Head of Brokerage Trade Operations

Vanguard Group; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking the Head of Brokerage Trade Operations to lead Margin, Securities Lending, and Asset Servicing for its retail broker-dealer. This executive role oversees risk management, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness across a broad set of high-risk functions with external regulators and counter parties.

The position requires deep experience in securities trading, strong leadership, and the ability to drive performance improvements while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Minimum fifteen years of related brokerage experience with progressive management responsibilities.
• Thorough understanding of securities trading, processing practices, organizations, and technology.
• FINRA Series 4, 7, 63, 24. May be asked to take Series 27.

Responsibilities

• Leads senior brokerage leaders and a staff of 65, providing strategic direction and performance management.
• Sets departmental goals and oversees offer pricing, product/service changes, and client experience investments.
• Ensures compliance with SEC, OCC, FINRA regulations and manages regulatory risk with Written Supervisory Procedures and controls.
• Manages external relationships with vendors, regulators, and market participants.
• Drives continuous process improvements using Lean, Agile, and Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic direction

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Securities trading knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

MBA preferred

Tools

Lean management

Agile

Six Sigma

Job description

Overview

The Head of Brokerage Trade Operations is responsible for leading Margin, Securities Lending, and Asset Servicing for Vanguard’s retail broker-dealer. This role oversees the operational effectiveness, risk management, and regulatory compliance of mission critical brokerage operations, while also supporting client segments with brokerage domain expertise. This includes representing Vanguard’s broker-dealer to regulators (e.g., FINRA, OCC) and overseeing numerous vendor and counterparty relationships. Additionally, the Head of Trade Operations is accountable for the strategy, design, optimation and growth of Margin and Fully Paid Lending products.

Responsibilities

• Serves as leader of senior brokerage leaders and staff of 65. Provides strategic direction, vision, and coaching. Effectively manages performance and actively develops direct reports. Manages staff, including cross-site leadership. Provides guidance, training and motivation as necessary to develop staff and meet project deliverables. Evaluates, hires, and counsels personnel. Follows corporate disciplinary procedures per established Vanguard standards as required. Per Vanguard standards, sets performance standards, reviews performance, provides feedback, and recommends wage increases in accordance with all applicable Human Resources policies and procedures
• Provides thought leadership, shapes and provides strategic direction, and sets departmental goals for Trade Operations and its associated products and services. Leads and works with internal partners on offer pricing, product / service changes, client experience investments, sales and marketing strategies, etc. Adapts goals and strategies as market structure and industry, operational methods and procedures, technology, business opportunities or regulations change.
• Leads and manages various brokerage functions (Margin, Securities Lending, Asset Servicing), oversees performance of operation, and ensures compliance with SEC, OCC, FINRA regulations. Reviews applicable current and future regulatory requirements and business risks in order to ensure effective supervision including Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs), operational procedures, and control mechanisms commensurate with changes in market regulation and the business environment. Represents the Retail B/D with external regulators and parties for some of Vanguard’s most specialized, complex, and highest risk functions.
• Manages relationships with external business partners, industry peers, counter parties and market participants. Represents the firm on industry groups and committees.
• Drives consistent improvement in core processes, including quality rates, improvements in flow of work, and productivity increases. Supports the incorporation of Lean, Agile, and Six Sigma Management into Trade Operations, including the use of modern operations tools to evaluate the health and performance of core processes. Partners with senior leadership across client segments and sales, operations, client experience, and marketing.
• Keeps current on market, regulatory, and industry events. Continuously expands knowledge of the business and brokerage industry; keeping current on the competition, including types and levels of services offered.
• Drives the development of the departmental strategic plan and budget. Sets and meets fiscal targets, allocates resources, and ensures the department operates within established budgetary guidelines.
• Positions oneself and develops a reputation as one of the primary leaders within the brokerage business and throughout the Vanguard organization.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. MBA preferred.
• Minimum of fifteen years of related brokerage experience, including progressive management responsibilities. Minimum eight years of supervisory experience in financial services.
• Thorough understanding of securities trading and processing practices, organizations, and technology. Detailed knowledge of the financial industry and street side operations specifically, including securities lending, securities borrowing, asset servicing, safekeeping, clearance and settlements, and the rules and regulations that govern them.
• FINRA Series 4, 7, 63, 24. May be asked to take Series 27.
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to communicate complex and technical topics in a simplified manner to senior audiences.
• The ability to demonstrate executive presence, collaborate cross-functionally, and influence others across the company.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and motivational skills. Ability to coach and develop senior managers and subject matter experts for professional development and career growth.
• Perspective, flexibility, and judgment to evaluate highly complex issues and make sound decisions.
• Track record of driving business profitability, product growth, and operational efficiency. Proven ability to improve the business through positive and productive change.

Special Factors

• 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.