The Team

Vanguard’s purpose is to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly and to give them the best chance of investment success.

With a rapidly growing business in Europe, we are seeking a commercially minded, experienced Compliance professional to partner with Vanguard’s Portfolio Review Department (PRD), with a primary focus on product development and ensuring that existing funds remain compliant throughout the funds lifecycle.

PRD is responsible for overseeing Vanguard’s 400-plus mutual funds, ETFs, and their investment advisors worldwide. Our European product offering currently consists of more than 100 UCITS mutual funds and ETFs. PRD is also responsible for developing the optimal fund lineup for investors, as well as analysing the health, usage, and competitive landscape of Vanguard’s mutual funds and ETFs while supporting clients and crew by serving as specialised product experts.

The Role

We’re growing across Europe and looking for a Compliance Specialist to join our Product Compliance Advisory team. You’ll work closely with Vanguard’s European Product team, delivering practical, forward‑thinking advice on governance, regulatory and conduct matters that support our strategic priorities.

Based in London, you’ll collaborate with colleagues across Europe and join an experienced team reporting to the Head of Investments and Product Compliance.

As part of the second line of defence, you’ll advise across the full lifecycle of our European products—including Irish and UK funds and ETFs—covering research, launches, product changes, governance and policy development.

We’re seeking someone with investment‑management experience, strong technical insight, and the ability to provide commercial, value‑adding compliance guidance while building trusted partnerships.

In this role you will

Provide PRD with guidance and advice in relation to Vanguard products (Vanguard is a product manufacturer for UK and Irish authorized funds funds)
Build and maintain stakeholder relationships with colleagues in the Compliance Product Team (PRD), PRD, and other members of the Office of the General Counsel (Compliance, Legal, Investment Stewardship and Government Relations) and other teams supporting the operations of Vanguard’s funds
Provide specific regulatory advice at the early stage of research initiatives taking into consideration fund structures, target markets, costs and charges, distribution strategy, information required by distributors and our vulnerable customer and Consumer Duty responsibilities
Provide advice on the anticipation, impact assessment and response to regulatory developments
Design and deliver effective regulatory training initiatives to the business
Maintain a deep knowledge and awareness of the investment industry, especially in areas of consumer duty, AoV and PROD. Stay abreast of current market trends, regulatory and industry relevant news
Contribute to the creation of management reporting and communication on Compliance matters to senior management, business stakeholders, Boards and governance bodies such as Oversight Committees

What it takes

Significant related work experience, within an asset management compliance function, with a preference for Fixed Income desk coverage
A curious mindset, commercial, tenacious, lateral thinking and relationship orientated
Strong knowledge of FCA Handbook (especially around PROD) and CBI requirements in relation to UCITS product regulation
Understanding and awareness of product governance requirements for distributors
Understanding of FCA consumer duty, SDR, requirements and SFDR and ESG regulation more broadly distribution areas
Strong knowledge of UCITS (specific focus on Irish and UK requirements), and UK AiFs
Ability to develop a broad understanding of Vanguard’s business and the investment industry (including understanding of ETF funds)
Positive relationship management skills, including ability to interact with individuals at various levels both internally and outside the company
Ability to manage multiple and diverse responsibilities and keeping to deadlines
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills; ability to analyse and respond to issues

Special Factors

Vanguard is not offering sponsorship for this position
This is a hybrid position and would require you to work in the office 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)

This role encompasses activities that fall within the remit of UK Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) regulation. The successful candidate will therefore be subject to UK regulatory requirements in relation to conduct rules, regulatory references and the assessment of fitness and propriety, knowledge, experience and competence. Where appropriate, the role may also be subject to approval by the UK FCA.

Why Vanguard?

Vanguard is a different kind of investment company. It was founded in the United States in 1975 on a simple but revolutionary idea: that an investment company should manage its funds solely in the interests of its clients.

This is a philosophy that has helped millions of people around the world to achieve their goals with low-cost, uncomplicated investments.

It's what we stand for: value to investors.

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

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity

Vanguard is an equal opportunity employer. Vanguard is committed to providing all crew members a working environment that is free from discrimination, prejudice and bias. Through this Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy, Vanguard reaffirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and crew members without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status. In addition, Vanguard prohibits discrimination based on genetic information, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Vanguard. Please inform careers@vanguard.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

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.

Senior Compliance Advisor – Portfolio Review Department

Job Description