Director - Head of Physical Security Intelligence and Investigations

Global Risk and Security (GR&S) at Vanguard enables business strategy, protects client and Vanguard interests (e.g., assets and data), and stewards a strong risk culture. Our teams leverage enterprise-wide insights, deep expertise, and trusted advice so that across Vanguard leaders and crew drive faster, stronger, risk-informed decisions.

Within GR&S, the Enterprise Security and Fraud (ES&F) sub-division is responsible for the global protection of Vanguard crew, property, data, and client assets. We are the trusted advisors that protect the pride of Vanguard with state-of-the-art security and fraud capabilities. We are a world-class destination of highly engaged, passionate, and diverse talent expected to continuously learn and develop in an ever-changing security landscape.

Our crew are our greatest resource – by joining our team you will build collaborative long-term relationships and enjoy a suite of benefits that includes comprehensive health and wellness care, work-life balance, and an investment in your future at its core.

This role requires a leader with a proven record of managing multidisciplinary teams across global jurisdictions, strong executive communication skills, and the ability to synthesize intelligence, investigations, and risk assessments into strategic security guidance. The Director will act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and drive interagency collaboration with government, law enforcement, and private sector partners.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and oversee a global physical security investigation and intelligence program aligned to enterprise risk priorities.
• Serve as the senior advisor to executive leadership on emerging threats, geopolitical risks, and physical-cyber convergence issues.
• Establish and enforce policies, standards, and procedures that strengthen organizational resilience across facilities, employees, and critical assets

Investigations & Risk Management

• Direct and manage high-stakes investigations into threats, incidents, or vulnerabilities involving employees, facilities, or third parties.
• Apply advanced intelligence tradecraft and investigative methodologies to complex cases.
• Conduct and present enterprise risk assessments, ensuring findings are translated into actionable mitigation strategies.

Intelligence & Analysis

• Lead the production of high-quality intelligence assessments, situation reports, and strategic analysis for executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.
• Monitor global developments (political, security, cyber, and criminal trends) and assess their potential impact on enterprise operations.
• Integrate intelligence from open sources, government channels, and industry partners into a comprehensive threat picture.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison with U.S. and international intelligence and law enforcement partners (e.g., FBI, DHS, Interpol, local police).
• Represent the company in interagency forums and industry working groups on security intelligence and investigations.
• Manage sensitive relationships with senior internal stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and trusted advisory support.

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global team of investigators and intelligence analysts.
• Instill a culture of critical thinking, analytical rigor, and professional tradecraft.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with cyber security, insider threat, crisis management, and corporate communications teams.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required (International Relations, Security Studies, Criminal Justice, or related field); Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional Experience:
• Core Competencies:
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive experience in national security, intelligence, corporate security, or law enforcement, with at least 7 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated global lens with direct experience managing international investigations or intelligence programs.
• Proven expertise briefing senior executives, boards, or government leaders on complex security and intelligence matters.
• Direct experience collaborating with U.S. Intelligence Community, FBI, or allied security agencies.
• Background in policy development and application of intelligence to risk management.
• Mastery of intelligence tradecraft, investigative methodologies, and interagency coordination.
• Strong written communication skills with a record of publishing strategic assessments or policy guidance.
• Executive presence and stakeholder management ability.
• Critical thinking and structured analysis skills.
• Knowledge of physical and cyber security convergence, insider threats, and corporate risk management frameworks.

Desired Attributes

• Strategic, innovative thinker with the ability to anticipate threats and drive proactive mitigation.
• Highly skilled communicator who can distill complexity into executive-ready products.
• Collaborative leader who thrives in cross-functional and interagency environments.
• Culturally agile, with sensitivity to operating across global geographies and diverse workforces.

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.