Head of Innovation & Emerging Technology, Global Investment & Finance Systems

Vanguard is investing in advanced technologies that strengthen our global investment and finance platforms and improve outcomes for clients. We are seeking a Head of Innovation & Emerging Technology to lead the research, engineering, and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across Global Investment & Finance Systems (GIFS).

This senior leader will oversee multidisciplinary teams spanning AI research and innovation, AI engineering, and AI governance and application. The role partners closely with Investment Management, Finance, Enterprise Technology, Risk, and Data leaders to translate emerging technologies into scalable, production-grade solutions in a highly regulated environment.

What You'll Do

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for AI and emerging technologies supporting GIFS.
• Lead AI research and innovation efforts, translating new techniques into prototypes, reusable patterns, and enterprise capabilities.
• Oversee engineering teams building and operating production-grade AI platforms, applications, agents, and data pipelines.
• Establish AI architecture standards, operational resilience, and scalable engineering practices.
• Define and operationalize governance frameworks to ensure ethical, secure, compliant, and auditable AI use.
• Partner with business and technology leaders to shape use cases, drive adoption, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Lead talent development, budgeting, prioritization, and multi-year strategic planning.
• Represent AI and emerging technology initiatives in senior leadership and enterprise forums.
• Explore practical applications of emerging technologies beyond AI, including distributed ledger and quantum technologies.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, advanced analytics, or large-scale engineering, including 5+ years leading senior technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience delivering enterprise-scale AI systems in regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of AI governance, risk management, data privacy, and model lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to partner with senior executives and influence across complex organizations.
• Strategic leadership mindset with a passion for responsible innovation and talent development.

Sponsorship
Vanguard is 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.