.

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): 1/5/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 1/5/2026

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Internship, H1b, Work at office, Relocation, Flexible hours, Night shift,

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