Implementation Manager

hackajob is collaborating with Vanguard to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Lead a team of implementation professionals responsible for delivering consultative, end-to-end retirement plan implementation and conversion services. Drive successful client outcomes through strategic planning, operational excellence, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration while fostering a high-performing, client-focused team culture.

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of implementation professionals through coaching, performance management, talent development, and succession planning.

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, inclusion, and client-centricity.

• Establish clear performance expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support employee growth and career development.

• Manage staffing, workforce planning, and resource allocation to ensure optimal team performance and capacity management.

Client & Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal and external clients throughout the implementation lifecycle.

• Provide strategic consultation on plan design, operational processes, regulatory requirements, technology solutions, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational change initiatives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes and a positive client experience.

• Represent Vanguard in client meetings, business reviews, and prospect discussions as needed.

Implementation & Project Oversight

• Provide leadership and oversight across a portfolio of implementation and conversion projects.

• Ensure projects are executed in accordance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, audit standards, and service commitments.

• Monitor project health, identify risks, remove obstacles, and drive timely issue resolution.

• Oversee the accurate setup, configuration, testing, and delivery of plan provisions and related services.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls, efficiency, quality, and the client experience.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and partnership efforts across operational and service teams.

• Utilize data, metrics, and performance insights to drive informed decision-making and operational effectiveness.

• Ensure adherence to risk management, compliance, and governance standards.

Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership

• Partner with leadership to develop and execute departmental goals, operating plans, and long-term strategic priorities.

• Contribute to business transformation initiatives, organizational change efforts, and special projects.

• Collaborate across functions to improve service delivery, scalability, and organizational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Five or more years of experience in financial services, retirement services, implementation, project management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing talent.

• Strong client relationship management, consultation, and stakeholder engagement experience.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the Defined Contribution retirement industry.

• Knowledge of retirement plan operations, plan administration, and related regulatory requirements.

• Experience leading complex client implementations, conversions, or large-scale operational initiatives.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

• Experience partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver business outcomes.

• Knowledge of Vanguard implementation platforms and operational systems.

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.