COO of India

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the entity’s operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance and strategic alignment across functions. This role plays a critical part in managing real estate and facilities, risk and compliance, vendor relationships and government and industry interactions. The COO will drive operational excellence, optimize resource utilization and implement process improvements to enhance business performance

About Vanguard

Founded in 1975, Vanguard is one of the world's leading investment management companies. The firm offers investments, advice, and retirement services to tens of millions of individual investors around the globe—directly, through workplace plans, and through financial intermediaries.

Vanguard’s India Office

Vanguard’s office in India is a significant milestone in our global expansion. We are committed to establishing an enduring technology center in Hyderabad, Telangana and are excited to be adding talent who will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobile, and cloud-based technologies that drive our business outcomes and deliver a world-class experience for our clients.

Role Summary :

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Vanguard India Office will be instrumental in building and scaling Vanguard’s Technology functions. This individual will own key enterprise-enabling functions, including Finance, Tax, Procurement, Real Estate, and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). Success in this role requires exceptional operational expertise, deep understanding of enabling technology functions, global stakeholder dynamics, and the ability to foster a purpose-led, inclusive culture rooted in Vanguard’s mission.

Responsibilities :

Enterprise Execution & Operational Excellence :

Demonstrated experience in standing up, scaling, and running high-performing global capability centers in India.

Capable of implementing enterprise-grade governance structures, defining performance KPIs, and managing cost and quality of service delivery across multiple functions.

Brings rigor to vendor management, procurement processes, and shared services efficiency.

Strategic Thinking & Global Alignment :

Translate a global enterprise’s long-term strategy into local priorities, execution roadmaps, and operational capabilities.

Understands how to deliver scalable impact while evolving the India GCC’s role from execution support to a true value creator.

Leadership & People Management :

Builds strong leadership teams, drives collaboration, and empowers teams through accountability and autonomy.

Models Vanguard's servant leadership philosophy with humility and a people-first mindset.

Drives internal talent mobility, development, and succession planning at all levels.

Cross-Cultural & Global Stakeholder Management :

Experienced in working with global business leaders across multiple geographies.

Demonstrates high emotional intelligence, communication agility, and cultural sensitivity.

Ability to influence without authority in a matrixed environment and keep global partners informed without surprises.

Culture Building & Stewardship :

Serves as a visible and intentional culture carrier who balances Vanguard's global values with a locally resonant identity.

Promotes inclusion, psychological safety, and a sense of belonging.

Leads by example, emphasizing integrity, long-term thinking, and the mission to stand up for all investors.

Risk, Compliance & Governance Acumen :

Deep familiarity with India's regulatory, tax, labor, and compliance landscape.

Experience working with legal, finance, and HR functions to ensure compliance, manage operational risk, and mitigate permanent establishment (PE) exposure.

Digital & Operational Literacy :

Understands the role of digital tools, automation, and data analytics in modern operations.

Partners effectively with cross-functional stakeholders to digitize operations and scale with efficiency.

Qualifications :

Minimum 18 years of relevant experience in India office operations, preferably in a COO or senior leadership role.

Master’s in Business Administration or equivalent advanced degree from a reputed institution.

Experience in working with US-based multinational corporations (MNCs) in a matrix environment.

Has built or scaled a global capability center or operations hub in India (preferably 1000+ headcount).

Led cross-functional corporate services teams including Finance, Procurement, Real Estate, and Legal / Compliance.

Operated in a matrixed environment with dual reporting lines and strong collaboration with global stakeholders.

Worked in or with regulated industries (e.g., financial services, insurance, technology) and understands enterprise risk management.

Played a key role in establishing governance frameworks, corporate secretarial responsibilities, or board-level reporting in India.

Relevant Accreditation & Certification related to corporate governance and secretarial functions.

Demonstrated experience leading transformation or change management initiatives across business operations.

Established a strong local leadership team and helped shape culture in a new or growing market.

Expertise in compliance, risk management and strategic vendor management.

Strong financial and analytical skills to support business decision-making.

Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Location

This role is based in Hyderabad, Telangana at Vanguard’s India office. Only qualified external applicants will be considered.

Our mission

Vanguard adheres to a simple purpose : To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success.

Our commitment to you

Vanguard takes the same long-term view of your success—at work and in life—with Benefits and Rewards packages that reflect what you care about, throughout all the phases and stages of your life. Our Total Rewards programs provide you and your loved ones with wellness support for key areas in your life :

Financial wellness

We're committed to enabling your financial success and provide competitive offers and programs.

Physical wellness

We're committed to providing benefits that support your physical health and wellness.

Personal wellness

We're committed to providing resources that help support the full scope of your life.

How we work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for most of our employees (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.