Associate Manager - GRC

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:
Be a part of an organization that is modernizing and transforming its IT platforms, processes, and skills to accelerate Mattel’s strategy to unlock a world of tech-enhanced 360-degree play experiences!  Mattel’s Governance Risk & Compliance (GRC) Team is part of the Global Technology Organization (GTO).  The GRC team is responsible for managing IT General Controls (ITGCs) and supporting management in all aspects of the IT SOX compliance program. This includes control design and documentation, testing coordination, control monitoring activities, deficiency remediation, audit support, ongoing monitoring, and performing risk assessments over new SaaS products to evaluate SOX impact and ensure appropriate control design and implementation. 

The Opportunity: 
Mattel is establishing and developing a technology and innovation center that will contribute to a robust internal control environment. As a result, Mattel is currently seeking an Associate Manager to join its GRC team at the new center. 

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Lead SOX scoping and IT risk assessments to ensure all financially relevant systems and tools, including new SaaS implementations, are appropriately identified and evaluated for SOX compliance impact. 

• Design, document, and maintain effective IT General Controls (ITGCs) to mitigate financial reporting risk and strengthen the overall IT control environment. 

• Coordinate control execution and perform ongoing monitoring activities across logical access controls, change management controls, and IT operations controls to ensure consistent performance, timely issue identification, and sustain compliance with SOX requirements. 

• Partner closely with management, Internal Audit, and External Audit to support walkthroughs, control execution, issue resolution, and status reporting. 

• Addresses IT control deficiencies by partnering with management to perform thorough root cause and impact analyses, and to develop, document, and drive remediation plans through timely completion. 

• Provides ongoing training and advisory support to management and control owners on IT SOX compliance requirements, control execution standards, and best practices to strengthen accountability and enhance the overall effectiveness of the IT control environment. 

• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors. 

• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary. 

What We’re Looking For: 

• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience 

• 10+ years experience in IT Audit, Risk management, Compliance or Consulting (i.e. Big 4 or equivalent) 

• In-depth knowledge of IT GRC platforms (e.g., AuditBoard). 

• Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) are preferred and considered strong assets for the role 

• Good working knowledge of data quality frameworks, validation methods, and governance best practices. 

• Preferred Skills (Optional): 

• Hands-on experience with SQL for data transformation and complex querying. 

• Good experience in Agile Methodologies like Scrum and Kanban. 

• Python for scripting, data processing, and integration logic.

Soft Skills 

• Strong project management skills to lead IT risk assessments, drive stakeholder engagement, and effectively manage timelines, dependencies, and deliverables across multiple workstreams. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. 

• Proven ability to manage a team with diverse skills and tenure. 

• Self-motivating and independent 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:
We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy