Head of Behavioral Economics and Retirement Research

Vanguard · London, United Kingdom · United Kingdom

Lead Vanguard’s Behavioral Economics & Retirement research team in London. Shape industry policy, drive product impact, and speak on behalf of Vanguard worldwide.

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Lead Vanguard’s Behavioral Economics & Retirement research team in London.

Shape industry policy, drive product impact, and speak on behalf of Vanguard worldwide.

Lead Vanguard’s Behavioral Economics and Retirement research in Europe to establish Vanguard as the authoritative global voice on retail investors—shaping industry thinking, informing policy, and driving better financial outcomes for investors worldwide.

Lead Vanguard’s Behavioral Economics and Retirement research in Europe to establish Vanguard as the authoritative global voice on retail investors —shaping industry thinking, informing policy, and driving better financial outcomes for investors worldwide.

What you will do:

1) Set the research agenda and drive insight

Define and execute a multi-year research strategy across behavioral economics and retirement

Identify high-impact questions at the frontier of:

- Retail investor behavior and decision-making

- Retirement accumulation and decumulation

Leverage large-scale administrative, market, and survey data to produce breakthrough insights

Position Vanguard research at the intersection of data, policy, and client outcomes

2) Lead and develop a best-in-class team

Build and lead a multi-disciplinary research team (economists, data scientists, policy researchers)

Coach and develop talent, creating a strong pipeline of future leaders

Set a high bar for intellectual rigor, storytelling, and impact

Foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and collaboration across regions (US, UK, Europe, AUS)

3) Translate research into business impact

Partner with senior stakeholders in the UK and Continental Europe across:

Investment Strategy Group

Product and Marketing

Public Policy

Turn research findings into actionable recommendations that influence:

- Product design (e.g., retirement solutions)

- Advice frameworks and client experiences

- Business strategy and positioning

Ensure research outputs translate into measurable investor outcomes

4) Serve as a public voice for Vanguard

Act as a senior spokesperson for Vanguard on retail investor topics

Engage regularly with:

- Financial press and media

- Policymakers and regulators

- Industry bodies and conferences

Deliver compelling, plain-language narratives that reinforce Vanguard’s mission

Build Vanguard’s brand as the trusted authority on retail investors globally

5) Influence policy and industry direction

Lead research that informs debates on:

- Retirement systems and policy (e.g. savings, defaults and decumulation)

- Investor protection and behavioral design

Collaborate with internal and external partners to shape policy outcomes

Ensure Vanguard has a clear, evidence-based voice in public discourse

What success looks like (12–24 months)

Vanguard is recognized as the go-to authority on retirement and investor behavior

Research directly shapes:

- At least 2–3 major product, advice, or policy decisions

- Strong pipeline of externally visible thought leadership (press, conferences, policymaker engagement)

- A high-performing, engaged team with clear succession depth

- Clear integration of research into client-facing insights and actions

What it takes:

Experience

10+ years of experience in:

Economics, behavioral science, finance, or public policy

Proven track record of:

Leading teams and complex research programs

Publishing impactful research using large datasets

Experience engaging with media, policymakers, or industry audiences

Capabilities

Strategic leadership : ability to set a vision and mobilize teams around it

Research excellence : rigorous analytical and empirical skills

Storytelling & influence : translate complex insights into compelling narratives

Stakeholder leadership : ability to shape decisions across senior business partners

External presence : credible, confident spokesperson in public forums

Education

Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in economics, finance, public policy, or related field preferred

Special Factors

European Designations: Certified, MiFiD II, T&C.

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

This position is hybrid and would require you to work in the office location Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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.

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