What You'll Do:
Leadership Development Program at Principal®
The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a full-time opportunity designed for high-potential individuals who aspire to become future leaders. As an LDP Associate, you’ll work on business objectives, receive individual coaching, actively practice leadership skills, and collaborate with program peers as you propel your career at a Fortune 500 company.
LDP Associates navigate through four to six self-selected rotations for approximately six months in length. Each rotation offers a unique growth experience with the purpose of building a cross-functional understanding of the enterprise, gaining exposure to diverse leadership styles, and contributing to highly impactful projects.
In addition to rotation experiences, associates build leadership skills through increasing responsibilities within the program:
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As a Level I Associate, you will be focused on learning the foundational aspects of Principal, refining core professional competencies, and identifying opportunities to build targeted skillsets.
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As a Level II Associate, you will be responsible for executing the strategy for one of the program’s high-level initiatives. In this role, you will be responsible for driving results through team performance, collaborating effectively with various stakeholders, and reporting back to the program.
- As a Level III Associate, you will be responsible for formally leading a Level I LDP Associate. Through this experience, you’ll support the growth and development of your direct report(s) 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:
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An opportunity to define and develop your leadership style through formal and informal leadership experiences.
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Unique responsibilities through diverse rotations that develop leadership capabilities and transferable skills.
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Exposure to the organization that strengthens business and financial acumen while broadening enterprise perspective.
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Professional development planning through individualized mentorship and coaching.
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Exposure to senior leadership and a network of leaders invested in your growth and development.
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Peer support and shared learning through the LDP cohort and alumni network.
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Support in attaining placement within Principal upon successful completion of the program.
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:
An ideal candidate for the Leadership Development Program:
We’re seeking forward-thinking and adaptable candidates who aspire to be a future leader.
Qualifications for the LDP include:
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Bachelor’s degree required by your start date
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Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA as of your graduation date OR anticipate having a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA upon graduation
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Strong desire to become a future formal leader
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Demonstration of effective communication, reliability, and a self-starter mindset
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Exceptional business acumen and leadership skills demonstrated through leadership positions, internships, or other work experience
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Aptitude for strategic and critical thinking, willingness to be challenged, and open to new opportunities
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Initiative to lead with or without a formal title
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Demonstrated ability to drive results through others
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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
[email protected] 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 the 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 September 18th, 2026. Three rounds of interviews will be conducted during the hiring process. Final decisions will be made and communicated to applicants in October. Learn more about our hiring steps and find answers to frequently asked questions. The anticipated start date for the Leadership Development Program Associate role will be in January or June of 2027 depending on candidate preference.
Work Environments
This role offers hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in our corporate 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): 8/3/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 8/3/2026
