At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team providing legal advice on excise and environmental taxes.
- Company: Join HM Revenue and Customs, a key player in government policy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a commitment to diversity and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of tax legislation while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong legal skills and experience in public law and tax.
About the job
There are six Deputy Director-led teams within BTILA (Business Tax International Legal Advisers). Our work spans a broad range of business tax and international matters, including corporation tax, VAT, environmental taxes and excise, customs, business rates advice to the Valuation Office Agency, and international trade. Our lawyers advise on legislation, support HMRC's operational delivery, provide policy advice to HMRC and HM Treasury, and work closely with ministers and legal colleagues across government.
The main areas covered by the Environmental Taxes work include Fuel duty, Aggregates Levy, Air Passenger Duty, Climate Change Levy, Landfill Tax, Plastic Packaging Tax and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The areas covered by the Excise work include Alcohol duty, Gambling duties, Tobacco duties, and the new Vaping Products duty. This is a new team bringing excise and environmental together and there is an opportunity to shape the vision and direction of the team.
The work attracts stakeholder interest and plays an important role in supporting HMRC's wider strategic objectives. The team regularly provides advice to Ministers, HMRC's Commissioners and senior governance boards, requiring clear, practical and legally robust analysis.
You will work closely with policy and operational areas across HMRC, HM Treasury and other government departments, as well as colleagues across Legal Group and the wider Government Legal Profession. You will join BTILA leadership team alongside me and the other Deputy Directors. You will be a part of the wider team leading the advisory function as well as being a member of the Legal Enterprise Leadership Group.
Working across our five regional centres, we take a strategic approach to leadership, resourcing, risk management, capability building and professional development, while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and employee wellbeing.
Job description
- Leading the provision of timely, high quality, risk-based advice on public law, excise and environmental taxes to key stakeholders in HMRC and HM Treasury, facilitating creative and practical solutions that meet client priorities.
- Delivering effective primary, secondary and tertiary legislation required to make changes to the excise duty and environmental taxes regimes.
- Forming and managing highly effective working relationships with key stakeholders in HMRC and externally.
- Leading a team of 12 lawyers.
- Overseeing the allocation of work and resources to ensure effective delivery within available funding, meeting changing client needs through accurate management and reporting.
- Providing inspiring, confident and empowering leadership that is inclusive, supporting staff to improve their skills and performance, and offering support to career development.
- Contributing to the development and sharing of legal knowledge and capability and best practice across the team, Legal Group and HMRC, and wider government.
- Contributing to the effective management and development of the directorate and advisory function as well as the wider leadership of Legal Group and enterprise leadership in HMRC.
- Promoting the use of digital tools, including the use of AI, and a new advisory case management system.
Person specification
- Excellent legal professional skills with knowledge and experience in delivering legal services, and the ability to command the confidence of senior officials and Ministers.
- Capability to lead and manage a team of lawyers: setting direction; managing performance, finance and risks; and embracing innovation to improve service delivery and value for money.
- Strong people leadership skills: promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, alongside developing capability and professionalism.
- Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and influence other senior leaders across HMRC Legal Group, HMRC, the Government Legal Profession and external stakeholders.
- Ability and enthusiasm to deliver the business of the legal group and to act as an enterprise leader.
Desirable criteria:
- An understanding of and some experience of the work of Government, including primary and secondary legislation.
- Experience and knowledge of tax and the tax system.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 86,000, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 24,914 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, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Selection process details
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.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, and nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein 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. 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.
Deputy Director Excise & Environmental Taxes - Bristol 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 Deputy Director Excise & Environmental Taxes - Bristol
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Excise & Environmental Taxes - Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for HMRC and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at HMRC
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with HMRC, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for HMRC.
