At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage billing and project lifecycles for diverse clients in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Ogilvy, a leading global creative agency with a rich legacy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Ogilvy values diversity and fosters a culture of respect and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives impactful change through creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in media or service-oriented businesses with strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Ogilvy
Ogilvy, part of WPP, has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture‑changing, value‑driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity – innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities.
Location: London
Contract Type: Fixed‑Term (12 months)
Reporting to: Commercial WIP Manager Lead
The Opportunity
We’re seeking a dedicated and proactive Commercial WIP Manager to join our Commercial Finance team in London on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. Reporting directly to the Commercial WIP Manager Lead, you will play a critical role as a gatekeeper of billable projects, overseeing the billing and Work‑In‑Progress (WIP) management for a diverse portfolio of clients. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic team committed to embedding best commercial practices throughout all agency business transactions. You will ensure best practice is applied to project management across the full project lifecycle, working closely with Commercial Managers, other WIP Managers, and agency client teams.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Project & Financial Management: Oversee the entire project lifecycle, ensuring adherence to Workday project opening processes, timely follow‑up, and accurate project closure. Proactively manage WIP, hold regular review meetings with client teams, and ensure project profitability is reviewed and signed off. Ensure timely and accurate client invoicing, adhering to both client and internal Ogilvy processes. Manage credit notes, review open Purchase Orders, and allocate WIP and prebill balances. Monitor and manage FX gains/losses on projects.
- Client & Data Integrity: Set up new clients in Workday and maintain accurate master data. Ensure strict adherence to VAT rules and foreign currency policies for each client.
- Net Working Capital (NWC) Management: Proactively review WIP and collaborate with our Finance Plus (Shared Service Centre) Debtors Team to resolve any issues and prevent NWC provisions.
- Compliance & Best Practice: Ensure full compliance with ICFR (internal control) policies and regulations. Assist with internal and client audits, and champion adherence to all internal procedures and supplier PO policies. Promote best practice in the use of all systems, including supporting client teams with Workday training and ad hoc requests.
What You’ll Bring:
- Experience: Preferred media industry experience, or a strong background in a service‑oriented business with a clear commercial focus. Familiarity with Billing, WIP, and Net Working Capital (NWC) management is essential. Workday experience is advantageous.
- Skills & Attributes: Proactive, self‑motivated, with a keen eye for process improvement. A confident, enthusiastic communicator (both written and verbal) with proven stakeholder management abilities. Exceptional attention to detail, coupled with strong organisational and time‑management skills to navigate multiple deadlines and priorities effectively. Strong Excel skills (e.g., SUMIFS, VLOOKUPS).
How We Help You Thrive:
- 25 days annual leave plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days leave + 1 volunteer day
- Bupa Healthcare
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including adoption and shared parental leave
- Menopause support
- Flexible Working Model with core working hours: 10am – 4pm
- A generous pension scheme – you pay in 4% we pay 6%, following probation contributions are matched up to 10.5% (17.5% in total)
- A fantastic Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by Telus which offers brilliant support, expert advice and specialist counselling
- Help @ Hand – quick free access to a remote GP, mental health support, physio or a medical 2nd opinion
At Ogilvy, our people are at the heart of what we do: a creative agency that sparks game‑changing ideas across culture and business through collaboration, integrity, and a celebration of self‑expression. We believe in building powerful teams with purpose – and we relentlessly curate transformative initiatives that make our commitment to fairness, and equity a reality. Our ultimate mission is to leave a positive impact on the world, creating a better future for all, while supporting and uplifting the global communities we serve. This is central to our mantra of Borderless Creativity.
Ogilvy is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at accommodations@ogilvy.com. Please note that this contact is only for candidates who are requesting accommodation. Emails for other purposes, including application status requests, will not receive a response.
Commercial WIP Manager employer: Ogilvy
Ogilvy is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London, where creativity thrives. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, Ogilvy provides ample opportunities for professional development and offers competitive benefits such as flexible working hours and health incentives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in advertising.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial WIP Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and eager to join our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial WIP Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial WIP Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in project and financial management, especially if you've worked with billing and WIP before. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any experience with Workday or similar systems, as that’s a big plus for us.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:In a role like this, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their best selves, so double-check everything before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to the right team. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial WIP Manager, you'll be dealing with financial data and project profitability. Brush up on your Excel skills, especially functions like SUMIFS and VLOOKUPS, so you can confidently discuss how you've managed WIP and invoicing in past roles.
✨Understand the Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire project lifecycle, from opening processes to project closure. Be ready to share examples of how you've ensured adherence to best practices in project management and how you've proactively managed WIP in previous positions.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since this role involves stakeholder management, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with client teams and other departments to ensure project success and compliance with internal policies.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
Ogilvy values self-motivated individuals who can identify process improvements. Think of specific instances where you've taken the initiative to enhance workflows or resolve issues, and be ready to share these during your interview.
