Technical Risk Advisor

About Vanguard 

More than 45 years ago, John C. Bogle had a vision to start an investment company that did things differently. A company with no external shareholders. Where all the profits were invested back into the business and used to lower costs. Evidently, it was as bold as it was brilliant. To this day, Vanguard Group still has no external shareholders. That means no share prices to protect, and no profits to generate for outside owners.  

Today, Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment management companies, serving more than 50 million investors worldwide. For more than 25 years Vanguard Australia has been supporting individual investors, financial advisers, and superannuation members to achieve their long-term financial goals.

About the Role

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the financial services industry, and Vanguard is embracing this evolution with high intent and strategic focus. Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to delivering exceptional client experience through the responsible use of AI. The Senior Technical AI Adviser will leverage their deep expertise in AI, governance and risk management to ensure technology is applied ethically and effectively—empowering Vanguard Australia's business to achieve the best possible outcomes for our investors and members.

In this newly created role, you will have the opportunity to take ownership and shape its success, leveraging your deep technical expertise in AI alongside strong governance and risk management capabilities. As part of a global organization, you will collaborate closely with senior technology and business leaders across regions to establish robust and scalable AI foundations. You will exercise sound judgment to make risk-smart decisions that balance business objectives with the protection of client and company data. This pivotal role spans all aspects of AI—including risk management, architecture, infrastructure, enablement, model development, governance and validation, and third-party oversight—helping to drive responsible innovation and safeguard organizational interests.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of robust AI governance frameworks, policies, and procedures that enable responsible innovation and regulatory compliance across the enterprise. Oversee day-to-day AI governance operations, ensuring adherence to Vanguard's standards and proactively addressing compliance requirements and emerging risks.
• Coordinate approval processes for new AI initiatives, conduct risk assessments, and implement mitigation strategies. Partner with Cyber Security, Data Management, Privacy, and other key stakeholders to monitor AI usage and ensure projects meet regulatory and ethical requirements.
• Own and continuously enhance governance processes, including approval workflows and reporting mechanisms. Extend oversight beyond internal operations to include comprehensive monitoring of AI usage by third-party vendors, ensuring contractual compliance and alignment with Vanguard's ethical standards.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with internal business units and external suppliers, clearly communicating AI benefits and risks, and promoting a culture of responsible use across the organization.
• Collaborate across a global organisation and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring alignment of AI governance practices across geographies, business units, and functional domains.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner on AI matters, mentoring emerging talent and contributing to cross-functional initiatives that strengthen Vanguard's risk culture and AI governance capabilities.

Skills and experience:

• Deep experience in AI, governance frameworks, policies and risk management
• 5-7 years in AI or related fields such as enterprise governance, risk management or data governance
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, appropriate guard rails, ethical guidelines and regulatory considerations
• Exceptional organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to build deep relationships, develop others, and achieve results through influencing senior stakeholders, executive presentation and storytelling skills
• Exceptional ability to work quickly and independently with an outcome-oriented mindset, exacting attention to detail and sensitivity to deadlines
• Demonstrable and proven drive to continuously learn, grow and achieve in a high performing culture

Qualifications
 

• Bachelor's degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, Risk Management, or related field, advanced degree preferred.
• Certified AI Governance Professional (AIGP) or equivalent certification strongly preferred.

Inclusion Statement 

Vanguard's continued commitment to diversity and inclusion is firmly rooted in our culture. Every decision we make to best serve our clients, crew (internally employees are referred to as crew), and communities is guided by one simple statement: "Do the right thing." 

We believe that a critical aspect of doing the right thing requires building diverse, inclusive, and highly effective teams of individuals who are as unique as the clients they serve. We empower our crew to contribute their distinct strengths to achieving Vanguard's core purpose through our values. 

When all crew members feel valued and included, our ability to collaborate and innovate is amplified, and we are united in delivering on Vanguard's core purpose. 

Our core purpose: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. 

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.