CIT Investment Product Strategy Manager, Specialist

Summary

Supports the strategic assessment of new and existing investment products for the institutional marketplace. Supports the development and execution of Vanguard's collective investment trust strategy through the assessment of new product opportunities and the ongoing optimization of existing product portfolios. Partners closely with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate strategic, competitive, client, market, operational, and governance considerations. Develops data-driven recommendations and decision-ready materials that inform product strategy and support internal governance and leadership forums.

Responsibilities

• Leads strategic assessment of Vanguard's institutional retirement investment product offering by evaluating the strength, positioning, and competitiveness of existing products and identifying opportunities for new products, enhancements, rationalization, or structural changes aligned to client needs and business priorities.
• Conducts deep strategic analysis of market, competitive, client, regulatory, and industry trends impacting Vanguard's product lineup for our institutional retirement business.
• Synthesizes qualitative and quantitative insights from internal and external sources to develop clear, data-based recommendations on product strategy, product design, pricing, vehicle selection, and portfolio evolution.
• Develops and maintains a clear point of view on product strategy across assigned product areas.
• Frames tradeoffs, risks, and implications to support sound decision-making and alignment with Vanguard's long-term investment and client strategy.
• Builds strong partnerships across the enterprise and collaborates closely with stakeholders across Investments, Legal, Risk, Compliance, Operations, Finance, Institutional Retirement Distribution, and Marketing to evaluate and advance strategic product initiatives.
• Provides thought leadership on emerging product topics by proactively identifying strategic themes, industry developments, competitive moves, and client needs that may influence Vanguard's product direction.
• Brings forward differentiated ideas and product-related insights for internal discussion and evaluation.
• Prepares and presents executive-ready recommendations for senior leaders, working groups, and governance committees.
• Translates complex investment and business issues into clear, concise narratives that support informed discussion and decision-making.
• Independently manages complex product research and strategy initiatives from inception through implementation.
• Defines project scope, key questions, stakeholders, timelines, risks, and deliverables, and ensures progress against milestones in a highly matrixed environment.
• Evaluates product strategy across multiple investment structures and vehicles, considering client, fiduciary, regulatory, operational, and financial implications.
• Supports product decisions with an understanding of the broader asset management ecosystem and institutional investment landscape.
• Serves as a strategic partner to product leadership by challenging assumptions, surfacing key issues early, and helping shape practical, client-focused recommendations that can be operationalized across the organization.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned

• Minimum of five years of related work experience, including at least three years in investment product and lifecycle management, product strategy, investment analysis, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting strategic analysis and developing recommendations related to investment products, portfolio strategy, client needs, market trends, or competitive positioning.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives and influence outcomes across a matrixed organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex concepts into clear, compelling materials for senior leaders and governance forums.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with market research, competitive benchmarking, business case development, and quantitative analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, manage ambiguity, and balance strategic thinking with execution.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Advanced degree and/or CFA preferred.

• Experience in portfolio lifecycle management, institutional investment products, multi-asset solutions, or related product areas.
• Familiarity with a range of investment vehicles and structures, including mutual funds, collective vehicles, separate accounts, or other institutional offerings.
• Knowledge of industry, competitive, and client trends affecting the institutional asset management and retirement landscapes.

• Strategic thinking
• Investment and market acumen
• Institutional client and business orientation
• Executive communication
• Cross-functional leadership and influence
• Analytical rigor and sound judgment
• Strategy leadership and prioritization