Business Risk & Governance, Specialist

The Business Risk & Governance Specialist is an individual contributor supporting business risk and governance activities within the Vendor Management Office of the Investment Management Group. The initial focus of the role is third party and vendor related business risk, working closely with investment, product, and operations teams to ensure key processes are well controlled, efficient, and resilient. As business evolves, the role may gradually expand to support additional business risk and governance activities across the department. This is a hands-on role suited for someone who enjoys applying governance frameworks directly to real business processes and improving how work gets done day to day.Business Risk & Controls DevelopmentDesign, evaluate, and enhance risk and control frameworks by grounding them in actual business processes rather than static policy interpretation.Assess the design effectiveness of controls—not just operating effectiveness—and recommend pragmatic enhancements aligned to business realities.Identify gaps where existing policies or frameworks do not adequately address risk and propose fit‑for‑purpose solutions.Third‑Party & Vendor RiskServe as the primary point of execution and design for third‑party and vendor risk activities, including onboarding, ongoing monitoring, and issue remediation.Move beyond checklist‑based compliance by shaping how third‑party risk requirements are implemented, scaled, and sustained within the business.Partner with stakeholders to embed vendor risk considerations into existing workflows rather than introducing parallel or duplicative processes.Business Partnership & TranslationOperate as a trusted advisor within the business, working closely with front office, product, and operations teams.Provide governance and risk input early during new vendor engagements, change initiatives, and process redesignsOperational Governance & ExecutionExecute and oversee key operational risk processes, using them as inputs to improve control design:Financial reconciliationsLicense managementUsage audits and reportingIssue tracking and remediationMiFID II supportUse findings from day‑to‑day operations to inform improvements to governance, documentation, and control structures.Broader Scope & InitiativesContribute to broader business risk and governance initiatives as scope evolves.Participate in special projects requiring judgment, problem‑solving, and influence.Required Qualifications5+ years of experience in business risk, operational risk, controls, investment operations, vendor management, or related disciplinesDemonstrated experience developing, enhancing, or redesigning controlsExperience operating within the business (e.g., investment operations, product, data, or front‑office‑adjacent teams), with exposure to how processes actually functionProven ability to translate business objectives and operating models into risk requirements, controls, and governance expectationsExperience working directly with vendors or third parties as part of regular responsibilitiesBachelor’s degree or equivalent experiencePreferred QualificationsExperience shaping or improving third‑party or vendor risk management frameworksBackground in investment management, market data, or financial services operationsComfort influencing stakeholders without formal authorityAdvanced degree (Master’s) in a relevant disciplineThis role is part of our hybrid work model with Tuesdays through Thursdays in office and Mondays and Fridays with the option to work remotely, or continue working from our Malvern PA office.Special FactorsSponsorshipVanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.About VanguardAt 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 WorkVanguard 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.