Head of HR Technology and Crew Systems

Vanguard is building the next generation of workforce experiences-where HR technology is not a back-office utility, but a trusted, intelligent platform that improves how work feels and flows for 20,000+ of crew members.

The Head of HR Technology and Crew Systems is a senior enterprise leadership role with end-to-end accountability for Vanguard's HR technology ecosystem. This leader will define the multi-year strategy, operating model, and execution discipline that power how Vanguard listens to its workforce, delivers HR services, enables leaders and managers, and responsibly applies automation and AI at scale.

This is a build-and-run role , not an implementation tour. The mandate is to turn ambition into durable capability-platforms that are simple to use, widely adopted, analytically rich, and reliable in a highly regulated environment.

If you've led large, complex HR technology platforms and want a seat where product thinking, enterprise impact, and modern technology leadership converge , this role offers both scale and influence.

Why This Role Exists Now

Vanguard is at an inflection point in how it supports its workforce:

• Expectations for consumer-grade digital experiences at work have accelerated.
• HR leaders and business executives need faster, clearer insight into talent, engagement, and organizational health.
• Automation and AI present real opportunities-but only if deployed responsibly, securely, and with measurable benefit.
• Scale and regulatory expectations demand discipline, governance, and trust, not experimentation without guardrails.
• The Head of Human Resources Technology will bring coherence to this moment-aligning platforms, data, and delivery models so HR technology becomes a strategic enabler of Vanguard's workforce strategy and enterprise priorities

What You Will Build and Deliver

This role is accountable for outcomes that are felt across the enterprise-not just systems that go live.

A Modern, Trusted HR Technology Platform

You will own the HR technology ecosystem end-to-end, including:

• Core HCM (Workday)
• HR service delivery and case management (e.g., ServiceNow HRSD)
• Talent and learning platforms
• The integration and data layer that connects them

Your mandate is simplification, standardization, and scalability-balancing local needs with enterprise consistency, regulatory requirements, and long-term sustainability.

Consumer-Grade Experiences with Enterprise Discipline

You will lead the evolution of how crew interact with HR-reducing friction, clicks, handoffs, and dead ends. Success shows up in higher self-service, faster resolution, and experiences people actually choose to use.

Enterprise Listening, Insight, and Data Enablement

You will strengthen Vanguard's ability to understand and respond to workforce sentiment and behavior-improving data quality, integration, and accessibility so HR insights can inform real decisions, while maintaining privacy and control.

Responsible Automation and AI at Scale

You will enable automation and AI use cases-digital assistants, coaching, knowledge experiences-that deliver measurable benefit and reduce cost-to-serve, with clear governance, transparency, and risk management baked in from day one.

A Disciplined Operating Model

You will define "how HR technology runs":

• Clear intake and prioritization
• Transparent trade-offs and roadmaps
• Predictable delivery and release discipline
• Strong vendor and financial stewardship
• Change and adoption as first-class responsibilities

Your Scope and Leadership Seat

• Organization: ~75 crew members across HR technology product, platform, and delivery teams
• Leadership Model: Director-level direct reports, including leaders of leaders
• Accountability: Platform performance, talent outcomes, budget stewardship, vendor spend, and value realization-often managed with a P\&L-like mindset
• Partnerships: Senior HR leaders, enterprise technology, cyber and risk, data and analytics, legal and privacy, and executive leadership

You will be expected to operate as an enterprise leader , not just a functional owner.

What Success Looks Like

• A trusted, visible multi-year roadmap with clear governance-leaders know what's coming and why.
• Measurable improvements in self-service, resolution time, and crew satisfaction.
• Strong adoption and stability across Workday and HR service delivery platforms.
• Tangible automation wins that reduce manual effort and cost-to-serve.
• Credible, controlled pathways for AI-enabled experiences with measurable impact.
• A high-performing leadership team that runs the platform with consistency and confidence.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years in HR technology, enterprise systems, or digital platforms, including 5+ years leading complex portfolios or transformations.
• Senior leadership of teams including leadership of leaders and their direct teams.
• Deep experience with enterprise HR platforms (e.g., Workday, ServiceNow), integrations, data frameworks, and SaaS ecosystems.
• Proven ability to set strategy, lead teams, manage platforms, and deliver measurable business and workforce impacts.
• Strong stakeholder partnership, communication, and vendor management skills.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MIS, HR Technology, or related field) preferred.
• Background in digital transformation, product management, enterprise architecture, or workflow automation a plus.

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.