Head of Tax in England

Lead our tax function and shape the strategy that drives compliance, efficiency and innovation across the business. You’ll play a pivotal role in advising senior leadership on major initiatives, managing HMRC relationships, and ensuring robust governance and risk management. This is a high-impact role where your expertise will influence strategic decisions, support business transformation and safeguard our financial integrity.

If you’re a strategic thinker with proven experience in tax leadership, risk management and stakeholder engagement, this is your opportunity to make a real difference in a business that matters. We’re a fast-paced, dynamic organisation with a clear focus on delivering our ambitious turnaround plan. You’ll thrive in an environment that values agility, collaboration and forward-thinking solutions, making a real impact on the future of Thames Water.

What you will be doing:

• Define and deliver a tax strategy aligned with Thames Water's objectives.
• Provide expert tax guidance to the CFO and Board on restructuring, transformation and strategic planning.
• Lead and develop a high-performing tax team, fostering collaboration across the wider Thames Water business.
• Drive the Group’s approach to Tax Risk Management & Control, ensuring delivery of strong tax governance and control frameworks to safeguard the business.
• Oversee accurate and timely reporting across all taxes, including Corporation Tax, VAT, employment taxes and international obligations.
• Have overall responsibility for tax financial reporting processes, including interim and full-year reporting and regulatory inputs.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, auditors and external advisers.
• Lead Thames Water’s relationship with HMRC and manage all aspects of any enquiries, audits or disputes.

What you should bring to the role:

• You will be a professionally qualified accountant or tax professional with extensive relevant experience in Tax, ideally in a large business.
• In-depth, up-to-date knowledge of relevant tax laws and tax accounting principles is essential.
• The capability to align tax strategy with broader business goals.
• Excellent communication skills to translate complex tax issues into clear, concise business language for senior stakeholders and non-tax experts.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities with a high degree of attention to detail and a track record of meeting required deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a team of qualified professionals and developing individuals.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills, including interaction with tax authorities, Board members, shareholders, regulators and executives.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of up to £130,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance – £5,800.
• Annual Bonus – up to 25% of base salary.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution – Maximum of 12% - 2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Access to a range of benefits to help you take care of yourself and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.