At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK tax function and manage a team of specialists to optimise tax strategy.
- Company: Join Tata Steel UK, a leader in sustainable steel production with a diverse workforce.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, generous holidays, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of taxation in a pivotal role during exciting business transformation.
- Qualifications: Extensive tax experience, leadership skills, and a Chartered Accountant or Tax Adviser qualification.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Department: Finance
Location: Port Talbot (SA13) HYBRID WORKING
Salary: Senior Leader role offering a competitive salary along with company car/allowance, attractive pension scheme and other benefits
Closing Date: Tuesday 14th June 2026
We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference. At Tata Steel UK, our strength lies not only in the steel we make, but in the people who shape our journey. As we transform for a sustainable future, our Finance team play a pivotal role in driving change, strengthening governance, and ensuring we remain resilient in an ever‑evolving world.
The role
We’re looking for an experienced Head of Taxation & Customs to lead our UK tax function at a pivotal time for the business and the industry. Reporting directly to the Group Finance Director, this is a senior leadership role where you will shape tax strategy, optimise cash performance, and ensure full compliance across a complex and evolving landscape. You will manage a team of 10 with 4 direct reports.
Both Tata Steel UK and its Finance function are undergoing an exciting period of change with a multi‑billion investment in a new Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot to enable Tata Steel UK’s transition to being a low‑CO2 steel producer. The Head of Taxation & Customs will be responsible for ensuring all tax aspects of this business transformation are handled appropriately as well as managing key Tax change projects, including automation and process optimisation, of customs and VAT activities.
The purpose of the role is to optimise the tax position of Tata Steel UK and to comply with statutory tax legislation requirements for direct and indirect taxation. You will lead the UK Tax team to provide coordinated direct and indirect tax advice in line with commercial objectives to ensure that in all major business decisions tax consequences have been fully taken into account.
What you’ll do
- Lead & Develop
- Lead, coach, and inspire a team of tax specialists, ensuring high-quality delivery of all tax activities
- Build a future‑ready tax function aligned with business objectives and evolving regulatory demands
- Take full accountability for all internal and external tax outputs
- Drive Strategy & Risk Management
- Define and implement the UK tax strategy while actively managing the Group’s tax risk profile
- Maintain strong relationships with HMRC, ensuring transparency and a low‑risk status
- Lead governance frameworks including SAO and tax risk management processes
- Own Compliance & Reporting
- Oversee all UK tax filings, payments, and forecasting across:
- Corporation Tax
- VAT & Customs
- Employment & Environmental Taxes
- Ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all processes
- Provide Commercial Insight
- Partner with senior stakeholders to ensure tax considerations are embedded in key business decisions
- Advise on complex UK and international transactions, including:
- Cross‑border structuring & compliance
- Transfer pricing & OECD/BEPS requirements
- M&A, restructuring, and expansion activities
- Optimise Value
- Identify opportunities to improve cash flow and tax efficiency
- Maximise benefits from tax credits (e.g. RDEC) and available tax attributes
- Reduce reliance on external advisors through strong in‑house capability
- Lead Transformation
- Drive tax input into major business transformation initiatives
- Oversee implementation of digital tax systems and compliance with Making Tax Digital requirements
- Support the business in navigating evolving customs complexities
What you’ll need
- Extensive experience in tax, with strong technical expertise and a broad understanding of both indirect and direct tax
- Deep understanding of UK tax legislation and international tax frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to drive strategic tax outcomes through expert stakeholder engagement
- Visionary approach to tax technology and digital transformation
- Strong leadership experience managing and developing high‑performing teams
- Agility in navigating complex regulatory shifts
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) or Chartered Tax Adviser qualification
- Professional membership at an appropriate level
What we can offer you
- A market competitive salary
- Car or Car allowance
- 35 days holidays per annum
- Annual Pay Review
- Bonus Scheme – subject to business performance
- Private Healthcare Scheme (family cover)
- One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)
Head of Taxation And Customs employer: Tata Steel UK
At Tata Steel UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Port Talbot that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a robust pension scheme, all while supporting a diverse workforce dedicated to sustainable practices. Join us as we lead the charge in transforming the steel industry, where your expertise will directly contribute to meaningful change and a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Taxation And Customs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and taxation sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Tata Steel UK and its recent projects, especially around sustainability and tax transformation. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for leading their tax function!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the tax strategy and how you can optimise cash performance. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your delivery and boost your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are proactive and engaged. Show us you mean business by taking that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Taxation And Customs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Taxation & Customs role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in tax, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive strategic tax outcomes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, we want to see how you've led teams in the past. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed high-performing teams, as well as how you've navigated complex regulatory shifts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Tata Steel UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tata Steel UK
✨Know Your Tax Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK tax legislation and international tax frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact Tata Steel UK's operations and how you can navigate them effectively.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team or driven change, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Business Transformation
Familiarise yourself with Tata Steel UK's current transformation initiatives, especially the move towards low-CO2 steel production. Be ready to discuss how your role as Head of Taxation & Customs will support these changes and what strategies you would implement.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice articulating how you would embed tax considerations into key business decisions. Think about how you can build strong relationships with both internal teams and external bodies like HMRC.
