Head of Operational Controls

Global Risk and Security (GR&S) at Vanguard enables business strategy, protects client and Vanguard interests (e.g., assets and data), and stewards a strong risk culture. Our teams leverage enterprise-wide insights, deep expertise, and trusted advice so that across Vanguard leaders and crew drive faster, stronger, risk-informed decisions.

 
The Operational Controls Program (OCP) is a newly created team under the Global Risk & Security division.   OCP is a multi-year effort that will identify process risks and controls for high and critical processes, plus recommendations to strengthen management of processes and enhance the internal control infrastructure to drive a more effective overall operating environment throughout Vanguard. 
 

The Head of Operational Controls, Strategic Enablement & Methodology will be responsible for two workstreams under the Program team.  First, the Enablement team that will focus on program governance and reporting, change & communications, training, project management of the program and deployment of control assessments, resource and budget management, and Archer enhancements.  Second, the Methodology & Reporting team that will be responsible for the internal control framework and methodology, deployment reporting (interim and future state), liaison to the risk/controls/compliance teams, future state governance and oversight approach, and future state organizational structure and operating model.

 
The person in this role will drive the delivery of transformational change by providing leadership and direction to this large, complex, multi-stakeholder program focused on overarching improvements to controls and processes. This person will lead and direct the activities of several managers and specialists in this role.
 

Core Responsibilities

• Coach, guide, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Provides guidance and training as necessary to develop crew. Set performance standards, review performance, and make informed compensation decisions in accordance with all applicable Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Manage a multi-year, cross-divisional program independently as a program lead. Drive all phases of the program lifecycle from inception through implementation while ensuring that business objectives are delivered with high quality and within targeted timeframes.
• Create and maintain a multi-year program strategy that clearly identifies specific actions and tasks needed to achieve future state goals. Drive communication to many different audiences within Vanguard on the overall goals and outcomes of the program.
• Build and maintains strategic relationships across sites, departments, divisions, and internal and external partners to support their program initiatives. Develop strong relationships with program leadership, sponsors, and workstream leads.
• Hold responsibility over program budget; monitoring cost variances, and forecasting and allocating program costs. Ensure all steps are taken to mitigate risk and maintains control, compliance, audit, and legal requirements.
• Participate in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

This program is a multi-year effort and is fast paced with high visibility, integrating new effort into existing infrastructure, challenging, and changing the status quo at an enterprise perspective.  The ideal candidate for this role will excel at these top capabilities:

• Communication, persuasion and influence: Understands the importance of insightful listening and can provide information and messages in a way that produces clarity and impact. Exhibits a high level of cultural competence and authenticity to garner the respect, trust, and support of others to constructively challenge the status quo often in circumstances without formal authority.​​
• Strategic thinking: Working through ambiguity, seeing the big picture, and identifying future possibilities.
• Change management: The ability to lead through transitions and transformations. Knowledge of and ability to align the organization’s people and culture with changes in business strategy, organizational structure, technology, and business processes to facilitate the adoption of new offers or strategies.
• Results orientation: Setting high personal standards of excellence and continuously looking for ways to improve performance.  Investing and taking appropriate risks while evaluating potential return.
• Collaboration: Listening and exuding confidence to effectively interact with internal partners across the enterprise with humility, transparency, inclusivity, and agility.
• Leadership & Coaching: Paints a compelling picture of the vision, strategy, and context in a way that motivates others to follow and deliver. Promotes a positive and inclusive culture within the organization and has an ability to attract, coach/develop, engage, and retain talent. Demonstrates resiliency and flexibility in the face of ambiguity, potential setbacks, and directional shifts.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of related business experience, with at least six years of project management experience. Previous people-leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Graduate degree preferred.
• Risk and controls experience a plus

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don’t just have a mission—we’re on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients’ lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Vanguard’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is central to our ability to deliver on our mission. We aspire to create a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse—one that enables our employees, whom we call crew, to thrive and bring their best selves to work every day on behalf of our clients.

Cultivating DEI lifts our entire organization, and everyone shares accountability for our progress—from our senior leaders who lay the foundation and set the example for inclusive behaviors to crew who are growing in their personal DEI learning experiences.

Together, we’re on a mission. We are fueled by the value of diverse voices and connected through friendships and a culture of care—for our clients, our communities, and each other.    

Vanguard’s DEI journey has no finish line. Our commitment is enduring, and we remain focused on the path ahead. To learn more about Vanguard goals and progress toward DEI, download our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.