Tax Manager (European / Global VAT & Customs Strategic Advice)

We are seeking a European & Global VAT and Customs Strategic Advice - Tax Manager.

What the job involves:

• Reporting to: Senior Director, Tax – EMEA, APAC & LA
• Provide high‑quality, commercially focused VAT and customs advice across a complex international organisation.
• Strong European focus with broader global exposure; works closely with Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and business teams.
• Hands‑on advisory and business‑partnering role, supporting decision‑making, business change, and effective VAT and customs governance across Labs and R&D businesses, with further support to the Commercial Solutions business where similar operating, delivery, or contracting models apply.
• Advise on European VAT matters with global reach, including cross‑border supplies, goods movements, reorganisations, and operating model changes across Labs and R&D.
• Provide practical customs input on valuation, classification, and import/export structuring across international supply chains.
• Support the development and application of consistent, defensible VAT and customs positions across jurisdictions.
• Provide proactive, commercially focused VAT advice to Finance, Legal, and business teams to support growth and operational decision‑making.
• Support sponsor and customer discussions where VAT treatment impacts pricing, margins, VAT recoverability, or execution.
• Advise on VAT implications of new services, contracting models, and commercial approaches, including support to the Commercial Solutions business.
• Maintain oversight of VAT compliance, reporting, and audit activity across multiple jurisdictions, working with local teams and advisors as appropriate.
• Identify recurring VAT and customs risks arising from business models, supply chains, and operating structures.
• Ensure VAT positions are appropriately documented, consistent, and technically robust.
• Support VAT and customs assessments for acquisitions, integrations, and post‑deal operating models, particularly for global Labs and R&D activities.
• Monitor VAT and customs legislative developments and translate them into clear, practical business guidance.
• Contribute VAT and customs input into process improvements, systems changes, and ERP initiatives where relevant.
• Strong experience in European VAT, with exposure to global VAT and customs matters.
• Experience advising on cross‑border services, goods flows, and supply chains.
• Pragmatic, commercial approach to applying indirect tax rules in a business environment.
• Experience in a multinational organisation and/or a professional services firm (Big 4 or similar).
• Ability to work confidently with Finance, Legal, and operational stakeholders.

Benefits:

• Broader international and cross‑functional exposure beyond pure compliance.
• Meaningful involvement in business change, growth initiatives, and projects.
• A balanced scope spanning VAT, customs, governance, and advisory, while remaining clearly aligned to a Tax Manager level remit.