Fanatics Commerce is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise, operating a vertically integrated platform that designs, manufactures, and delivers officially licensed apparel, jerseys, headwear, and collectibles for major leagues, teams, and events worldwide. With more than 900 e-commerce sites and a global omnichannel presence across digital, in-venue, and retail, Fanatics Commerce reaches fans in over 180 countries and powers official fan experiences for many of the world's most iconic sports properties.
At Fanatics, we bring our BOLD Leadership Principles to life every day - building championship teams, obsessing over fans, acting with entrepreneurial speed, and delivering with a determined and relentless mindset.
Head of Tax - Fanatics International
Fanatics Commerce is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise, operating a vertically integrated platform that designs, manufactures, and delivers officially licensed apparel, jerseys, headwear, and collectibles for major leagues, teams, and events worldwide. With more than 900 e-commerce sites and a global omnichannel presence across digital, in-venue, and retail, Fanatics Commerce reaches fans in over 180 countries and powers official fan experiences for many of the world's most iconic sports properties.
ROLE OVERVIEW
This is a senior leadership role with group-wide responsibility for tax strategy, compliance, and risk governance across the Fanatics International group - spanning three business verticals (Commerce, Collectibles (Topps), and Betting and Gaming) and multiple legal entities operating across the UK, Europe, and international markets. VAT and indirect tax sit at the heart of this role; Fanatics International operates complex, high-volume supply chains across more than 30 VAT registrations globally, covering marketplace models, dropshipping arrangements, Importer of Record structures, and digital goods supplied to consumers across the UK, EU, and wider international markets. The Head of Tax - Fanatics International delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence, leveraging data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.
HOW WILL YOU DRIVE IMPACT
Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)
Cross-Functional Leadership:
- Partner with the CFO of International Commerce, President of International, Finance leadership, Legal, FP&A, and IT to embed tax considerations into commercial decision-making, ERP configuration, and financial reporting across all three Fanatics International business divisions.
- Manage and coordinate external adviser relationships - including Big 4 and specialist firms - ensuring timely, accurate, and risk-managed filings across all relevant jurisdictions while maintaining alignment with internal stakeholders.
- Act as the primary HMRC point of contact for the group, leading the compliance relationship across disputes, product classification claims, Bespoke Retail Scheme management, and audit activity.
People Leadership:
- Lead, develop, and grow a high-performing tax team, providing mentorship and clear direction across Commerce, Collectibles (Topps), and Betting and Gaming.
- Build a scalable tax function with robust governance frameworks, policies, and procedures covering intercompany pricing, VAT compliance, and cross-border structuring.
- Drive a culture of technical rigour, continuous improvement, and commercially focused advisory across the tax team.
Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)
- Lead the Group's approach to electronically supplied services (ESS) and digital goods VAT/GST across global consumer markets, ensuring accurate and compliant tax treatment that supports seamless fan-facing commerce experiences in every applicable jurisdiction.
- Provide strategic oversight of VAT compliance across 20+ registrations spanning the UK, EU, and wider international markets, including management of third-party compliance agents, ensuring fans across more than 180 countries are served through compliant and efficient supply chains.
- Advise on structural and commercial projects including new market launches, M&A, and digital goods tax treatment across UK, EU, and rest of world - enabling Fanatics International to reach fans in new markets with speed and confidence.
- Maintain strategic oversight of tax engine configuration and ERP-embed
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Director, Head of Tax in Manchester employer: Fanaticscommerce
At Fanatics Commerce, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our Manchester office offers a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while ensuring collaboration and innovation thrive in our vibrant environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the retail strategy landscape.
