Location
Manchester, United Kingdom

Hours
Hybrid position requiring office presence 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Have impact! We are seeking an Associate Legal Counsel to join our solutions-oriented Legal team supporting and advising on sustainability-related regulation pertinent to Vanguard’s funds and enterprise. You will provide legal support to our Investment Stewardship function as a member of the Product and Investment Services Legal team within the broader Europe Legal function. Reporting initially to the head of the team, you will work closely with a colleague with a similar remit. This team supports Product, Investment Management, and Investment Stewardship functions in Europe, covering fund launches, fund maintenance legal support, and legal advisory support in partnership with Compliance.

Your role will include supporting ESG and Stewardship initiatives such as regulatory implementation projects, disclosure and reporting obligations, legal research, horizon scanning, and day-to-day legal advisory work. You will provide legal and regulatory advice on ESG requirements, supporting the implementation of UK and EU regulations across products, governance, risk, and control frameworks. You will review and draft disclosures for periodic reports concerning ESG obligations and advise on annual and other reports including the Annual Stewardship Code Report, Investment Stewardship Report, Pension UK template, SRD II, and other sustainability reports.

You will support regulatory change project working groups implementing regulations, conduct legal and regulatory research, prepare concise outputs for stakeholders, assist with horizon scanning and regulatory monitoring, and prepare impact assessments on emerging developments. Providing day-to-day legal advice on ESG and Stewardship matters, including BAU queries, will be key. You will build and maintain effective relationships across business functions and deliver practical legal advice to key stakeholders. Additionally, you will develop and maintain knowledge of the investment industry and regulatory or policy changes impacting Vanguard’s European group companies and operations.

Use of legal technology and AI-enabled tools to support research, horizon scanning, and delivery efficiency is encouraged. You will also support the wider Product & Investment Services Legal team and the broader OGC Legal team as needed, participate in special projects, and perform other duties as required.

Join us and help protect the millions who trust us with their futures!

Experience
Qualified lawyer with a minimum of two years’ PQE gained either in-house within an international asset management organisation and/or in private practice or consultancy, advising on financial services legal and regulatory matters. Credible technical skills and experience interpreting regulation applicable to the asset management sector. Experience responding to consultation papers and implementing compliance with regulatory change projects, including advising businesses and stakeholders on new and live regulations. Demonstrated ability to work on complex legal issues in a high volume, fast-paced environment managing a varied and changing caseload.

About you
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build effective stakeholder relationships. Excellent negotiation, analytical, and drafting skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to work on a variety of legal issues to tight deadlines.

Qualifications
Qualified lawyer with relevant PQE as described above.

Special Factors
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.