What You'll Do:
We’re looking for an Employee Relations Consultant to join our Employee Relations team. In this role, you'll provide legal and strategic employee relations advice, counsel and support on common questions and concerns from leaders and employees to determine appropriate resolution based on business and employment law knowledge and expertise, that are aligned with organizational goals and all applicable laws, policies and regulations.
You'll have the opportunity to grow in:
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Partners with leaders and employees on common employee relations issues to work toward effective resolution. Assists with employee relations investigations and escalated issues, Reductions in Force, and disciplinary actions. Partners with Sr. ERC on complex employee relations concerns. Obtains director approval for termination decisions. Balances business need and risk.
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Provides proactive and reactive coaching and training on employee relations topics and HR Policy to leaders and employees.
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Ensures uniform and equitable application of organizational policies and practices.
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Reviews data/information from employee relations issues as well as external research to understand data and trends. Provide applicable information to Employee Relations Director, HRBPs and leaders as support and planning for future workforce issues/trends as well as to mitigate risk and future ER issues.
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Partners with other HR staff to keep them informed and leverage corporate resources and expertise.
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Perform other job related duties or special projects as required.
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 or equivalent experience required, and 4+ years of experience in HR, with majority in area related to employee relations preferred
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Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, listening, problem solving, oral and written communication skills
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Ability to deal with conflicting points of view and demonstrates integrity and fair mindedness
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Strong organizational, analytical and decision-making skills
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A high level of confidentiality required
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Understanding of applicable case and employment laws
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: $84600 - $187200 / year Salary Details:
The following levels and locations are examples of market-specific salary ranges across different job levels and geographies. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience.
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Grand Island, NE:
- Employee Relations Consultant: $84,600 - $114,300 / year
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Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $104,400 - $140,400 / year
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Des Moines, IA:
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Employee Relations Consultant: $89,300 - $120,650 / year
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Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $110,200 - $148,200 / year
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Charlotte, NC:
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Employee Relations Consultant: $94,000 - $127,000 / year
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Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $116,000 - $156,000 / year
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Chicago/Minneapolis:
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Employee Relations Consultant: $103,400 - $139,700 / year
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Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $127,600 - $171,600 / year
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Los Angeles/New York City:
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Employee Relations Consultant: $112,800 - $152,400 / year
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Senior Employee Relations Consultant: $139,200 - $187,200 / 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:
Work Environments
This role offers in-office, hybrid from a local Principal office (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA.). You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.
Job Level
We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills. The Senior Employee Relations Consultant requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and and 6+ years of experience in HR, with majority in area related to employee relations preferred
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): 7/24/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 7/24/2026
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