Overview
This role involves leading the indirect tax function for a global specialty pharmaceutical services business. You will combine technical VAT expertise with commercial advisory work, partnering with senior stakeholders to support business growth, optimize supply chains, and manage tax risk across multiple jurisdictions.
The position is advisory-led, with approximately 80% of the role focused on advisory work and 20% on compliance.
Responsibilities
- Provide VAT and indirect tax guidance on new business opportunities, complex cross-border transactions, commercial agreements, and strategic projects
- Support specialist areas including Managed Access and cell and gene therapies
- Advise Commercial, Business Development, Finance, Legal, and Supply Chain teams on VAT/indirect tax considerations
- Oversee VAT compliance across the UK, Europe, and Australia
- Manage relationships with HMRC and external tax advisers
- Lead and manage audits
- Ensure robust tax controls, reporting processes, and systems are in place
- Lead, develop, and shape the indirect tax team, including how the function evolves as technology and AI transform tax processes
Requirements
- Strong technical VAT and indirect tax expertise
- Experience advising on complex commercial arrangements and international supply chains
- Confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Ability to translate technical tax matters into practical business solutions
- Pharmaceutical or life sciences experience
- A recognised tax or accounting qualification is expected
- Experience gained within a Big Four or comparable tax advisory environment is particularly valuable
Preferred Qualifications
- A commercially minded approach
Compensation & Benefits
- 27 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
- Discretionary Bonus Scheme
- Pension contributions 5% matched
- Life assurance 4 x annual salary
- Flexible Benefits Platform with £25/month company contribution
- Annual salary review
- Independent financial advice service
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme
- Shopping discounts with retailers
- Long service awards
- Recognition scheme & employee of the year awards
Location
Flexible remote working arrangements are available.