Vanguard is investing in advanced technologies that strengthen our global investment and finance platforms and improve outcomes for clients. We are seeking a Head of Innovation & Emerging Technology to lead the research, engineering, and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across Global Investment & Finance Systems (GIFS).
This senior leader will oversee multidisciplinary teams spanning AI research and innovation, AI engineering, and AI governance and application. The role partners closely with Investment Management, Finance, Enterprise Technology, Risk, and Data leaders to translate emerging technologies into scalable, production‑grade solutions in a highly regulated environment.
What You’ll Do
Define and execute the strategic roadmap for AI and emerging technologies supporting GIFS.
Lead AI research and innovation efforts, translating new techniques into prototypes, reusable patterns, and enterprise capabilities.
Oversee engineering teams building and operating production‑grade AI platforms, applications, agents, and data pipelines.
Establish AI architecture standards, operational resilience, and scalable engineering practices.
Define and operationalize governance frameworks to ensure ethical, secure, compliant, and auditable AI use.
Partner with business and technology leaders to shape use cases, drive adoption, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Lead talent development, budgeting, prioritization, and multi‑year strategic planning.
Represent AI and emerging technology initiatives in senior leadership and enterprise forums.
Explore practical applications of emerging technologies beyond AI, including distributed ledger and quantum technologies.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in AI/ML, advanced analytics, or large‑scale engineering, including 5+ years leading senior technical teams.
Demonstrated experience delivering enterprise‑scale AI systems in regulated environments.
Strong understanding of AI governance, risk management, data privacy, and model lifecycle management.
Proven ability to partner with senior executives and influence across complex organizations.
Strategic leadership mindset with a passion for responsible innovation and talent development.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, advanced analytics, or large-scale engineering, including 5+ years leading senior technical teams
- Demonstrated experience delivering enterprise-scale AI systems in regulated environments
- Strong understanding of AI governance, risk management, data privacy, and model lifecycle management
- Proven ability to partner with senior executives and influence across complex organizations
- Strategic leadership mindset with a passion for responsible innovation and talent development
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.
Vanguard Insights
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.
