What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Total Rewards position at Principal Financial Group?
What You'll Do:
The Head of Total Rewards will shape how we attract, engage, and reward top talent at a leading global organization. Principal Financial Group is searching for an innovative and strategic Head of Total Rewards!
In this high-impact leadership role, you’ll drive our global compensation strategy, executive compensation, equity programs, job architecture, health & wellness initiatives, and more. Your expertise will help ensure our rewards strategy remains competitive, equitable, and aligned with our dedication to excellence.
What You’ll Do
Ready to make an impact? Apply today!
Who You Are:
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
Investment Code of Ethics
Experience Principal
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Lead the Future of Total Rewards at Principal Financial Group!
The Head of Total Rewards will shape how we attract, engage, and reward top talent at a leading global organization. Principal Financial Group is searching for an innovative and strategic Head of Total Rewards!
In this high-impact leadership role, you’ll drive our global compensation strategy, executive compensation, equity programs, job architecture, health & wellness initiatives, and more. Your expertise will help ensure our rewards strategy remains competitive, equitable, and aligned with our dedication to excellence.
What You’ll Do
- Shape Strategy – Develop and evolve a global compensation and benefits framework that aligns with business objectives and attracts top talent.
- Lead Execution – Supervise the planning and delivery of compensation programs, ensuring regional relevance, global consistency, compliance, and best practices.
- Advise & Influence – Partner with the CEO, CHRO, and Board to secure approval for new programs, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
- Drive Engagement – Collaborate with HR leaders and business partners to provide clear, impactful communication on Total Rewards programs.
- Stay Ahead – Develop relationships with external vendors and industry peers to ensure Principal remains at the forefront of competitive compensation and benefits practices.
- Ensure Excellence – Establish detailed processes for benchmarking, compliance, and administration to maintain efficiency and integrity in our rewards programs.
- Champion Performance – Lead and improve performance management initiatives that support a pay-for-performance culture.
- Encourage & Develop – Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing Total Rewards team.
- Collaborate & Innovate – Work cross-functionally to develop ground-breaking people strategies that drive business success.
- Communicate with Impact – Present insights, trends, and legislative updates to the Board, executive leadership, and key stakeholders.
- Ensure Compliance – Lead all aspects of all government regulations related to compensation, benefits, and rewards programs.
At Principal, we’re more than a financial services company—we’re a team dedicated to crafting an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and encouraged. As the Head of Total Rewards, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring our people strategies drive both business and individual success.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today!
- Bachelor’s degree required, with 10 years of progressive HR, compensation, and benefits experience in large, global financial services organizations.
- Proven track record to craft and implement compensation and benefits programs in a decentralized, publicly traded global environment.
- Deep understanding of base salary structures, executive compensation, incentives, equity, health & wellness, retirement, and recognition programs.
- Strong experience leading, developing, and motivating global teams while driving organizational change.
- Proficiency in HR systems, digital tools, and data-driven decision-making, with expertise in demonstrating metrics to advise strategy.
- Proven change management skills, with the ability to navigate sophisticated transformations.
- Ability to thrive under pressure, lead priorities, and uphold strict confidentiality.
- Outstanding presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and partners.
- Willingness to travel internationally (10%), including overnight stays.
Work Environments.
This role offers hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in our corporate office in Des Moines, Iowa. Relocation will be considered as part of the offer.
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): 1/28/2025 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 1/28/2025
LinkedIn Hashtag
: #LI-MT1Salary : $193,000 - $279,000
