Senior Associate, Client Service Manager

What You'll Do

• Manage day‑to‑day client relationships, overseeing an assigned portfolio to ensure accurate, timely service.
• Build trust by helping clients navigate questions, issues, and requests while maintaining service standards and company policies.
• Provide dependable support and solutions to help clients meet their needs accurately and on time, thus strengthening satisfaction, fostering long‑term relationships, and supporting business growth.
• Independently manage a small portfolio of clients, guiding them on retirement plan administration and participant inquiries.
• Resolve moderately complex client questions using discretion, identifying when escalation is necessary.
• Collaborate with internal partners (operations, advisors, compliance) to coordinate client deliverables and plan milestones.
• Review and approve routine retirement plan transactions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to policy.
• Analyze participant accounts to identify inconsistencies or trends requiring attention.
• Partner with internal teams to resolve errors or exceptions efficiently.
• Ensure client activities comply with ERISA, IRS, and company policies.
• Identify potential regulatory or operational risks and escalate as appropriate.
• Prepare client‑facing and internal reports, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Document client interactions, decisions, and resolutions in systems to maintain audit readiness.
• Recommend enhancements to processes, workflows, and reporting for efficiency and client experience.
• Share knowledge and best practices with peers.
• Perform other job‑related duties and special projects as required.

• 2+ years of experience in client service, financial services, or retirement plan operations (or equivalent through work experience, training, military experience, or education).
• Solid understanding of retirement plan administration and financial concepts, with the ability to apply procedures accurately, efficiently, and with independent judgment.
• Familiarity with retirement products and services such as 401(k), 403(b), defined benefit arrangements, pension risk transfer group annuity contracts, or other defined contribution offerings.
• Ability to guide clients and internal teams through complex plan features and processes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including comfort interacting directly with clients and internal partners.
• Attention to detail, with the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve data discrepancies with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced in record‑keeping or workflow systems, with the ability to optimize processes where appropriate.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment, making informed decisions about workload and deadlines.
• Ability to travel as needed.

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. Total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements, and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

• Wichita, KS: $55,800 – $75,600 / year
• Des Moines, IA: $58,900 – $79,800 / year
• Charlotte, NC: $62,000 – $84,000 / year
• Chicago / Minneapolis: $68,200 – $92,400 / year
• Los Angeles / New York City: $74,400 – $90,000 / year

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided for salaried employees, allowing paid time away for vacation, personal or short‑term illness. There is no accrual bank; employees accrue no set number of days.

Pension Eligible:
Yes

Hybrid or remote arrangements are available. Remote work is possible for candidates residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, Raleigh, NC, or Charlotte, NC.

Applicants requiring immigration sponsorship are not considered at this time.

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.