At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI risk governance in Europe, ensuring compliance and efficiency in AI operations.
- 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 dynamic team committed to ethical AI practices and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI governance while collaborating with senior leaders across Europe.
- 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.
European AI Risk & Governance Lead in Manchester employer: Vanguard
Vanguard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London, Manchester, or Dublin that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance through our flexible hybrid model. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to responsible AI governance, where your contributions will directly impact our mission to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making across Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land European 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 applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, 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 candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace European AI Risk & Governance Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in AI risk governance. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your deep understanding of the EU AI Act and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can clearly articulate their knowledge and how it applies to our operations.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex concepts, as we value clarity in communication just as much as expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanguard
✨Know Your AI Risk Governance Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of AI risk governance, especially in relation to the EU AI Act. Brush up on how it impacts financial services and be ready to discuss how you can enhance governance processes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience working with senior stakeholders. Think of examples where you’ve influenced decision-making or collaborated across teams, as this role requires strong cross-functional integration.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your analytical and diagnostic skills. Prepare to discuss how you assess AI use cases, quantify value, and evaluate risks, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice distilling complex AI concepts into clear, actionable insights. This will help you impress during the interview, especially when discussing emerging AI risks and governance strategies.
