At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic transformation and innovation in tax administration for a modern, digital-first system.
- Company: Join HMRC's STAR team, shaping the future of tax in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence and collaboration across various teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national tax reform and drive innovation in a trusted organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience influencing senior stakeholders required.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
STAR sits at the centre of HMRC's future transformation, helping to shape a modern, trusted and digital-first tax system. Established in January 2026, STAR's remit is broad and influential. We shape HMRC's strategic direction, develop enterprise strategies, reform and modernise the tax administration framework, provide specialist technical advice on tax administration, strengthen public trust in the tax system, and help HMRC respond to emerging technologies and future trends. We also lead innovation activity across the department, working with colleagues and external partners to ensure HMRC remains at the forefront of tax administration internationally.
The directorate comprises six Deputy Director-led teams spanning strategy development, tax administration reform, technical policy and litigation, trust and assurance, innovation, and future-facing capability. Together, these teams support Ministers, senior HMRC leaders and operational colleagues to make informed decisions that improve the performance of the tax system and deliver better outcomes for customers.
Collaboration is central to our success. STAR works across HMRC Strategy and Policy, with operational groups, legal colleagues, digital and transformation teams, and a wide range of external stakeholders. This is a role with significant influence across the department, offering the opportunity to shape major strategic decisions, lead reform programmes of national importance, and help define what the future of tax administration looks like.
We are looking for an exceptional leader who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, build strong relationships across organisational boundaries, and inspire high-performing teams through change. Above all, we are seeking someone who shares our commitment to creating a modern tax system that is trusted by customers, supports economic growth, and enables HMRC to meet the challenges of the future.
Job description
- Developing and maintaining the Department's understanding of the health of the tax administration system and the strategic challenges and opportunities it faces.
- Creating an environment that drives innovation across the department providing a test bed for new ideas.
- Defining and embedding HMRC's overarching strategy and its key enabling strategies including Transformation Roadmap published in July 2025.
- Leading work to ensure HMRC is a trusted tax and customs administration.
- Owning the Tax Administration Framework Review process to ensure it is enabling HMRC's strategy and helping to modernise the tax system.
- Owning key cross-cutting tax administration processes and policies such as penalties and interest.
- Directly supporting colleagues across the Department with specialist advice on tax litigation, including leading litigation on the tax administration framework.
- The Director is also a key member of the CS&TD senior leadership team and HMRC's senior leaders' group and will be expected to make a corporate leadership contribution.
- The Director will need to provide clear direction and empowerment to the directorate to improve its ability to work flexibly across the department to drive forward priority work.
Person specification
- Work in an uncertain landscape to combine creativity with a strong evidence base to set direction and achieve sound organisational outcomes.
- Experience of working with and influencing senior colleagues, including Executive and Board level members. Experience working with Ministers would also be useful.
- Build effective internal and external partnerships across organisational boundaries in a complex and large organisation to deliver through and with others to achieve challenging or new outcomes.
- Excellent leadership skills including the ability to nurture and build capability within and across teams, and to provide structure and direction where there may be little existing precedent.
- Knowledge of the UK's tax system though a formal tax qualification is not needed.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 105,000, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 30,418 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Selection process details
All Criminal Record Checks applications are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Director Of Strategy and Tax Administration - Belfast employer: HMRC
HMRC is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a supportive work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With flexible and hybrid working policies, generous leave allowances, and a commitment to continuous improvement, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful public service. Located in Birmingham's vibrant Arena Central, this role as an Operating Model Manager provides the opportunity to lead impactful change within a large organisation, making a real difference in how technology services are delivered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Of Strategy and Tax Administration - Belfast
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We think you need these skills to ace Director Of Strategy and Tax Administration - Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at HMRC.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to HMRC’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
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How to prepare for a job interview at HMRC
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to HMRC. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at HMRC. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to HMRC.
