Head of HR Strategy and Operations
Join Vanguard’s executive leadership team and shape the future of global HR strategy and transformation. Vanguard is a global leader in investment management, known for its long-term perspective. We are seeking a seasoned HR executive to lead our enterprise-wide HR strategy, operations, and transformation agenda. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of work at scale—driving innovation, operational excellence, and a modern, data-informed crew experience.
Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Head of HR Strategy, Operations & Transformation will serve as a key member of the HR executive leadership team, this role is responsible for shaping and delivering Vanguard’s HR strategy, driving enterprise-wide transformation, and ensuring operational excellence across the HR function. The ideal candidate brings deep global expertise in HR strategy, operations, and change management, with a proven ability to modernize the crew experience and lead through complexity.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Lead the development and execution of HR’s multi-year strategy, aligned with enterprise goals and the evolving future of work.
Own the annual HR business and fiscal planning process in partnership with Finance.
Transformation & Innovation
Lead enterprise-wide HR transformation initiatives.
Champion the integration of AI, automation, and emerging technologies into HR practices to enhance productivity and decision-making.
Shape and execute a forward-looking strategy for workforce evolution, including hybrid work, skills-based talent models, and digital fluency.
Operational Excellence
Drive continuous improvement in HR service delivery, governance, and risk management.
Oversee HR operations, including Crew Relations, HR Communications, and service delivery modernization.
Ensure strong vendor management and first-line risk oversight.
Crew Experience & Insights
Lead efforts to modernize the crew experience through intuitive HR processes, personalized digital tools, and data-driven insights.
Use advanced analytics to measure and improve crew engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
Foster a culture of inclusion, transparency, and trust across all HR touchpoints.
Enterprise Collaboration
Partner closely with IT, Risk, OGC, Communications, and other HRET functions to ensure integrated and compliant HR solutions.
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on human capital trends, risks, and opportunities.
Key Qualifications
15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including global HR operations, transformation, and strategy.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS in HR or Organizational Development) strongly preferred.
Deep, global expertise in HR strategy, operations, planning, and change management (HR COO-type experience).
Proven track record of leading large-scale, enterprise-wide HR transformations.
Demonstrated success in enhancing the employee experience through process simplification, modern UX, and actionable insights.
Strong history of cross-functional collaboration with IT, Risk, Legal, and Communications.
Forward-thinking perspective on the future of work, including the impact of AI and automation on workforce strategy.
Consistent delivery of HR operational excellence and measurable productivity improvements.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
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.
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.
Vanguard Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vanguard and has not been reviewed or approved by Vanguard.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support appears unusually strong through a 401(k) design that includes a match plus an additional employer contribution, which can materially lift long-term total rewards. HSA seeding and an enhanced employer match further strengthen the savings-and-benefits value of the package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle support is reinforced by a sizable annual FlexFund stipend that can be applied across many day-to-day categories such as fitness, childcare, and other personal expenses. On-site or virtual clinics and fitness options add practical health and wellness convenience.
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Affordable Benefits — Healthcare and related benefits are positioned as comparatively affordable via heavily subsidized medical plans and broad coverage options. This affordability can offset moderate base pay for employees who place higher value on out-of-pocket cost reductions.
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What We Do
We are a community of 30 million who think – and feel – differently about investing. Together, we’re changing the way the world invests. Since our founding in 1975, helping our investors achieve their goals is our sole reason for existence. With no other parties to answer to and therefore no conflicting loyalties, we make every decision—like keeping investing costs as low as possible—with only your needs in mind. Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment companies, offering a large selection of high-quality low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, advice, and related services. Individual and institutional investors, financial professionals, and plan sponsors can benefit from the size, stability, and experience Vanguard offers. As of April 30, 2019, we managed more than $5.6 trillion in global assets. In addition, we have 189 funds in the United States and 225 funds in global markets. For Commenting Guidelines & Important information, visit here: http://vanguard.com/linkedin Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.
