Job Description

About Vanguard

More than 45 years ago, John C. Bogle had a vision to start an investment company that did things differently. A company with no external shareholders. Where all the profits were invested back into the business and used to lower costs. Evidently, it was as bold as it was brilliant. To this day, Vanguard Group still has no external shareholders. That means no share prices to protect, and no profits to generate for outside owners.  

Today, Vanguard is one of the world’s largest investment management companies, serving more than 50 million investors worldwide. For more than 25 years Vanguard Australia has been supporting individual investors, financial advisers, and superannuation

Job Profile Summary

The Transaction Cost Specialist advances trading efficiency and analytics capability across the region and globally, provides research and evaluation for, and leads the implementation of, transformative trading processes, technologies, and analytic tools to minimize transaction costs. The role blends strategic and operational focus: microstructure and technical expertise with strong stakeholder engagement, supporting trading desks, technology partners, and regional leadership.

Core Responsibilities

• Works independently on transaction cost analysis, under the guidance of senior analysts, to generate actionable recommendations for trading desks based on rigorous research and quantitative analysis. Researches, evaluates, tests, and implements cutting-edge trading technology, analytics, data sources, and other tools.

• Develops and prototypes technology tools that provide value to the transaction cost analysis processes. Enhances existing models, develops data sources and processes, and communicates results. Applies machine learning techniques and alternative data to improve TCA precision and decision‑support.

• Develops and maintains knowledge of market structure, microstructure, and transaction cost analysis, especially in the APAC region, to bring an informed perspective to the research process.

• Acts as primary TAS contact for APAC trading, local technology and product teams. Uses communication and interpersonal skills to integrate with the trading desk. Tailors communication of complex concepts to the needs and abilities of the audience.

• Contributes to the global TAS agenda, coordinate with the global team to align tools and analytics models, participate and drive some of the global initiatives.

Skills required

• Exceptional conceptual, analytical, and problem solving skills, with proven ability to build/execute.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and professional presence.

• Proficiency in SQL, Python and ML libraries; familiarity with OneTick a plus

• Experience and/or interest in market microstructure, TCA, equities, and fixed income analytics.

• Minimum of 3 years related work experience, preferably including one year transaction cost analysis experience

• Advanced degree in quantitative discipline

Inclusion Statement

Vanguard’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion is firmly rooted in our culture. Every decision we make to best serve our clients, crew (internally employees are referred to as crew), and communities is guided by one simple statement: “Do the right thing.”

We believe that a critical aspect of doing the right thing requires building diverse, inclusive, and highly effective teams of individuals who are as unique as the clients they serve. We empower our crew to contribute their distinct strengths to achieving Vanguard’s core purpose through our values.

When all crew members feel valued and included, our ability to collaborate and innovate is amplified, and we are united in delivering on Vanguard’s core purpose.

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

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.