Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations

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Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations (M5)

Build the operating engine behind Vanguard's data transformation

Come join the Enterprise Data Architecture & Engineering (EDA&E) organization within Vanguard’s Chief Technology Office (CTO) at a defining moment in Vanguard’s evolution to become an AI‑driven organization.

Delivering on that ambition requires more than modern platforms and architecture – it requires disciplined execution, strong operating rhythms, and enterprise‑grade transformation leadership. This role exists to build and run that engine.

As Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations, you will sit at the intersection of strategy and execution, ensuring Vanguard’s enterprise data initiatives are planned, governed, communicated, and delivered with clarity, rigor, and impact. This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a multi‑year transformation and help shape how the enterprise operates at scale.

Role Summary

The Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations is accountable for the transformation control tower for EDA&E.

In this role, you will:

• Orchestrate enterprise‑scale, multi‑year transformation delivery
• Run the operating rhythm of the EDA&E organization
• Manage strategic consulting partnerships
• Lead the “chief of staff” function for EDA&E leadership team
• Bring together portfolio delivery, strategic planning, organizational enablement, and executive narrative into one cohesive function focused on execution excellence and measurable outcomes.
• Partner closely with enterprise architects, engineering leaders, data product leaders, Finance, HR, and senior business stakeholders to ensure that Vanguard’s data and AI strategy translates into durable enterprise progress.

What You Will Do:

Enterprise Data Transformation Leadership

• Lead large‑scale, multi‑year, cross‑divisional data and technology transformation initiatives
• Translate enterprise priorities into integrated, outcome‑based EDA&E roadmaps spanning architecture, platforms, operating model change, and adoption
• Serve as the central point of coordination for dependencies, risks, trade‑offs, and execution decisions across a federated delivery ecosystem.

Strategic Operations & Operating Rhythm

• Own the operational backbone of the EDA&E organization
• Lead quarterly and annual business planning, integrated roadmap development, and investment sequencing.
• Define, track, and drive OKRs, execution metrics, and delivery outcomes
• Produce executive‑ready status reporting, dashboards, and decision narratives that surface progress, risks, and trade‑offs with clarity
• Lead QBR preparation and delivery, ensuring coherent storytelling across strategy, execution, and outcomes
• Establish and continuously improve operating cadences, forums, and decision mechanisms that enable speed, alignment, and accountability

External Partner & Consulting Orchestration

• Lead and govern strategic external partner engagements
• Define scopes, success criteria, governance models, and integration points for advisory and delivery engagements
• Ensure consulting efforts are tightly aligned to Vanguard priorities, deliver measurable outcomes, and result in sustained internal capability uplift
• Manage partner performance, value realization, and clean transitions from advisory to internal execution ownership

Organizational Enablement & Change

• Drive organizational enablement across the data transformation agenda, including:
• Change management
• Communications and executive messaging
• Operating model evolution
• Org design and transformation support
• Ensure leaders and teams are equipped with the context, clarity, and tooling required to execute effectively.

Financial, Governance & Controls

• Own enterprise transformation financials, including multi‑year budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and cost management
• Ensure strong governance, controls, and audit readiness across the transformation portfolio
• Proactively identify risks, constraints, and trade‑offs, surfacing decision‑ready options to senior leadership

People Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead a high‑performing strategic operations and transformation team
• Set clear performance expectations, provide coaching and development, conduct performance reviews, and make compensation decisions in alignment with HR policies
• Foster an enterprise‑first, outcomes‑driven culture focused on accountability, clarity, and execution excellence

What Makes This Role Unique

• A high‑visibility enterprise leadership role at the center of Vanguard’s data and AI transformation
• Ownership of both execution discipline and organizational enablement, not just delivery tracking
• Direct influence on how Vanguard plans, operates, communicates, and executes
• Opportunity to build a modern transformation and strategic operations capability, not a traditional PMO

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant business experience, including 6+ years leading large‑scale technology, data, or platform transformations
• Demonstrated experience operating in highly matrixed, federated, and regulated enterprise environments
• Proven strength in strategic planning, portfolio delivery, and executive communication
• Strong financial acumen, including program budgeting and investment governance
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems) required; advanced degree preferred

A successful candidate will bring:

• An enterprise‑first, execution‑oriented mindset
• Comfort operating at the intersection of strategy, operations, and leadership enablement
• The ability to create structure in ambiguity and clarity at scale
• Credibility with senior executives, delivery leaders, and external partners alike

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.