At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI risk governance and ensure compliance with EU regulations while enhancing operational efficiency.
- Company: Vanguard, a leader in financial services with a focus on responsible AI adoption.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to ethical AI practices and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI governance in Europe and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in AI transformation, risk management, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London, Manchester or Dublin
Working Model: 3 days per week in office (Tues-Thurs), 2 days flexibility (Mon, Fri)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced lead for the AI Risk Governance function within the European Risk division. This role is responsible for accelerating Vanguard’s ability to safely and responsibly scale AI across the European division. The leader will partner with AI Enablement teams in Operations and Technology to ensure prioritized AI use cases are governed in line with Risk Appetite and regulatory compliance. The leader will engage with senior stakeholders locally, such as the European Leadership Team, and globally, such as partners in Legal and Compliance, to ensure clarity around risks, governance processes, controls and guardrails. The AI Risk Governance Lead, Europe will enhance the current design of AI Risk Governance in Europe to ensure the systems, people and processes are working optimally to balance efficiency and speed with security and control. This includes ensuring risk governance supports the region’s readiness for the EU AI Act. Reporting directly to the CRO for Europe, the role will have a dotted line into the Global Head of AI Risk Governance to ensure consistent practices across Vanguard which are adequate to meet EU regional requirements. This role plays a critical part in Vanguard Europe’s ambition to increase operational efficiency, accelerate decision‑making, and enhance the productivity of all crew through responsible and scalable AI adoption.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Europe’s AI risk governance framework, ensuring alignment with enterprise policies and regulatory standards including the EU AI Act.
- Own and continuously enhance governance processes, including approval workflows and reporting mechanisms.
- Oversee day‑to‑day AI risk governance operations, including chairing the European AI Governance Committee, managing reporting and escalation to the European Risk & Compliance Committee (ERCC); conducting risk assessments; and advising business AI use case owners on risk mitigation strategies.
- Support Compliance in responding to regulatory queries and data requests on AI governance.
- Maintain AI governance artifacts in an audit‑ready state.
- Partner with the Head of AI Enablement, Europe to ensure the governance process is efficient and scaled to support the activation, prioritization and scaling of AI in business.
- Ensure Europe’s AI risk posture is aligned to risk appetite and well‑understood by business stakeholders, contributing to the efficient operation of AI governance in Europe.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CRO, Europe and team on AI matters, contributing to cross‑functional initiatives that strengthen Vanguard’s risk culture and AI capabilities.
- Provide clear, outcome‑based insight to senior leadership on emerging AI risks, headwinds and tailwinds in the European environment.
Cross‑Functional Integration & Global Collaboration
- Serve as Europe’s primary connection to the global AI Risk Governance team sitting in the GR&S Privacy, Records, AI and Data Governance (PRAD) team; sharing insights, aligning standards, and adopting enterprise‑wide tooling.
- Support European Risk & Compliance Committee (ERCC) in its oversight of AI Risk Governance, including periodic updates to the European Leadership Team and Boards; elevating exceptions or risk acceptance for high‑risk activities, breaches or compliance issues, or any other risk matters before the issue becomes a significant concern.
- Support the European Third‑Party Risk Management (TPRM) function to embed AI risk governance standards for third parties, ensuring contractual compliance and alignment with Vanguard’s AI standards.
Key Capabilities
- Deep expertise in AI‑enabled transformation and risk management.
- Strong understanding of the EU AI Act, model risk, data governance, and regulatory considerations relevant to AI in financial services.
- Proven ability to govern AI in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments; balancing efficiency, control, and business value.
- Strong analytical and diagnostic skills; able to assess use cases, quantify value, and evaluate risk implications.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders across technology, operations, risk, and business units.
- Excellent executive communication and synthesis ability; able to distil complex AI concepts into clear, actionable insights.
- A forward‑looking, innovative mindset with a strong commitment to responsible and ethical AI adoption.
Special Factors
Both technology and risk management skillsets are required for applicants for this role. This position is hybrid and would require you to be in the office three days per week.
AI Risk Governance Lead in Manchester employer: Vanguard
Vanguard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London, Manchester, or Dublin, where innovation meets responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration with senior leadership on impactful AI initiatives. Our inclusive culture fosters teamwork and creativity, ensuring that every crew member contributes to our mission of safe and scalable AI adoption while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Risk Governance Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how you fit into their vision, especially around AI governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces!
We think you need these skills to ace AI Risk Governance Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the AI Risk Governance Lead role. Highlight your experience in AI risk management and governance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant regulatory knowledge, especially around the EU AI Act.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about AI governance and how your skills align with our mission at Vanguard. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in managing relationships across different teams. Share examples of how you've influenced decision-making in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to track your application status directly. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanguard
✨Know Your AI Risk Governance Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the AI Risk Governance framework and the EU AI Act. Familiarise yourself with Vanguard’s approach to risk management and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for safe and responsible AI scaling.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in collaborating with senior stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced decision-making or navigated complex, multi-stakeholder environments, as this role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your analytical and diagnostic skills. Prepare to discuss specific use cases you've assessed, how you quantified value, and the risk implications you identified. This will show that you can balance efficiency with control.
✨Emphasise Ethical AI Adoption
Vanguard is committed to responsible AI adoption, so highlight your forward-thinking mindset and any initiatives you've led or participated in that promote ethical AI practices. This will resonate well with their values and mission.
