Relationship Manager, Specialist

About the Role

This role is responsible for the West territory’s book of business that consists of $200 million - $1 billion plan sponsor client relationships where Vanguard has a recordkeeping and/or investment relationship. As the Relationship Manager, Specialist you will serve as the strategic lead and primary point of contact for Vanguard’s most complex and high‑value recordkeeping and investment‑only client relationships. In this role, you will provide expert consultation on service enhancements, guide clients through critical operational and strategic decisions, and ensure consistently exceptional experience. You will be responsible for cultivating long‑term partnerships built on trust, proactive engagement, and deep industry expertise, relationships that are essential to Vanguard’s continued growth and client loyalty.

Responsibilities

• Manages Vanguard’s most complex recordkeeping and investment‑only plan sponsor relationships by applying a deep understanding of client history, strategic priorities, and evolving needs.
• Identifies opportunities to elevate the client experience, enhance service delivery, and strengthen loyalty through proactive, best‑in‑class consultative guidance.
• Proactively assesses client needs through ongoing strategic planning and high‑value consultations. Recommends service, operational, and process enhancements, partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless recordkeeping execution.
• Clearly articulates recommendations to senior client decision makers to drive informed outcomes.
• Leads the resolution of complex client issues related to products, services, and processes. Develops and implements creative, forward‑looking solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and reinforce Vanguard’s reputation for excellence.
• Engages key internal subject matter experts and leverages an extensive internal network to design tailored service solutions for clients. Facilitates cross‑functional collaboration and shared ownership to deliver integrated, client‑centric outcomes.
• Maintains expert‑level knowledge of Vanguard funds, products, services, and competitive positioning. Applies deep investment expertise to provide long‑term strategic guidance and reinforce Vanguard as the provider of choice, driving sustained partnership and loyalty.
• Contributes to enterprise initiatives, participates in special projects, and performs additional responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years related work experience.
• Three years experience in Financial Services and Relationship Management preferred.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred.
• This job requires a regulatory license and/or registration (e.g. FINRA, state, SFC). In particular the 6 & 63 will be required.
• Recordkeeping (retirement plan administration) savvy is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop senior/executive level relationships, navigate sophisticated organizations, and manage ambiguity.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule in which one is required to work onsite every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in our Scottsdale, AZ location.
• Travel requirement: 25-50%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing recordkeeping client relationships and connectivity in the assigned region is a plus.
• Investment competence is a plus.