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: 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 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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)
Contact: Ruth.Knoyle@tatasteeleurope.com
Head of Taxation And Customs in Port Talbot 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 pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development within a diverse and inclusive workforce. Join us as we lead the charge towards a sustainable future, where your contributions will directly impact our transformation and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Taxation And Customs in Port Talbot
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and taxation sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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 that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead and develop a high-performing tax team. Highlight your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed tax strategies in the past. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Taxation And Customs in Port Talbot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Taxation & Customs role. Highlight your relevant experience in tax strategy and compliance, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can drive change and optimise processes!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Tata Steel UK. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed tax functions in the past. Let us know how you can contribute to our exciting transformation journey.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:We’re looking for someone with strong technical expertise in both direct and indirect tax. Make sure to highlight your understanding of UK tax legislation and any experience with international tax frameworks. This will help us see your depth of knowledge in the field!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Tata Steel UK. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tata Steel UK
✨Know Your Tax Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK tax legislation and international tax frameworks. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in the tax landscape will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and coach others, as this role requires managing a team of specialists. Think of specific instances where your leadership made a difference.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Tata Steel UK's current projects, especially the transition to low-CO2 steel production. Be ready to discuss how your tax strategies can align with their business objectives and support their transformation initiatives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement. This role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, so think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex discussions and ensured tax considerations were embedded in key business decisions.
