Head of Trading & Execution, Global Investment Management & Finance Systems

Vanguard

Vanguard

Accounting & Finance

Malvern, PA, USA

Posted on May 18, 2026
The Opportunity

Vanguard is seeking a Head of Trading & Execution within the Global Investment Management & Finance Systems (GIFS) to define the future of trading and execution technology for one of the world’s leading investment firms. This senior, front-office executive will set the enterprise agenda across multi-asset execution, leading the modernization of Vanguard’s order management and trading ecosystem while advancing greater scale, standardization, and innovation.

What You’ll Do


  • Define Vanguard’s enterprise execution strategy and multi-year roadmap across order management and trading for all asset classes, including automation and emerging technologies.
  • Serve as a trusted partner to Investment Management Group (IMG) leadership, portfolio managers, traders, and quants, translating business needs into solutions and influencing direction when needed.
  • Lead the evolution of multi-asset order management, trading platforms, and execution venues across vendor and proprietary solutions, including performance oversight and issue remediation.
  • Partner across data and middle- and back-office teams to standardize workflows, data models, and controls across asset classes and regions.
  • Establish governance for execution platforms, including change, risk, and control frameworks, in partnership with Risk, Compliance, and Legal.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while fostering responsible innovation, psychological safety, and measurable delivery.
  • Own budget, prioritization, and multi-year strategic planning.
  • Represent GIFS in senior forums, steering committees, and enterprise councils.


What It Takes


  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related quantitative field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 15+ years of software development leadership experience in investment management, trading, or broader financial services.
  • Proven success building and leading large-scale order management and trading platforms within top-tier asset managers, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, or investment banks.
  • Deep, hands-on understanding of multi-asset execution workflows across equities, fixed income, and FX; private assets experience is a plus.
  • Track record of partnering with senior leaders across Investment Management, Data, Finance, and Technology to deliver scalable, differentiated solutions.
  • A strong people leader with the ability to attract, develop, and retain high-performing talent while fostering an inclusive, high-accountability culture.


Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At 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 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.