UK & Ireland VAT Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a UK and Ireland VAT Manager to join a well-established organisation with a strong reputation in the home improvement sector. This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact by leading indirect tax compliance across multiple regions, including the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands. You will be part of a collaborative Group Tax team that values diverse perspectives and encourages new ideas, experimentation, and personal growth. The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or experience.

• Join a forward-thinking organisation that champions diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all colleagues and applicants, ensuring everyone feels valued and respected.
• Benefit from flexible working options that allow you to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life, including remote work and access to multiple office locations.
• Take on a pivotal role within the Group Tax team where your expertise will directly influence business decisions, compliance standards, and the overall success of the organisation’s indirect tax strategy.

What you\’ll do:

As UK and Ireland VAT Manager, you will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s approach to indirect tax compliance. Your day-to-day activities will involve managing a talented team of Tax Accountants while providing expert guidance on VAT matters across multiple regions. You will collaborate with finance professionals and IT specialists to optimise reporting systems, drive process improvements, and ensure all submissions are completed accurately and on time. By proactively identifying risks and responding to legislative changes, you will help safeguard the organisation’s interests while supporting its commercial aspirations. Your ability to communicate complex information clearly will be essential as you advise stakeholders at all levels. Success in this position requires a commitment to continuous learning, openness to new ideas, and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding results through teamwork.

• Oversee the management and supervision of Tax Accountants, providing ongoing development support to help them reach their full potential within the team.
• Support various business units across the UK and Ireland by advising on the indirect tax implications of key business decisions while acting as a trusted partner to local accounting and finance teams.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in VAT and indirect tax processes and systems, implementing changes that enhance efficiency and accuracy across reporting operations.
• Collaborate closely with IT Services teams to ensure the integrity of financial systems used for VAT reporting, maintaining robust controls and data quality.
• Proactively identify and address areas of indirect tax risk within the organisation, developing strategies to minimise exposure while balancing commercial objectives.
• Manage all aspects of local indirect tax enquiries or audits, liaising effectively with external authorities to resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Monitor industry developments and legislative changes in indirect tax, providing timely advice to stakeholders on how these may impact business operations.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of compliance reports for the UK, Ireland, and Channel Islands by overseeing all related processes within your remit.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the Group Tax function by sharing knowledge, encouraging experimentation, and fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to deliver project advisory support on complex tax matters that require both technical expertise and practical insight.

What you bring:

To excel as UK & Ireland VAT Manager, you will bring extensive experience in managing indirect tax compliance within complex organisational structures. Your background should include hands‑on involvement with financial systems such as SAP alongside advanced proficiency in MS Excel. A thorough understanding of accounting principles is crucial for assessing how business activities affect taxation outcomes. You will have demonstrated success in building positive relationships with external authorities during audits or regulatory reviews. Your approach should be rooted in collaboration—valuing input from others while championing inclusive practices that create supportive environments for learning and growth. Experience in retail is highly desirable due to its unique challenges; however, candidates from other sectors who possess transferable skills are encouraged to apply.

• Comprehensive expertise in all areas of indirect tax gained through substantial experience in similar roles within large organisations.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles combined with proven ability to assess their impact on taxation matters relevant to retail operations.
• Strong IT skills with hands‑on experience using SAP and MS Excel for financial reporting purposes related to VAT compliance.
• Up‑to‑date technical knowledge of industry trends as well as recent legislative changes affecting indirect tax requirements in the UK and Ireland.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with external tax authorities during audits or enquiries while maintaining professionalism at all times.
• Exceptional project management skills enabling you to oversee multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising attention to detail or deadlines.
• Experience supporting process improvements within finance or tax functions by identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions.

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Tax

Focus: Indirect Tax

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Location: Southampton

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

Job Reference: BF1TMW-823B9E29

Date posted: 21 October 2025

Consultant: Benjamin Thrower