Managing Director (Remote)

We are delighted to be retained by a highly respected FTSE 250 organisation at the heart of a global transformation. As part of a bold change agenda, this business is evolving rapidly—investing in digital capability, expanding into new and emerging markets, and reshaping its operational model to ensure agility, resilience, and long-term sustainable growth.

With a footprint that spans multiple continents and a diverse portfolio of products and services, this multinational group is a recognised industry leader with a strong commitment to innovation, compliance, and excellence. Tax plays a critical role in this transformation journey—and the company is now seeking a Head of VAT to lead its global VAT strategy and operations.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a dynamic, high-performing finance function, where your leadership will directly influence group-wide efficiency, compliance, and risk management. You’ll be central to shaping the company’s tax technology roadmap and building capabilities to meet the demands of evolving global reporting standards.

• Representing the VAT discipline in senior tax forums and governance committees, acting as a trusted voice in strategic decision-making.
• Developing and implementing innovative VAT technology solutions to drive automation, increase compliance accuracy, and prepare for the wave of digital tax reporting.
• Managing the VAT control framework and ensuring alignment with internal risk, control, and SOx compliance policies.
• Enhancing and maintaining VAT process maps and data governance to support operational excellence across top end markets.
• Advising on complex VAT and indirect tax issues across global markets, including contract reviews, structural changes, and regulatory shifts.
• Leading and developing a global VAT team, including central and shared service resources, with a strong emphasis on capability building and continuous improvement.
• Managing tax audits, official enquiries, and regulatory inspections, while providing guidance and support to in-market teams.
• Collaborating with finance, legal, commercial, and technology teams to embed VAT considerations into broader business decisions.
• Driving the creation of training, learning resources, and best-practice guidance to improve VAT literacy across the organisation.
• Owning VAT configuration and master data integrity in SAP, working closely with process owners and technology stakeholders.

Qualified accountant or VAT/indirect tax specialist with significant experience in a multinational corporate or advisory environment. Relevant experience in large, complex consumer goods or FMCG organisations, with the ability to navigate matrix structures and global supply chains. Strong knowledge of global VAT systems, compliance models, and tax technologies. Experience implementing VAT governance frameworks and integrating tax considerations into ERP platforms (SAP preferred). Proven track record in leading global VAT teams and managing external relationships with tax authorities and advisors. Confident communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and simplify complex regulatory issues. Analytical, agile, and forward-thinking, with a passion for driving operational excellence and innovation.