Senior Lead Tax Specialist (Indirect and Direct Tax)

A leading premium lifestyle brand is hiring a Senior Lead Tax Specialist (Indirect and Direct Tax) to join their growing European team in London. You'll shape tax strategy and compliance across direct and indirect tax, transfer pricing, PE risk and regulatory developments including BEPS and Pillar Two. The role offers flexible working, strong pension contributions and ongoing professional development in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Senior Lead Tax Specialist Indirect and Direct Tax

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

Location: London

A globally recognised premium lifestyle brand is seeking a Senior Lead Tax Specialist (Indirect and Direct Tax) to join their expanding European team in London. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping the tax strategy and compliance framework for a business that is rapidly evolving and committed to excellence. You will be at the forefront of managing both indirect and direct tax matters, including transfer pricing, PE risk, and regulatory developments such as BEPS and Pillar Two, while supporting business projects and restructuring initiatives. The organisation offers a supportive environment where your expertise will be valued, and you will have access to flexible working opportunities, generous pension contributions, and ongoing training to further develop your skills. If you thrive in a structured setting, enjoy collaborating across functions, and are passionate about delivering high-quality results in a dynamic industry, this role provides the perfect platform for your professional growth.

• You will lead all aspects of indirect and direct tax management for EMEA entities, ensuring compliance with local regulations and timely submission of filings.
• You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, providing expert guidance on tax matters related to business transactions, new models, legal entity setups, and process automation.
• You will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous pension contributions, and continuous training opportunities within a supportive leadership structure that values knowledge sharing and inclusivity.

What you'll do:

As Senior Lead Tax Specialist Indirect and Direct Tax based in London, you will be entrusted with overseeing all facets of the company’s tax operations across Europe. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing complex compliance requirements for both indirect (VAT/customs) and direct taxes (corporate income), ensuring that all filings are accurate and submitted promptly. You will work collaboratively with multiple departments—finance partners in FP&A, Financial Control teams, Legal & Compliance—to provide expert advice on international tax matters such as transfer pricing policies or PE risk management. Your role extends beyond compliance: you’ll drive process improvements through automation initiatives while governing outsourced service providers’ performance. You’ll also play a key part in supporting senior management on strategic decisions related to cost control or budgeting. Success in this position requires meticulous attention to detail when preparing returns or responding to audits; proactive engagement with regulatory developments; strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration; and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy throughout all deliverables.

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of indirect and direct tax matters for EMEA entities, including transfer pricing, PE risk assessment, withholding tax management, and monitoring regulatory changes such as BEPS and Pillar Two.
• Administer direct and indirect tax compliance processes to ensure accurate filings are submitted on time in accordance with local laws and regulations.
• Provide comprehensive tax support to business units and other functions during activities such as business transactions, new model launches, legal entity establishment, restructuring projects, or other strategic initiatives.
• Govern BPO performance by setting KPIs and SLAs, maintaining the European tax compliance calendar, reviewing outsourced deliverables for accuracy and quality, and ensuring robust internal controls.
• Support senior management with various tax-related matters including budget oversight for tax services and strategic input into cost management.
• Manage relationships with local government bodies and tax authorities to facilitate smooth communication regarding audits, queries, or regulatory updates.
• Act as a cross-functional finance partner by offering tax and treasury expertise to FP&A, Financial Control, Indirect Tax & Procurement teams while driving process automation alongside Operational Excellence.
• Prepare accurate VAT returns, Intrastat filings, amend prior returns when necessary, gather documentation for refunds, and ensure efficient remittance of indirect taxes to authorities.
• Conduct research on current state policies regarding taxation; verify rates and codes; maintain authority websites; assist with or manage statutory audits; provide explanations as needed.
• Implement automation efforts within the tax function; recommend process improvements; write or update tax software; collaborate with other departments to resolve issues.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for the Senior Lead Tax Specialist Indirect and Direct Tax role brings extensive experience managing complex multi-country VAT/customs issues alongside corporate income tax compliance within large-scale organisations. Your proven track record includes navigating regulatory frameworks across Europe—especially within retail or FMCG sectors—and leveraging advanced technical qualifications to ensure best-in-class compliance. You possess strong written/verbal communication skills that allow you to build trust among stakeholders while translating intricate regulations into actionable insights. Your commercial acumen enables you to balance cost control with risk mitigation strategies that align with broader business goals. You excel at collaborating across functions—finance partners, legal teams—and thrive in environments where inclusivity is valued. Your ability to prioritise tasks efficiently ensures deadlines are met without compromising quality. Advanced Excel/Microsoft Office skills underpin your analytical capabilities; familiarity with SAP systems further enhances your effectiveness. Experience supporting audits demonstrates your meticulous approach while contributing positively during periods of change or expansion.

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in both indirect tax (VAT/customs) and direct tax areas across multiple European jurisdictions including the UK.
• Tax qualifications or equivalent credentials are required to demonstrate your technical proficiency in this field.
• Hands-on experience maintaining efficient operations for indirect/direct tax processes within retail or FMCG industries is highly desirable.
• Advanced communicative abilities both orally and in writing enable you to explain complex concepts clearly across diverse teams.
• Commercially minded approach combined with proactive problem-solving skills ensures you can identify risks early while supporting business objectives.
• Ownership over cost/risk management reflects your commitment to delivering dependable results under tight deadlines.
• Interpersonal savvy allows you to relate well with colleagues from varied backgrounds fostering an inclusive environment.
• Ability to set priorities effectively demonstrates your sense of urgency balanced against thoughtful prioritisation of tasks.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel/Microsoft Office supports your analytical work; SAP experience is considered advantageous but not essential.
• Experience supporting audits/statutory reviews by preparing files/explanations showcases your thoroughness.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a global leader in premium lifestyle fashion—renowned for its rich heritage dating back decades yet continually evolving towards greater sophistication. Employees benefit from an inclusive culture where knowledge sharing is encouraged through supportive leadership structures that foster personal growth. Flexible working opportunities empower you to balance professional commitments with personal wellbeing while generous pension contributions secure your future. Training programmes are designed not only to enhance technical expertise but also nurture interpersonal skills vital for collaborative success. The company’s vision emphasises quality craftsmanship paired with forward-thinking service—a worldview that celebrates uniqueness rather than price alone—making it an inspiring place for those who value tradition blended seamlessly with modernity. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by passionate professionals dedicated to elevating standards across every aspect of the business while enjoying meaningful benefits tailored for long-term satisfaction.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a significant impact within a globally respected premium lifestyle brand’s European expansion journey—apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

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