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.
We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.
Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.
For more information, visit WPP.com.
Why we're hiring:
We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented Company Secretarial Assistant to join WPP's Company Secretarial team and support the delivery of high-quality governance, compliance and company secretarial services across WPP plc and its global subsidiary network.
This is an excellent opportunity to build your career within a listed global organisation, gaining exposure to corporate governance, regulatory compliance, subsidiary management and Board-related activities. Working alongside an experienced team of governance professionals, you will play an important role in ensuring WPP continues to meet its legal, regulatory and governance obligations.
You will collaborate with colleagues across Legal, Finance, Tax, Investor Relations and the wider business, as well as external advisers, providing broad exposure to a complex and dynamic international environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Subsidiary Governance
- Provide company secretarial and governance support across WPP's global subsidiary network.
- Maintain and update group structure charts in collaboration with Tax and other key stakeholders.
- Manage statutory registers within GEMs, prepare minutes and corporate filings, and support governance activities for UK entities.
- Assist with legal entity simplification and rationalisation projects.
- Support the UK subsidiary statutory accounts process, working closely with Finance, auditors and directors.
- Conduct regular compliance and data integrity reviews within GEMs to ensure accurate legal entity records.
Board & Committee Support
- Provide ad hoc support with Board and Committee activities, including meeting planning, logistics, board portal administration and coordination of papers and materials.
- Support the induction programme for Non-Executive Directors, ensuring induction materials remain accurate and up to date.
- Assist with the organisation and administration of governance-related meetings and processes.
Regulatory Compliance
- Support governance and compliance activities relating to WPP's UK and US listed company obligations, including requirements of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Help ensure key governance records, filings and compliance activities are completed accurately and on time.
Reporting & Disclosure
- Support the preparation and review of governance disclosures and content for the Annual Report.
- Assist with routine stock exchange announcements and regulatory filings.
- Maintain insider lists and confidential information records, ensuring timely updates and accuracy.
Planning, Coordination & Administration
- Support the planning and delivery of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), including coordination of materials and logistics.
- Maintain the Company Secretarial calendar and assist with forward planning of recurring governance and compliance activities.
- Manage the corporate archive, ensuring governance records are organised, accessible and maintained appropriately.
- Provide general administrative and project support to the wider Company Secretarial team as required.
What you'll need:
- Currently studying towards, or intending to pursue, the CGI qualification, with some experience in a company secretarial, corporate governance, legal or corporate administration environment.
- A basic understanding of UK company law, statutory administration and corporate governance principles, with a strong interest in developing expertise within a listed company environment.
- Familiarity with company secretarial systems such as GEMs, Diligent and insider list management platforms would be advantageous.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
- A collaborative, service-oriented approach and willingness to learn from experienced governance professionals.
- A professional, discreet and trustworthy manner when handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Strong personal integrity and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governance and compliance.
We are also keen to hear from high-potential graduates who are passionate about building a career in Company Secretariat and corporate governance. Whether you have recently completed a degree in Law, Business, Finance or a related discipline, or have gained some exposure through internships, placements or paralegal experience, we welcome applications from individuals who are eager to develop their expertise in governance and company secretarial practice.
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?
#LI-Hybrid
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
WPP 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.
