European Senior Direct Tax Manager in Chester

Location: Chester, North West England (Hybrid – 2–3 days per week in office)

Package: Up to £86,000 + 14% Bonus + £7,000 Car Allowance + LTIP + Excellent Benefits

Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support Available

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a highly successful global organisation undergoing significant expansion across Europe. As part of this continued growth, we are seeking an experienced European Senior Direct Tax Manager to lead and oversee all direct tax matters across the European business, with a particular focus on Germany. This is a high-impact leadership role offering exposure to complex international tax matters, senior stakeholder engagement, and the opportunity to influence tax strategy across multiple jurisdictions.

The Role of the European Senior Direct Tax Manager

Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will take ownership of direct tax compliance and risk management across Germany and selected European markets. You will work closely with finance, legal, HR, treasury, payroll, customs, and external advisors to ensure effective tax governance and strategic alignment across the business. This role offers the opportunity to combine technical expertise with commercial influence in a fast-paced international environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage corporate tax compliance across Germany and other European entities
• Strategically oversee tax audits in collaboration with local finance teams
• Develop and maintain tax risk registers, presenting findings to senior leadership on a quarterly basis
• Support global tax reporting including US GAAP provisions, projections, and contingency reporting
• Contribute to transfer pricing documentation and alignment of global tax requirements with local regulations
• Partner with Finance Heads across Europe to provide practical tax guidance and legislative updates
• Build strong relationships with cross‑functional stakeholders across finance, legal, HR, treasury, customs, and external advisors
• Drive process improvement and leverage technology to enhance tax calculations and reporting efficiencies
• Lead, mentor, and develop junior team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Manage external advisor relationships and budgets effectively

Skills & Experience Required

• Fluent English essential; additional European language skills, particularly German, are advantageous
• Degree educated and/or Chartered Tax qualification preferred
• Significant experience within a large corporate tax environment, either in-house or within professional services
• Experience working within a multinational or regional tax team
• Strong understanding of accounting provisions, audits, and financial statement disclosures
• Exposure to US GAAP is beneficial
• Proven people management and leadership experience
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities across jurisdictions
• Experience supporting German tax matters is advantageous but not essential

We are looking for a commercially minded tax professional who thrives in an international environment and enjoys balancing strategic oversight with technical delivery.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary up to £86,000
• 14% annual bonus
• £7,000 car allowance
• Long Term Incentive Plan eligibility
• Private family healthcare
• Attractive pension scheme
• Hybrid working model (50% home / 50% office)
• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays and festive shutdown
• Career development and qualification support
• Modern office facilities with onsite benefits and parking
• UK visa sponsorship and generous relocation support available

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious international tax professional looking to step into a visible and influential European leadership role within a growing global business.