The Business Manager – Vanguard Ireland Executive Office plays a critical role in supporting the effective leadership, governance, and external positioning of Vanguard’s Ireland platform. Reporting into the Ireland Executive Office and working closely with the Ireland CEO, this role sits at the centre of governance and oversight, crew and culture, and market engagement.
The role combines rigorous executive‑office management (board materials, governance cadence, standards and discipline) with country‑level business support, acting as a trusted partner to the Ireland CEO in running the day‑to‑day rhythm of the Ireland organisation and representing Vanguard professionally across internal and external forums.
Working with the Ireland CEO and Executive Office
The role works in close partnership with the Ireland CEO (currently Lisa Harlow) and her Executive Office. The Business Manager acts as an extension of the CEO’s office — ensuring priorities are executed, governance is tight, and the Ireland platform presents with clarity, professionalism, and credibility internally and externally.
Core Responsibilities
Governance, Oversight & Executive Office Standards
- Own the end‑to‑end preparation of board and committee materials, including agendas, board packs, minutes, and action tracking, ensuring high standards of quality, accuracy, and consistency.
- Build and maintain a disciplined governance cadence across Ireland legal entities, committees, and executive forums.
- Act as a gatekeeper for executive‑office documentation, setting and enforcing standards on content, format, and readiness.
- Track decisions, actions, and follow‑ups arising from boards and senior forums, ensuring closure and accountability.
Country & Crew Leadership Support
- Support the practical “running of the country” on behalf of the Ireland CEO, including:
- Engagement with crew networks and resource groups
- Hosting and coordination of senior visitors
- Act as facilitator across senior leaders in Ireland, helping ensure alignment, communication flow, and visibility of priorities.
Market & External Engagement - Support and prepare the Ireland CEO for external engagement including meetings with:
- Central Bank of Ireland
- Government and political stakeholders
- Industry bodies and market forums
- Prepare high‑quality briefing materials, talking points, and follow‑ups for external meetings.
- Where appropriate, represent Vanguard physically in Dublin and the Irish market, strengthening Vanguard’s profile and relationships.
Business Management & Execution
- Translate strategic priorities into practical execution plans, tracking progress and surfacing risks or gaps.
- Operate confidently across a matrix environment, coordinating with European leadership, global functions, and Ireland legal‑entity stakeholders.
- Be prepared to pivot across tasks — from detailed document review to senior‑level preparation — while maintaining consistently high standards.
Experience & Profile
- Strong experience in an executive office, business management, chief‑of‑staff, or governance‑focused role within a regulated or complex organisation.
- Demonstrated capability in governance, board support, and executive‑level administration, with genuine attention to detail.
- Comfortable operating as a trusted partner to a senior executive, balancing discretion with constructive challenge.
- Experience in financial services, regulation, or a highly regulated environment strongly preferred.
- Credible communicator with the judgement to engage confidently with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Willingness to be hands‑on: this is not a purely strategic or purely administrative role
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.
