At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value R&D projects and manage client relationships with top UK businesses.
- Company: Join a Big 4 powerhouse with a stellar reputation in R&D Tax.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, flexible working, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Shape and grow a high-performing team while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong technical knowledge in R&D tax and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with clear progression pathways and global network access.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 86000 Β£ per year.
Do you want to lead high-value R&D projects with some of the UK's top businesses? Ready to step into a senior client-facing role with a Big 4 leader? Keen to shape, build, and grow a high-performing Manchester practice?
Benefits:
- Competitive Big 4 salary + performance bonus
- Clear progression pathway to Director level
- Exposure to FTSE-listed businesses, CFOs, and Finance Directors
- Inclusive, collaborative culture with a focus on development
Your new firm: Our client is a Big 4 powerhouse with a market-leading reputation in R&D Tax across the UK and globally. Following sustained growth in the North West market, they are now looking to strengthen their Manchester office with a senior hire who can drive delivery and expansion. Working under the guidance of renowned Partners with deep sector expertise, this is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing team and develop long-term client relationships at the highest level.
Your new role: As an Associate Director, you'll be in a client-facing leadership role from day one. You will manage multiple projects, prepare and review R&D claims, delegate effectively, and play a key role in business development and team growth. You'll work closely with Finance Directors, CFOs, and senior stakeholders across a wide range of industries, while also supporting the expansion of the practice in Manchester.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading client projects as the main point of contact for senior stakeholders (CFOs, FDs, Financial Controllers)
- Preparing and reviewing R&D claims and clear technical reports for HMRC submission
- Building eminence in the Manchester market and identifying growth opportunities
- Developing and mentoring a team across all levels, from junior to senior grades
- Providing technical input into marketing and sales activity using your scientific or engineering expertise
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously and delegating across technical and finance teams
To be successful in this role, you'll need:
- Strong technical knowledge with experience in R&D tax or related areas
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for senior client management
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects with conflicting deadlines
- Experience in building and developing teams
- The drive to contribute to both client delivery and practice growth
Benefits:
- Β£68,000 - Β£86,000 salary + bonus + benefits
- Flexible working and excellent wellbeing initiatives
- Access to a global Big 4 network and senior leadership exposure
As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.
R&D Associate Director - Manchester employer: Pro-Tax
Contact Detail:
Pro-Tax Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land R&D Associate Director - Manchester
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in R&D tax. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and donβt be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When youβre in interviews or networking situations, make sure to highlight your technical knowledge and experience in R&D tax. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how you've contributed to team growth. This will set you apart from the competition.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for client-facing scenarios! Since this role involves managing senior stakeholders, practice your communication skills. Role-play potential interview questions that focus on client management and project delivery. Being confident in these areas will help you shine during the hiring process.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Weβve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Donβt miss out on the chance to be part of a collaborative culture that values development!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Associate Director - Manchester
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in managing projects and working with senior stakeholders, as this will show us youβre ready for a client-facing leadership position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why youβre passionate about R&D tax and how your skills align with our needs. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the position.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves developing and mentoring a team, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in building teams or leading projects. We want to see how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pro-Tax
β¨Know Your R&D Tax Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of R&D tax. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and case studies, as well as the specific challenges faced by businesses in the UK. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise to senior stakeholders.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be leading teams and managing projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to mentor and develop talent, as this is crucial for the role.
β¨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since this role involves direct interaction with CFOs and Finance Directors, practice your communication skills. Think about how you would approach a client meeting, including how to present complex information clearly and effectively. Role-playing these scenarios can really help you feel more at ease.
β¨Research the Company Culture
Understanding the inclusive and collaborative culture of the Big 4 firm is key. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their growth. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in being a part of their team.