Head of Indirect Tax

Location: We offer hybrid working, with an expectation that you'll be present at our Holland & Barrett office in Nuneaton (CV10 7RH) for a minimum of 2 days per week.

The Role: Holland & Barrett operates across multiple markets, sells through stores, online and third‑party marketplaces, and is actively expanding its international footprint. The indirect tax picture that comes with that is genuinely complex - multiple jurisdictions, evolving digital VAT rules, an omni‑channel supply chain, and transformation in the mix. Which is why we’re looking for someone who finds that kind of complexity interesting rather than overwhelming. This isn't a role where you'll be handed a clean, well‑oiled VAT function and asked to maintain it. The data needs work, the processes need structure, and there's real ground to cover before this becomes a more strategic focused position. If you're the sort of person who gets satisfaction from bringing about order and can then build something that lasts - read on.

What you’ll actually be doing:

• Owning end‑to‑end VAT compliance across all H&B territories - accurate, timely filings, strong controls.
• Acting as the senior VAT advisor to the CFO, Finance Director and wider leadership team on everything from new market entry to omni‑channel operations.
• Providing expert guidance on cross‑border B2C and B2B transactions, distance selling, marketplace obligations and evolving digital VAT rules.
• Partnering with supply chain, finance, commercial and tech teams to optimise VAT across warehousing, logistics and distribution.
• Leading VAT input into ERP and finance process improvement programmes - making sure systems are fit for purpose and manual interventions are reduced over time through automation.
• Managing relationships with external advisors and tax authorities, including responses to audits, enquiries and disputes.
• Monitoring global VAT developments - e‑invoicing, real‑time reporting, EU reforms - and translating their business impact clearly for senior stakeholders.
• Assessing VAT rates and product liability across a wide and evolving product range.
• Leading and developing one direct report, the VAT Manager.

How we’ll see your impact:

• VAT returns are filed accurately and on time across every jurisdiction - with zero material penalties and no unexpected issues.
• New market entries and business model changes are supported without VAT becoming a blocker to go live.
• A VAT control framework is in place that's audit‑ready and genuinely robust, not just documented.
• Processes and data are cleaner, more automated, and less reliant on manual intervention than when you arrived.
• Senior stakeholders trust you to tell them what they need to know, in language that makes sense to them.

The Person What you’ll need:

• Significant senior experience in international VAT and indirect tax - ideally within multinational retail, e‑commerce or a consumer‑facing business.
• Deep knowledge of UK, EU and international VAT regimes, including cross‑border trade, marketplace rules and omni‑channel operations.
• A track record of managing multi‑jurisdictional compliance and seeing through audits and disputes with tax authorities.
• The ability to translate complex VAT legislation into clear, practical guidance for non‑tax stakeholders - including at CFO and Board level.
• Strong business partnering instincts - comfortable working across finance, supply chain, commercial and digital teams.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP ideally) and a genuine interest in using technology to improve how VAT gets done.
• The resilience and pragmatism to stabilise and improve a function before shifting focus to longer‑term strategy.
• Professional qualification - CTA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent.

What you’ll get:

• The salary reflects impact of the role.
• 25 days holiday + 8 Bank Holidays.
• 25% staff discount across our range - plus free online delivery.
• Pension contributions - because future you deserves a break.
• Free wellness diagnostic tests - knowing your health is the first step to improving it.
• Exclusive discounts on wellness services, gym memberships, and more.
• Perks from other retailers - discounts, advice, and savings from brands you actually use.
• A culture of wellbeing - from mental health support to menopause coaching, we’re serious about helping you feel your best.

Holland and Barrett is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We understand that when our colleagues are listened to, respected and valued for who they are, we build an organisation with belonging at its heart – making health and wellness a way of life for everyone.