Technology Risk & Controls Manager, TechOps

Why we're hiring:

The Cyber Risk and Compliance team ensures that WPP Creative Technology Operations adhere to internal policies, standards and control requirements to meet regulatory, client and external audit obligations.

This role is primarily focused on providing second‑line assurance over Technology Operations, including infrastructure, platforms, identity, service management and operational processes, ensuring controls are designed appropriately and operating effectively.

The role is pivotal in embedding robust Data & Technology controls across Tech Ops, supporting audit readiness (including SOX 404), and driving more consistent, standardised and repeatable operational control practices. Working closely with Financial Risk & Control and Technology Operations leadership, the role ensures Tech Ops teams are equipped to demonstrate control performance clearly and consistently.

 

What you'll be doing:

• Provide second‑line assurance over Technology Operations control environments, including infrastructure, cloud platforms, identity and access management, service management and operational processes
• Act as a key risk and controls partner to Technology Operations leadership, providing independent oversight, challenge and assurance
• Perform control design and operating effectiveness reviews across Tech Ops processes, including change, access, incident, problem, backup and resilience controls
• Lead and support internal, external and client audits primarily impacting Technology Operations, acting as the central point of coordination and assurance
• Monitor, challenge and support remediation of audit deficiencies relating to Tech Ops control failures, ensuring sustainable fixes rather than point solution
• Be a key liaison with the markets to assist in timely completion of audits (internal, external or client), providing support and guidance as required
• Communicate effectively with Control Owners, Operators, Business platform Directors and other senior stakeholders.
• Ensure all stakeholders are informed about progress, risks, and issues.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures and Risk and Controls Matrix for application control environment
• Play a key role in monitoring audit deficiencies - from challenging the validity of deficiencies in audit close meetings, to supporting markets in developing remediation plans
• Review remediation documentation to ensure plan has been implemented correctly
• Identify appropriate mitigating controls for audit deficiencies, considering both controls on the IT and financial framework which adequately addresses the risk identified
• Perform detailed walkthroughs of automated controls, to review system configuration and ensure risk associated to the control has been addressed
• Provide up to date reporting of audit readiness to the Director
•  Line management of Technology Risk & Controls Analysts, including objective setting, performance management and ongoing development
• Provide day‑to‑day direction, coaching and technical oversight to analyst team members across audits, control reviews and remediation activity
• Allocate work across the analyst team to ensure efficient coverage of audit, SOX and client assurance requirements
• Review analyst deliverables to ensure quality, consistency and alignment with WPP control standards and assurance methodologies
•  Act as an escalation point for complex control, audit or stakeholder issues raised by analysts
•  Support capability development within the analyst team, including coaching on SOX, ITGCs, application controls and audit best practice
• Contribute to building a high‑performing, collaborative team culture focused on accountability, learning and continuous improvement

What you'll need:

• Strong understanding of Technology Operations control environments, including ITGCs, platform operations, IAM, infrastructure, cloud and service management controls
• Experience providing assurance over run‑the‑business technology functions, rather than solely project or change initiatives
• Ability to challenge Technology Operations teams constructively on control design, evidence quality and sustainability
• Hands‑on experience reviewing operational processes such as change management, access management, incident/problem management and availability/resilience

• Understands the importance of strong IT controls and maintaining a positive user experience
• Prior experience in internal and external IT audits
• Robust understanding in SOX controls framework. Experience working with external auditors on SOX compliance within large-scale transformation programmes.
• Ability to work independently and proactively work on solutions to self-identified problems
• Attention to detail - Applying quality standards to all tasks undertaken and ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
• Ability to collaborate with business and technology stakeholders to explain the technology risk implications, and communicate in a language that is appropriate to the audience
• Ability to adjust priorities and manage time appropriately and wisely in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across departments and global markets
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to analyse data effectively, efficiently and accurately.

• Prior exposure to data migration assurance and reconciliation processes.
• Relevant experience and or professional certifications (e.g., CISA, CIA, CRISC) are advantageous.
• Fluency in Spanish is essential for this role
• Demonstrable experience managing, coaching or mentoring analysts or junior team members in a risk, audit or compliance environment
• Ability to translate complex audit and control requirements into clear, actionable guidance for analyst teams
• Strong review and quality assurance skills, with the ability to challenge work constructively and raise standards
• Confidence in prioritising and balancing team workloads across multiple concurrent audits or initiatives
• Effective leadership and stakeholder management skills, including handling escalation, feedback and performance conversations
• Structured and methodical approach to developing team capability and embedding consistent ways of working Ability to lead by example in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation, global environment

 

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

 

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

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