Head of HR Strategy and Operations
Join Vanguard's executive leadership team and shape the future of global HR strategy and transformation. Vanguard is a global leader in investment management, known for its long-term perspective. We are seeking a seasoned HR executive to lead our enterprise-wide HR strategy, operations, and transformation agenda. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of work at scale-driving innovation, operational excellence, and a modern, data-informed crew experience.
Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Head of HR Strategy, Operations & Transformation will serve as a key member of the HR executive leadership team, t his role is responsible for shaping and delivering Vanguard's HR strategy, driving enterprise-wide transformation, and ensuring operational excellence across the HR function. The ideal candidate brings deep global expertise in HR strategy, operations, and change management, with a proven ability to modernize the crew experience and lead through complexity.
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Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Lead the development and execution of HR's multi-year strategy, aligned with enterprise goals and the evolving future of work.
- Own the annual HR business and fiscal planning process in partnership with Finance.
Transformation & Innovation
- Lead enterprise-wide HR transformation initiatives .
- Champion the integration of AI, automation, and emerging technologies into HR practices to enhance productivity and decision-making.
- Shape and execute a forward-looking strategy for workforce evolution, including hybrid work, skills-based talent models, and digital fluency.
Operational Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement in HR service delivery, governance, and risk management.
- Oversee HR operations, including Crew Relations, HR Communications, and service delivery modernization.
- Ensure strong vendor management and first-line risk oversight.
Crew Experience & Insights
- Lead efforts to modernize the crew experience through intuitive HR processes, personalized digital tools, and data-driven insights.
- Use advanced analytics to measure and improve crew engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
- Foster a culture of inclusion, transparency, and trust across all HR touchpoints.
Enterprise Collaboration
- Partner closely with IT, Risk, OGC, Communications, and other HRET functions to ensure integrated and compliant HR solutions.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on human capital trends, risks, and opportunities.
Key Qualifications
- 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including global HR operations, transformation, and strategy.
- Bachelor's degree required ; advanced degree (MBA, MS in HR or Organizational Development) strongly preferred.
- Deep, global expertise in HR strategy, operations, planning, and change management (HR COO-type experience).
- Proven track record of leading large-scale, enterprise-wide HR transformations.
- Demonstrated success in enhancing the employee experience through process simplification, modern UX, and actionable insights.
- Strong history of cross-functional collaboration with IT, Risk, Legal, and Communications.
- Forward-thinking perspective on the future of work, including the impact of AI and automation on workforce strategy.
- Consistent delivery of HR operational excellence and measurable productivity improvements.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
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.