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 promotes a culture of respect and equal opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives impactful ideas and embraces creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in media or service-oriented businesses with strong financial focus.
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.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.
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:
We believe in supporting our people to do their best work and live their best lives. 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. We have a 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. 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 in London 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 in London
✨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 Ogilvy and understanding their values and projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission of Borderless Creativity. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience with WIP management and project lifecycle oversight, as these are key for the Commercial WIP Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Ogilvy and contributing to their creative impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial WIP Manager in London
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 helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 used these 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 managed WIP and ensured timely invoicing in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management abilities. Prepare to demonstrate your communication style and how you've effectively collaborated with teams in the past. Think of specific instances where your communication made a difference.
✨Emphasise Process Improvement
Ogilvy values proactive individuals who can identify areas for improvement. Come prepared with examples of how you've implemented process improvements in your previous roles, particularly in billing or project management.
