At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK tax function and shape tax strategy for Tata Steel.
- Company: Join Tata Steel, a top global steel producer with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, car allowance, generous holidays, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving change in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal leadership role during exciting business transformation.
- Qualifications: Extensive tax experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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 involves leading 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. 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.
Ready to make a difference? For more information or for an informal discussion please contact: Ruth.Knoyle@tatasteeleurope.com
Please note: You may use AI tools to help prepare your application. However, all information must be accurate and based on your own experience. We value genuine, honest responses that reflect who you are.
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).
We also have an extensive list of lifestyle benefits including free onsite parking at all of our sites, an employee assistance programme as well as Employee discount scheme for companies including Vodafone, Jaguar Land Rover and also various local services.
Why us? Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We’re part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea. Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuously improving our performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today.
Head of Taxation And Customs employer: Tata Steel
At Tata Steel UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Port Talbot location is at the forefront of our transformation towards sustainable steel production, providing employees with unique opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a commitment to employee well-being, we empower our team to thrive as we shape the future of the industry together.
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, 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’s recent projects and initiatives, especially around sustainability and tax compliance. 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 for our company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead and develop a high-performing tax team. Highlight your strategic thinking and risk management skills. We love candidates who can clearly articulate their vision and how they can contribute to our transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Tata Steel and being part of our exciting future.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Taxation And Customs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Taxation & Customs role. Highlight your relevant experience in tax strategy and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in tax management and strategy. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've optimised tax positions or led successful projects. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous positions.
Be Authentic:We value genuine responses, so be yourself in your application. Share your motivations for applying and what excites you about the role at Tata Steel. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us understand who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it gets to the right people and allows us to keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tata Steel
✨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
As a Head of Taxation & Customs, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight your coaching style and how you inspire high-quality delivery in tax activities.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to discuss how you would define and implement a tax strategy. Think about how you can align tax objectives with business goals and be ready to share insights on managing tax risks while maintaining strong relationships with HMRC.
✨Demonstrate Your Digital Savvy
With the shift towards digital tax systems, be prepared to talk about your vision for tax technology and digital transformation. Share any experiences you have with automation and process optimisation in tax functions to show you're forward-thinking.
