Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management companies, seeks a Head of Product Development, Americas to be responsible for the leadership and development of the Portfolio Review Department (PRD) function of Vanguard’s Americas (Canada, Latin America, Caribbean and Offshore) businesses.  The incumbent will support the ongoing oversight and management of primarily Vanguard Canada’s existing line-up of investment products and to support new investment product development and implementation. Will also continue to build, develop, and manage the Canadian ETF Capital Markets Team and perform relationship management functions with market makers.  Provide product technical support to sales, marketing, and other client facing functions.  Provide strategic plan for Canadian product platforms and represent Latin America, Caribbean and Offshore product needs related to the U.S. and UCITS product platforms and potentially new local products.

Your primary duties and responsibilities:

Manages staff. Provides guidance, training and motivation as necessary to develop staff. Hires, evaluates and counsels managers and crew.  Follows corporate disciplinary procedures per established Vanguard standards as required.  Sets performance standards, reviews performance, provides feedback, and recommends wage increases in accordance with all applicable Human Resources policies and procedures.
Provides leadership and maintenance of a clear investment product strategy across the Americas business consistent with Vanguard’s global product framework.  Develops and implements product development strategies, training, tools, processes, measurement techniques and post launch analysis.
Conducts efficient and thorough analyses of investment product issues confronting Vanguard’s product line-up.  Leverages and manages cross-functional teams as required.  Prepares and presents strategic analysis, findings, and recommendations to senior management at various forums.
Ensures product range meets regulatory requirements and is updated according to market needs.  Maintains a significant awareness of the market and the impact of future regulatory, technological and economic developments. Uses this awareness to inform the strategic development of the business.  Helps shape and influence regulatory issues relating to the investment management industry.
Develops and maintains key internal stakeholder relationships across the organisation including U.S. PRD, International PRD, investment teams, ETF capital markets teams, sales teams, client groups, legal, compliance and finance. Serves as a relationship manager where appropriate for outside vendor/partner relationships.  Coordinates contract development, service level agreements and manages contractual arrangements.
Contributes significantly to strategic and fiscal planning and budgeting for the business, especially in forecasting new business growth and revenue, as a member of the Management Team in Canada and the Americas Management Team.  Participates and actively contributes to the annual business planning process and long-term strategic direction for Canada.
Implements a product and proposition development framework to ensure timely, compliant delivery of the products needed to meet business objectives.
Collaborates with Vanguard colleagues globally to optimise resource and knowledge to best effect.  Collaborates effectively with other senior leaders at the department, division and corporate levels to raise awareness and integrate growth objectives for the Americas into the initiatives shared by each respective partner.
Partners with Marketing to ensure brand consistent product positing for marketing activities. Acts as a spokesperson for the business with press and industry liaison points. Presents at industry conferences.  Presents to clients and prospects, and works with senior management and sales on client meetings.
Maintains an in-depth understanding of compliance and risk, regulatory and departmental policies and procedures as these elements relate to the product development process for the Canadian business.
Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate should possess:

Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience (MBA / CFA desirable as well).
Minimum of five years business experience, including relevant experience in strategy including a technical discipline relevant to investment product management.
Exceptional people leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of regulatory framework for investment products, particularly managed funds and ETFs.
Strong investment acumen and familiarity with Vanguard’s investment product line-up and an in-depth understanding of the principles of asset management and the overall investment markets.
Strong problem-solving, leadership and analytical capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation skills to senior management.
Excellent project management and prioritisation skills.
Ability to travel initially up to 25%.

TO APPLY:

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, please forward your resume to:

E-mail: lauren_stern@vanguard.com