European Tax Governance Lead in London

Your new company is a substantial international business strengthening its European finance function and looking to appoint an experienced tax professional into a newly created leadership role. This is a visible position within a complex, fast-moving organisation, offering the opportunity to shape how tax risk, governance and regulatory responsibilities are managed across its European operations. You'll work closely with senior finance leaders and a broad range of commercial teams, with the freedom to improve existing processes rather than simply maintain them.

Your new role involves overall responsibility for the effective management of tax compliance and governance across several European territories. The role will combine technical oversight, team leadership and senior stakeholder management. You'll ensure the business remains on top of its indirect and corporate tax requirements, while developing more consistent controls, reporting processes and documentation across the region. You'll also support the business with evolving regulatory charges and reporting obligations connected to products, packaging and wider environmental requirements.

Key areas will include:

• Leading the European tax compliance programme across multiple jurisdictions
• Overseeing indirect tax, corporate tax and related statutory obligations
• Managing and developing a geographically dispersed tax team
• Strengthening policies, controls and governance frameworks
• Supporting UK tax risk management and Senior Accounting Officer requirements
• Managing relationships with advisers and relevant authorities
• Improving the quality of tax data, reporting and systems
• Advising senior stakeholders on emerging tax and regulatory risks
• Working closely with finance, legal, commercial and operational teams
• Driving greater consistency and accountability across the European tax function

What you'll need to succeed: You'll be an experienced tax professional with a strong background in European or international tax compliance. This could suit someone currently working as a Senior Tax Manager, European Tax Manager, Head of Tax Compliance or in a broader tax governance position. You'll ideally have:

• ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of VAT and UK corporate tax compliance
• Experience working across more than one European jurisdiction
• Previous responsibility for managing or coordinating a team
• A sound understanding of tax controls, governance and risk
• The confidence to work with senior finance and commercial stakeholders
• The ability to turn complex technical issues into practical advice
• Experience improving processes, systems or reporting
• Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing deadlines
• Exposure to environmental taxes, product levies, packaging regulation or a large international consumer-facing business would be useful, but not essential.

What you'll get in return: You'll receive a salary of circa £100,000, together with a performance-related bonus and comprehensive benefits package. More importantly, this is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of a broad European remit, influence senior decision-making and help build a more modern, commercially focused tax function. If you're interested in this opportunity, please apply with an up-to-date CV or contact me for a confidential discussion.