R&D Tax Manager

Location: London, UK

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Team: Research and Development (R&D)

Blick Rothenberg is a leading tax, accountancy, and business advisory firm founded on personal integrity and technical expertise. Our partner-led approach ensures clients receive excellent service from high-quality teams who combine skill with integrity. We take the time to understand our clients’ businesses and invest in long-term relationships to provide the best possible service.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Advanced technical understanding of UK R&D tax legislation, including the merged scheme, RDEC principles and HMRC’s evolving reporting requirements.
• Significant experience preparing and reviewing complex R&D tax claims, with the ability to quality-assure both technical narratives and financial analyses.
• Ability to confidently lead client discussions to understand technologies, innovation processes and qualifying R&D activities.
• Proven experience drafting and reviewing high-quality technical reports and advising on complex R&D tax matters.
• Strong capability to work across diverse technical environments, collaborating effectively with specialists such as engineers, software experts and scientific teams.
• Excellent project management skills, ensuring compliant, risk-managed delivery across multiple client engagements.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and challenge complex technical and financial information.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with experience coaching junior staff and supporting team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Relationship Management
• Lead client engagements, acting as the primary point of contact for high-value and technically complex R&D projects.
• Build long-term client relationships rooted in trust, expertise and proactive communication.
• Work closely with Directors and Partners on strategic assignments and complex technical queries.
• Compliance & Advisory
• Oversee the preparation and review of robust, compliant R&D tax relief claims, ensuring alignment with HMRC guidance and BR quality standards.
• Lead technical and financial analysis to produce high-quality narratives, cost breakdowns and supporting documentation.
• Provide senior input into complex advisory projects, such as R&D process reviews, additional information submissions, or HMRC enquiry support.
• Stay ahead of changes to R&D legislation, including the merged scheme and administrative reforms, and brief the team accordingly.
• Business Development & Planning
• Identify new opportunities and contribute to the firm’s growth through networking, referrals and proposal support.
• Lead internal knowledge-sharing, training and process improvements within the R&D team.
• Support Partners and Directors in developing the R&D service line and driving practice strategy.

Our R&D Tax team works with innovative businesses across a wide range of sectors, helping them navigate the increasingly complex R&D tax landscape. We combine technical tax expertise with deep sector knowledge, supported by specialists including engineers, software consultants and an ex-HMRC inspector. This allows us to prepare robust, compliant R&D claims and provide high-quality advisory support throughout the full lifecycle of an R&D engagement.

Joining the team means working closely with clients to understand their technologies, processes and innovation, analysing technical and financial information, drafting clear supporting narratives, and helping ensure clients receive the relief they are entitled to. As the R&D regime continues to evolve, you will play an important role in helping clients stay compliant while maximising opportunities. We are looking for someone who is passionate about innovation and enjoys working with both technical and financial detail. You’ll be joining a collaborative, highly skilled team committed to delivering robust, high-quality R&D advice and building trusted client relationships.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are a Disability Confident committed employer.

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid working: Teams collaborate across multiple locations — BR offices, client sites, home, or elsewhere.
• Smarter working: Find simpler, more efficient ways to deliver services, supported by tech or process improvements.
• Flexible working: Temporary or permanent adjustments to your working pattern, beyond the standard contract.

Our Benefits at a Glance

• Pension: Looking after your future self when it’s time to step back and relax.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays: Time to focus on you.
• Financial security: Life assurance, free mortgage advice, financial coaching.
• Health & wellbeing: Private medical insurance (eligibility applies), 24/7 GP access, mental health support, eye care, flu vaccinations.
• Lifestyle perks: Employee discount platform, holiday trading, cycle-to-work scheme, home & tech purchase scheme, electric vehicle leasing, season ticket loan.
• Additional cover options: Critical illness cover, travel insurance, dental insurance, health assessments.
• Giving back: Charitable donations via payroll.

We encourage a diverse and inclusive workplace. All candidates will be considered equally without regard to race, gender, age, disability, religion or other protected characteristics.