Overview

At Vanguard, our core purpose is to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. We put our investors first in all we do, and because of it, our clients have entrusted $12 trillion of their hard-earned savings to us.
Within the Vanguard Workplace Solutions (our Institutional Division), we manage $2.6 trillion in assets, providing institutional clients, plan sponsors, and participants with recordkeeping, investment, and advice services, in defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s. We operate as a team to deliver the best that Vanguard has to offer across recordkeeping, investments, advice, and products—to all clients, across all channels.
This role is responsible for the West territory’s book of business that consists of $200 million - $1 billion plan sponsor client relationships where Vanguard has a recordkeeping and/or investment relationship.

Summary

As the Relationship Manager, Specialist you will serve as the strategic lead and primary point of contact for Vanguard’s most complex and high‑value recordkeeping and investment‑only client relationships. In this role, you will provide expert consultation on service enhancements, guide clients through critical operational and strategic decisions, and ensure consistently exceptional experience. You will be responsible for cultivating long‑term partnerships built on trust, proactive engagement, and deep industry expertise, relationships that are essential to Vanguard’s continued growth and client loyalty.

What it takes

• Manages Vanguard’s most complex recordkeeping and investment‑only plan sponsor relationships by applying a deep understanding of client history, strategic priorities, and evolving needs. Identifies opportunities to elevate the client experience, enhance service delivery, and strengthen loyalty through proactive, best‑in‑class consultative guidance.

• Proactively assesses client needs through ongoing strategic planning and high‑value consultations. Recommends service, operational, and process enhancements, partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless recordkeeping execution. Clearly articulates recommendations to senior client decision makers to drive informed outcomes.

• Leads the resolution of complex client issues related to products, services, and processes. Develops and implements creative, forward‑looking solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and reinforce Vanguard’s reputation for excellence.

• Engages key internal subject matter experts and leverages an extensive internal network to design tailored service solutions for clients. Facilitates cross‑functional collaboration and shared ownership to deliver integrated, client‑centric outcomes.

• Maintains expert‑level knowledge of Vanguard funds, products, services, and competitive positioning. Applies deep investment expertise to provide long‑term strategic guidance and reinforce Vanguard as the provider of choice, driving sustained partnership and loyalty.

• Contributes to enterprise initiatives, participates in special projects, and performs additional responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years related work experience. Three years experience in Financial Services and Relationship Management preferred.

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred.

• This job requires a regulatory license and/or registration (e.g. FINRA, state, SFC). In particular the 6 & 63 will be required.

• Recordkeeping (retirement plan administration) savvy is required.

• Demonstrated ability to develop senior/executive level relationships, navigate sophisticated organizations, and manage ambiguity.

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Travel requirement: 25-50%

Special Factors

• Existing recordkeeping client relationships and connectivity in the assigned region is a plus.
• Investment competence is 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.