Head of International Tax in London

Permanent establishment riskPermanent establishment developmentsDigital taxation developments
Location/s:
Croydon, UK
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.
We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.
Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.
Overview Of The Role
Mott MacDonald is seeking an exceptional Head of International Tax to lead and continue to develop its global international tax function.
Operating within a highly international engineering consultancy group with operations across more than 50 countries, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of international taxation. They will partner closely with business leaders, finance teams, legal teams and external advisers to support growth, manage tax risk and ensure compliance with an increasingly complex global tax landscape.
The role combines technical excellence with commercial awareness and requires a leader capable of influencing senior stakeholders, translating complex tax considerations into practical business advice and building a world-class international tax capability.
The successful candidate will play a central role in helping Mott MacDonald achieve its objectives through proactive business partnering, effective risk management, tax-efficient structuring and robust governance.
Key responsibilities and duties include:
International Tax Strategy
Develop and implement the Group's international tax strategy in alignment with commercial objectives and the Group Tax Strategy
Provide strategic leadership on cross-border tax matters across the Group
Monitor global tax developments and assess their impact on the Group's business model and operating structure
Identify opportunities to optimise tax outcomes while maintaining full compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
Support the Group Head of Tax and Executive leadership on significant international tax matters
Business Partnering
Act as a trusted adviser to business leaders, finance teams and project directors on international tax matters
Support major bids, contracts and commercial arrangements by assessing tax implications and providing practical recommendations
Provide tax input into new market entry strategies, business expansions and organisational changes
Build tax awareness throughout the organisation to improve decision-making and reduce risk
International Tax Advisory
Lead advisory support across areas including:
Permanent establishment risk
Cross-border structuring
Withholding taxes
International aspects of indirect taxes (working with MM's Head of Indirect Tax)
Branch versus subsidiary structures
Profit repatriation planningTax treaty interpretation
Financing structures and interest deductibility
Joint ventures and strategic partnerships
International employment and mobility tax issues (working with MM's Head of Employment Tax and Expat Tax Manager)Operational tax matters arising from major projects and contracts
Governance and Risk Management
Lead the Group's approach to international tax risk management
Develop and maintain appropriate controls within the Tax Risk Management Framework
Ensure consistent application of international tax positions across jurisdictions
Oversee management of significant tax audits, enquiries, disputes and investigations
Provide guidance on uncertain tax positions and support appropriate governance and escalation processes
Maintain strong relationships with tax authorities, advisers and key stakeholders
Global Tax Compliance and Tax Accounting Oversight
Although primary responsibility for day-to-day compliance may sit elsewhere, the Head of International Tax will:
Provide technical oversight of international corporation tax compliance activities
Support the tax reporting and tax accounting process by assessing international tax risks and positions
Review significant tax provisions and uncertain tax positions
Ensure appropriate governance over tax accounting impacts arising from international tax matters
Work closely with the Head of Direct Tax and Reporting regarding tax reporting, controls and disclosures
OECD and Global Tax Reform
Lead the Group's response to emerging international tax developments
Provide technical direction alongside other Tax Team members regarding:
OECD BEPS initiatives
Pillar Two and global minimum taxation
Permanent establishment developments