• Head of HR Strategy and Operations

    Vanguard (Malvern, PA)


    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.

    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.