Head of Risk and Controls Oversight, Europe at Vanguard

London, England, United Kingdom

Vanguard Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Financial Services, Asset ManagementIndustries

Requirements

  • Strong risk controls related experience, with experience in operational risk controls (control design, testing or assurance)
  • Recognised SME in controls, with strong knowledge of emerging practices, regulatory expectations, and frameworks
  • Strong understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks (particularly non-financial risk) and relevant financial services regulations
  • Experience within asset management or financial services, with strong knowledge of business processes and operating models
  • Proven track record of delivering large-scale control transformation and improvement programmes, including change management and embedding sustainable practices
  • Demonstrable experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment
  • Excellent leadership, coordination, and influencing skills across a matrixed organisation
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic, delivery focused mindset
  • High-level written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels, from business teams to senior leadership
  • Ability to coach and upskill colleagues, fostering capability uplift across the first line of defence

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of a consistent European business-wide controls framework, including ensuring alignment with the enterprise risk management framework
  • Support the building of a centralised risk and control inventory in Vanguard’s GRC tool, establishing European standards for risks and controls, aligned to Vanguard’s global standards
  • Shape the future Target Operating Model of the programme, aligned to Vanguard’s global risk and controls standards
  • Collaborate with first line stakeholders to develop, review, and oversee delivery of indicative controls testing plans, reporting on timely and effective execution
  • Provide training and oversight for embedded first line control testers across Vanguard Europe’s business divisions, providing feedback to first line managers and heads of business
  • Own the second line controls assurance plan of work and oversee activities by second line controls testers
  • Coordinate production of governance and reporting on control effectiveness, providing senior stakeholders with clear visibility of control testing results and assurance outcomes
  • Stay abreast of regulatory developments and industry best practice in risk and control and controls testing, ensuring alignment and proactive adaptation of the framework
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to strengthen controls, simplify processes, and enhance efficiency including use of automation where appropriate

Skills

Risk Management
Controls Framework
GRC Tools
Enterprise Risk Management
Controls Testing
Assurance
Governance Reporting
Regulatory Compliance
Target Operating Model
Stakeholder Collaboration

Vanguard

Client-owned investment management firm offering low-cost funds

About Vanguard

Vanguard provides financial services with a focus on investment management. The company offers a variety of products, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and 401k rollovers, aimed at individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions. Vanguard's unique ownership structure means it is owned by its funds, which are in turn owned by the clients, allowing it to prioritize the needs of its investors over external shareholders. This model enables Vanguard to offer low-cost investment options, as it primarily earns revenue through management fees that are generally lower than industry standards. Additionally, Vanguard provides personalized investment advisory services, charging fees based on the assets managed. The company's goal is to help clients grow their wealth and achieve their financial objectives through effective investment strategies, while maintaining a competitive performance track record.

Kline Township, PennsylvaniaHeadquarters
1975Year Founded
SECONDARYCompany Stage
Fintech, Financial ServicesIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Best-in-class medical, dental & vision coverage
Onsite health clinic & fitness center
Health Smart Rewards program
Vanguard Retirement Savings Plan
Education Benefits
PTO
Family Planning Benefist
Parental leave
Personal development opportunities
Volunteer Time Off

Risks

Competition from AI-driven platforms like Writer challenges Vanguard's traditional advisory services.
Vanguard's stake in Steelcase exposes it to the volatile furniture market.
New active bond ETFs may struggle in a low-yield environment with increasing competition.

Differentiation

Vanguard is client-owned, aligning its interests with investors, unlike traditional firms.
The firm offers low-cost investment products, making it attractive to cost-conscious investors.
Vanguard's ownership structure allows it to focus on long-term investor value.

Upsides

Vanguard's new active bond ETFs offer diversified, low-cost fixed income options.
The acquisition of Steelcase shares diversifies Vanguard's portfolio into the furniture industry.
Launching the International Dividend Growth Fund appeals to investors seeking sustainable dividend growth.

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