Head of Data Science

The Center for Analytics and Insights (CAI) at Vanguard is an enterprise center of excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Advanced Analytics transforming how data, analytics and AI/ML are used to support strategic decisions and serve Vanguard’s clients. The CAI’s mission is to apply innovative analytical approaches to help tackle complex and strategically important problems facing Vanguard’s businesses and clients; to develop differentiated business and product capabilities for Vanguard through the application of AI/ML, and to support, and enable, the entire organization to adopt and apply AI/ML at large scale to drive business results.

The Head of Data Science & Machine Learning will play a key role and be responsible for managing an agile team of approximately 70 data scientists and engineers who are aligned with our Personal Investor division, within the Center for Analytics and Insights. They are driving analytic innovation and application of AI / ML solutions to help the business better serve clients, deepen client relationships, improve client outcomes, attract new clients, and continuously improve Vanguard's products and services, sales and marketing performance, and operational efficiency. The future incumbent will be a highly innovative, strategic leader who prioritizes developing talent, consulting with business leaders across the organization, and inform business strategy decisions which would evolve the practice area.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the data scientist and data engineering staff within the Center for Analytics and Insights (CAI). Hires, evaluates and counsels employees. Mentors the team in analytics—big data, predictive modeling, prescriptive analytics, AI/Machine Learning (ML), etc.
• Develops and implements operational plans to achieve CAI departmental objectives. Works with senior management in planning, developing, and executing short and long-range goals.
• Engages with senior business unit leaders, project sponsors and stakeholders to understand their business priorities and initiatives. Identifies and educates on where and how data science can provide the best insights and add the most value.
• Leads the DS&ML team in conducting business unit projects to provide insight into investor needs and behaviors. Identifies opportunities through development and deployment of data science, AI/ML capabilities for business growth, client loyalty and retention, personalized client experience, new product and services development, and business operational efficiencies.
• Ensures rigorous application of controls throughout data science project lifecycle to minimize model risks, comply with external and internal model governance requirements.
• Builds, manages and develops a strong team of data scientists and engineers. Establishes a culture of innovation, agility, continuous improvement, openness and caring. Builds strong talent pipelines and succession plans, partnering with HR, external partnerships, and internal analytics community.
• Drives creative and innovative data science / machine learning / AI applications and results. Keeps abreast of industry, market and company trends, and partners with business leaders to champion the adoption of new data, analytic approaches, techniques and capabilities.
• Guides business partners on the interpretation, implications and use of data science results. Prepares and delivers presentations that translate analytic insights into tangible, actionable solutions for business partners to implement.
• Measures and quantifies the business impact of DS/ML solutions. Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and to increase team effectiveness. Leads initiatives to achieve the improvements.
• Builds deep expertise in Vanguard's data and external data. Consults on this knowledge and applies it to complex analytic projects. Identifies data and analytic tool gaps by working with other CAI teams, business partners and IT, and recommends corrective action.
• Elevates the stature of Analytics - helps grow the organization's appreciation for, and use of, advanced analytics.
• Works closely with Internal stakeholders Including the Executive Team, Business Unit Leaders, Head of Research, IT leadership and other CAI colleagues.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders such as leading universities, third-party data providers and Data Analytics thought leaders.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of work experience in advanced analytics functions, rooted in data science, financial services industry experience a plus
• Proven track record leading the development and delivery of advanced, actionable data science, Machine Learning / AI products and services
• Deep experience in applied math / statistical techniques, Machine Learning methods and applications in artificial intelligence
• Strong computer skills including Python, R. Familiarity with Cloud based, open-source computing based technology platforms
• A history of engaging constituencies (at various levels, across functions, and from different cultures) in systematic dialogues, ultimately yielding powerful new insights that informs future analysis and recommendations
• Excellent problem-solving skills; demonstrated success structuring the quantitative and qualitative analysis of complex problems, resourceful at gathering data, and proficient at developing actionable plans that address client’s core needs
• Experience managing consulting engagements to understand business opportunities and challenges, translating needs into analytic projects, and applying results into actionable plans and recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, mentor and develop talent, build teams, and create a culture of collaboration and teamwork that fosters open communication and rigorous analysis
• Successful at delivering results in large, matrixed, service-oriented organizations
• History of building organizational capabilities—record of introducing best practices and successfully building the infrastructure (people, process, and technology) that facilitate growth; proven ability of engaging and enrolling stakeholders in new ideas
• Past success identifying emerging technologies and trends and developing innovative solutions that added significant value to a company and customers

Special Factors

Sponsorship

About Vanguard

We are Vanguard. Together, we’re changing the way the world invests.

For us, investing doesn’t just end in value. It starts with values. Because when you invest with courage, when you invest with clarity, and when you invest with care, you can get so much more in return. We invest with purpose – and that’s how we’ve become a global market leader. Here, we grow by doing the right thing for the people we serve. And so can you.

We want to make success accessible to everyone. This is our opportunity. Let’s make it count.

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.