Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations

Vanguard•Malvern, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations (M5) Build the operating engine behind Vanguard's data transformation Come join the Enterprise Data Architecture & Engineering (EDA&E) organization within Vanguard’s Chief Technology Office (CTO) at a defining moment in Vanguard’s evolution to become an AI‑driven organization. Delivering on that ambition requires more than modern platforms and architecture – it requires disciplined execution, strong operating rhythms, and enterprise‑grade transformation leadership. This role exists to build and run that engine. As Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations, you will sit at the intersection of strategy and execution, ensuring Vanguard’s enterprise data initiatives are planned, governed, communicated, and delivered with clarity, rigor, and impact. This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a multi‑year transformation and help shape how the enterprise operates at scale. Role Summary The Director, Data Transformation & Strategic Operations is accountable for the transformation control tower for EDA&E. In this role, you will: Orchestrate enterprise‑scale, multi‑year transformation delivery Run the operating rhythm of the EDA&E organization Manage strategic consulting partnerships Lead the “chief of staff” function for EDA&E leadership team Bring together portfolio delivery, strategic planning, organizational enablement, and executive narrative into one cohesive function focused on execution excellence and measurable outcomes. Partner closely with enterprise architects, engineering leaders, data product leaders, Finance, HR, and senior business stakeholders to ensure that Vanguard’s data and AI strategy translates into durable enterprise progress.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of relevant business experience, including 6+ years leading large‑scale technology, data, or platform transformations
Demonstrated experience operating in highly matrixed, federated, and regulated enterprise environments
Proven strength in strategic planning, portfolio delivery, and executive communication
Strong financial acumen, including program budgeting and investment governance
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems) required
An enterprise‑first, execution‑oriented mindset
Comfort operating at the intersection of strategy, operations, and leadership enablement
The ability to create structure in ambiguity and clarity at scale
Credibility with senior executives, delivery leaders, and external partners alike

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Enterprise Data Transformation Leadership Lead large‑scale, multi‑year, cross‑divisional data and technology transformation initiatives
Translate enterprise priorities into integrated, outcome‑based EDA&E roadmaps spanning architecture, platforms, operating model change, and adoption
Serve as the central point of coordination for dependencies, risks, trade‑offs, and execution decisions across a federated delivery ecosystem.
Strategic Operations & Operating Rhythm Own the operational backbone of the EDA&E organization
Lead quarterly and annual business planning, integrated roadmap development, and investment sequencing.
Define, track, and drive OKRs, execution metrics, and delivery outcomes
Produce executive‑ready status reporting, dashboards, and decision narratives that surface progress, risks, and trade‑offs with clarity
Lead QBR preparation and delivery, ensuring coherent storytelling across strategy, execution, and outcomes
Establish and continuously improve operating cadences, forums, and decision mechanisms that enable speed, alignment, and accountability
External Partner & Consulting Orchestration Lead and govern strategic external partner engagements
Define scopes, success criteria, governance models, and integration points for advisory and delivery engagements
Ensure consulting efforts are tightly aligned to Vanguard priorities, deliver measurable outcomes, and result in sustained internal capability uplift
Manage partner performance, value realization, and clean transitions from advisory to internal execution ownership
Organizational Enablement & Change Drive organizational enablement across the data transformation agenda, including:
Change management
Communications and executive messaging
Operating model evolution
Org design and transformation support
Ensure leaders and teams are equipped with the context, clarity, and tooling required to execute effectively.
Financial, Governance & Controls Own enterprise transformation financials, including multi‑year budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and cost management
Ensure strong governance, controls, and audit readiness across the transformation portfolio
Proactively identify risks, constraints, and trade‑offs, surfacing decision‑ready options to senior leadership
People Leadership Build, develop, and lead a high‑performing strategic operations and transformation team
Set clear performance expectations, provide coaching and development, conduct performance reviews, and make compensation decisions in alignment with HR policies
Foster an enterprise‑first, outcomes‑driven culture focused on accountability, clarity, and execution excellence