Strategic Contracting Lead, Senior Specialist

Summary

The Experience, Analytics, and Operations (EAO) subdivision is the operations center for Vanguard Workplace Solutions, as well as some of our most critical divisional services. Within EAO, the Contract & Partner Management team is responsible for leading the sourcing and contracting strategies and overseeing complex third-party relationships to maximize business value, safeguard Vanguard's interests, manage legal and financial risk, and ensure disciplined contractual governance.

This role is ideal for professionals with strong contract and legal foundations who enjoy working at the intersection of business, finance, and legal strategy.

Role Overview

The Strategic Contracting Lead plays a critical role in shaping Vanguard's strategic supplier ecosystem by applying advanced contract interpretation, negotiation expertise, and commercial judgment across high-impact technology and operations engagements. The role partners closely with Workplace Solutions leadership, IT, Finance, Risk, and Legal to ensure vendor arrangements are structured, executed, and governed in a manner that protects Vanguard while enabling business outcomes.

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and contracting strategies, including deal structuring, drafting, and negotiation of complex technology, operations, and professional services agreements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on contractual matters, interpreting complex commercial agreements and advising business and functional leaders on contractual rights, obligations, risk exposures, and remediation options.
• Evaluate legal, financial, and operational implications of pricing models, contract terms, indemnities, service level frameworks, and incentive structures
• Review and assess contract amendments, change orders, and disputes, providing risk-based recommendations that support informed executive decision-making.
• Partner closely with internal legal, business, finance, and IT teams to align contracting approaches, escalate material issues, and support business objectives.
• Design and operate rigorous contract governance frameworks, including acceptance criteria, performance measurement, issue escalation, and financial reconciliation mechanisms.
• Ensure vendors perform in accordance with contractual commitments, addressing non-performance, credits, and enforcement actions as required.
• Translate legal and contractual complexity into clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-divisional initiatives that enhance Vanguard's sourcing discipline, contractual standards, and financial governance.

• Minimum of eight years related work experience required.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Graduate degree preferred.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent legal training strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing complex commercial agreements.
• Proven success managing strategic vendor relationships and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong financial acumen required.