Senior Manager, Direct Tax in Chester

Senior Manager, Direct Tax – UK-based Europe Tax Centre of Expertise (Europe Tax CoE). You will shape compliance strategy, work with senior finance and business leaders, and navigate a complex international tax landscape with a primary focus on Germany. This role offers meaningful, high-profile work and opportunities to develop deep cross-border expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead tax audits strategically in collaboration with local finance teams and BMS's corporate tax function: set the audit plan, manage information flows, align stakeholders, and drive issues through to resolution.
• Drive risk management at a senior level as the German Tax Compliance Management System Officer. Build and maintain a risk register, gather input from payroll and indirect tax colleagues, and present findings to the Finance Director and General Manager each quarter.
• Own end-to-end tax compliance for Germany (and select European markets), planning and executing local tax requirements and coordinating internal and external resources to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and strategic alignment.
• Influence global tax strategy by supporting US GAAP provision, projection and contingency reporting; contribute to transfer pricing documentation; align global tax requirements with local German regulations.
• Advise the Head of Finance in local markets, educate colleagues on legislative changes, and provide practical tax support on operational issues. Build relationships across tax, finance, legal, treasury, HR, customs, and external advisers.
• Leverage technology to create smarter, more efficient calculations for tax returns and provisions, contributing to modernising how the team works.
• Lead, develop and inspire the team: coach junior colleagues, encourage inclusive participation, and foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous development.
• Manage budgets with strategic foresight: plan internal resourcing, maximise knowledge retention in-house, and ensure external adviser spend is well-planned and transparent.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or chartered tax advisor qualification.
• Solid professional experience in a large corporate tax environment (in-house or advisory).
• Experience working within a global or regional tax team.
• A track record of managing and developing people.
• Strong knowledge of accounting provisions, audit requirements, and financial statement disclosures.
• Familiarity with US GAAP is an advantage.
• Ability to balance big-picture thinking with sharp attention to detail.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and cross-border complexities.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style that brings quieter voices into the conversation.
• German language skills are helpful but not essential.
• Experience working on Germany-related tax matters (in-house, advisory, or with German entities) is helpful but not essential.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary up to 86,000 GBP depending on skills and experience.
• Eligible for participation in the company's annual bonus plan.
• Eligible for participation in the company's Long Term Incentive program (subject to plan rules).
• Car allowance.
• Family cover healthcare.
• Attractive contributory pension scheme.
• Hybrid working, 50% home / 50% office.
• 26 days holiday, plus bank holidays and festive shutdown.
• Career and qualifications support to invest in your growth.
• Modern office with on-site benefits, including parking.

Equal Opportunity

BMS is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants can request reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments during the recruitment process by contacting adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility for our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.