Risk Specialist - Corporate Shared Services, 12-Month Contractor

The Role

In Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) we enable the Vanguard to identify, assess, manage and monitor risks through effective frameworks, governance, oversight and challenge – so Crew can make informed decisions which protect clients, assets and the firm.

As the Corporate Shared Services Risk Specialist for Europe, you will serve as a trusted risk partner to multiple divisions at Vanguard such as Finance, HR, and Operations (Third Party Risk Management and Operational Resilience).

The role will support Europe ERM in delivery of its core objectives and will provide the opportunity to work on broader aspects of the risk framework, to collaborate with other business partners supporting other business functions of Vanguard Europe. In this role, you will support and provide effective oversight and challenge of a range of corporate service activities, including ongoing challenge of the Risk Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), assessment and review of top and emerging risks, and reviewing issues, acceptances, risk events and action plans against the standards of the ERMF and to support the business to achieve appropriate closure.

You will provide risk oversight for key strategic programs, contribute to Risk Appetite and Key Risk Indicator reviews, and assist in preparing and guiding papers for presentation to risk committees, governance forums, and boards. This position reports directly to the Head of Enterprise Risk Management, Europe.

In this role you will

• Provide risk guidance, oversight, and assurance to the business and first line risk and control teams, aligned with Vanguard’s risk framework. Offer expert-level technical risk advice on matters impacting the key processes and oversight / governance arrangements
• Serve as a strategic consultant to management, offering insights and recommendations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management practices within the business
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand evolving risk needs. Act as a thought partner to the business, establishing credibility and effectively influencing decision-making
• Provide independent challenge and oversight in the development and execution of both short- and long-term risk strategies / change initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and standard risk management policies
• Apply industry best practices and the risk and controls assessment framework to help business units and project teams identify and evaluate inherent risks, assess existing controls, and address control gaps. Collaborate with stakeholders to define mitigation strategies, control improvement plans, and monitoring approaches
• Provide ongoing review and challenge over adequacy of issue, acceptance and risk event reporting (including review of scope of items identified, quality of reporting and compliance with timeliness requirements)
• Facilitate the annual risk appetite review by engaging senior management on proposed changes to the risk appetite statements / postures and reviewing and challenging the scope and calibration of prevailing risk appetite Key Risk Indicators (KRIs)
• Assist the ICARA process via contributing, reviewing and challenging assumptions pertinent to related stress tests and scenarios
• Partner closely with the global risk community, Internal Audit, and Compliance to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and consistency in risk practices
• Support collaboration with the wider Global Risk & Security (GR&S) team, facilitating discussions and resolving barriers
• Deliver risk-based training programs to promote a risk-aware culture across the business
• Stay informed on relevant regulatory requirements and upcoming changes, ensuring integration into the Risk Management Framework where applicable
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned

What it takes

• Proven working experience in a risk / operations role in financial services with investment platform experience desired
• Curiosity about how a business operates, how functions connect, and how risk management can support effective strategic execution
• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and diverse environments, managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Solid understanding of the asset management industry, including the risk landscape relevant to Vanguard Europe and the broader sector
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment
• Skilled in managing competing priorities and conducting complex analyses under tight deadlines
• Excellent influencing and communication skills, with the ability to navigate matrix structures, build consensus, and drive stakeholder buy-in

Special Factors 

• Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position
• This is a hybrid position and would require you to work in the office 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
• Please note that we review applications on a rolling basis and may close this role early if there is a high level of interest. To avoid missing out, we recommend applying as soon as possible

Why Vanguard? 

Vanguard is a different kind of investment company. It was founded in the United States in 1975 on a simple but revolutionary idea: that an investment company should manage its funds solely in the interests of its clients. 

This is a philosophy that has helped millions of people around the world to achieve their goals with low-cost, uncomplicated investments. 

It's what we stand for: value to investors. 

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.