Direct Tax Manager

Role Overview

An international retail business is building a Tax Centre of Excellence to strengthen support for growth and to respond effectively to fast-changing digital and cross-border tax rules. This position reports to the Head of Tax and offers the chance to work at the intersection of tax, business, and technology. The successful candidate will act as a trusted partner to senior leaders, help shape tax automation and governance, and work closely with finance, legal, and technology teams to support a modern, digitally enabled tax function.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end direct tax and transfer pricing compliance process, including country-by-country reporting and all required filings.
• Own the reporting obligations and documentation connected to Pillar Two.
• Keep transfer pricing approaches, supporting records, and internal guidance up to date and fit for purpose.
• Track international tax law developments and assess how they may affect the wider global group.
• Provide practical tax advice and maintain strong working relationships with both internal teams and external advisers.
• Lead improvement efforts by defining requirements for tax automation, digital reporting, and related system or process changes.
• Create leadership-level reports and forecasting tools that improve efficiency and add strategic insight.
• Prepare and review corporate tax returns and associated statutory submissions.
• Support tax governance obligations and ensure all required documentation is properly maintained.
• Draft tax requirement documents for business initiatives or legislative updates and drive work through to completion.
• Work with the indirect tax team to support reconciliations and audit preparedness for digital tax rules.
• Coordinate with external consultants to complete calculations and ensure filing accuracy.
• Partner with data and IT teams to specify requirements for automated direct tax and transfer pricing reporting.
• Assess how well people, processes, and technology are meeting tax compliance needs and flag improvement areas.
• Provide regular updates on legislation and case law to the Head of Tax.
• Assist the Head of Tax in setting clear governance and guidance for finance teams on direct tax and transfer pricing responsibilities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• You must be fully qualified AITI / CTA, or hold an equivalent international tax qualification.
• You should bring at least 7 years of focused corporate tax experience.
• Practical, hands-on experience with transfer pricing rules and methods is essential.
• You need excellent written, verbal, and presentation abilities, including the ability to explain complex tax issues to non-specialists.
• You should be a collaborative team player who contributes positively to shared goals.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to tax automation or digital legislation projects is an advantage.
• Prior involvement with Pillar Two reporting frameworks is desirable.
• Experience in international corporate tax within a large company or multinational setting is preferred.
• Background in creating tax governance documentation would be beneficial.

What the Role Offers

• A competitive base salary.
• A broad benefits package, including an attractive employee discount scheme.
• Clear pathways for professional growth and structured career progression.
• A collaborative, energetic, and innovative workplace.

Additional Information

The recruitment team treats all candidate information and communication in strict confidence under a strong data protection policy. An initial discussion about the role can be arranged by contacting the Accountancy & Tax Recruitment Director, Ross Wynne, on 01 234 3196.

About the Recruitment Team

The accountancy and finance recruitment team focuses on delivering a high-quality candidate experience, supported by accurate market insight and practical guidance. The team recruits across the profession from part-qualified accountants through to CFO and Partner-level appointments in practice and industry.