About this role
Lead Vanguard's Behavioral Economics and Retirement research in Europe to establish Vanguard as the authoritative global voice on retail investors-shaping industry thinking, informing policy, and driving better financial outcomes for investors worldwide.
Lead Vanguard's Behavioral Economics and Retirement research in Europe to establish Vanguard as the authoritative global voice on retail investors-shaping industry thinking, informing policy, and driving better financial outcomes for investors worldwide.
This role combines thought leadership, people leadership, and business influence. You will set the research agenda, lead a high-performing team, and translate insights into tangible impact across Vanguard's products, advice, and client experience
What you will do:
1) Set the research agenda and drive insight
Define and execute a multi-year research strategy across behavioral economics and retirementIdentify high-impact questions at the frontier of:Retail investor behavior and decision-makingRetirement accumulation and decumulationLeverage large-scale administrative, market, and survey data to produce breakthrough insightsPosition Vanguard research at the intersection of data, policy, and client outcomes 2) Lead and develop a best-in-class team
Build and lead a multi-disciplinary research team (economists, data scientists, policy researchers)Coach and develop talent, creating a strong pipeline of future leadersSet a high bar for intellectual rigor, storytelling, and impactFoster a culture of ownership, innovation, and collaboration across regions (US, UK, Europe, AUS) 3) Translate research into business impact
Partner with senior stakeholders in the UK and Continental Europe across:Investment Strategy GroupProduct and MarketingPublic PolicyTurn research findings into actionable recommendations that influence:Product design (e.g., retirement solutions)Advice frameworks and client experiencesBusiness strategy and positioningEnsure research outputs translate into measurable investor outcomes 4) Serve as a public voice for Vanguard
Act as a senior spokesperson for Vanguard on retail investor topicsEngage regularly with:Financial press and mediaPolicymakers and regulatorsIndustry bodies and conferencesDeliver compelling, plain-language narratives that reinforce Vanguard's missionBuild Vanguard's brand as the trusted authority on retail investors globally 5) Influence policy and industry direction
Lead research that informs debates on:Retirement systems and policy (e.g. savings, defaults and decumulation)Investor protection and behavioral designCollaborate with internal and external partners to shape policy outcomesEnsure Vanguard has a clear, evidence-based voice in public discourse What success looks like (12-24 months)
Vanguard is recognized as the go-to authority on retirement and investor behavior Research directly shapes:At least 2-3 major product, advice, or policy decisionsStrong pipeline of externally visible thought leadership (press, conferences, policymaker engagement)A high-performing, engaged team with clear succession depthClear integration of research into client-facing insights and actions What it takes:
Experience
10+ years of experience in:Economics, behavioral science, finance, or public policyProven track record of:Leading teams and complex research programsPublishing impactful research using large datasetsExperience engaging with media, policymakers, or industry audiences Capabilities
Strategic leadership: ability to set a vision and mobilize teams around itResearch excellence: rigorous analytical and empirical skillsStorytelling & influence: translate complex insights into compelling narrativesStakeholder leadership: ability to shape decisions across senior business partnersExternal presence: credible, confident spokesperson in public forums Education
Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in economics, finance, public policy, or related field preferred Special Factors
European Designations: Certified, MiFiD II, T&C. Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.This position is hybrid and would require you to work in the office location Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 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.