European / Global VAT & Customs Strategic Advice - Tax Manager
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About the role
We are seeking a European & Global VAT and Customs Strategic Advice - Tax Manager to provide high‑quality, commercially focused VAT and customs advice across a complex international organisation. The role has a strong European focus with broader global exposure and works closely with Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and business teams. This is a hands‑on advisory and business‑partnering role, supporting decision‑making, business change, and effective VAT and customs governance across the Labs and R&DS businesses, with further support to the Commercial Solutions business where similar operating, delivery, or contracting models apply.
Responsibilities
- VAT & Customs Advisory
- Advise on European VAT matters with global reach, including cross‑border supplies, goods movements, reorganisations, and operating model changes across Labs and R&DS.
- Provide practical customs input on valuation, classification, and import/export structuring across international supply chains.
- Support the development and application of consistent, defensible VAT and customs positions across jurisdictions.
- Business & Commercial Support
- Provide proactive, commercially focused VAT advice to Finance, Legal, and business teams to support growth and operational decision‑making.
- Support sponsor and customer discussions where VAT treatment impacts pricing, margins, VAT recoverability, or execution.
- Advise on VAT implications of new services, contracting models, and commercial approaches, including support to the Commercial Solutions business.
- Governance & Risk
- Maintain oversight of VAT compliance, reporting, and audit activity across multiple jurisdictions, working with local teams and advisors as appropriate.
- Identify recurring VAT and customs risks arising from business models, supply chains, and operating structures.
- Ensure VAT positions are appropriately documented, consistent, and technically robust.
- Change & Development
- Support VAT and customs assessments for acquisitions, integrations, and post‑deal operating models, particularly for global Labs and R&DS activities.
- Monitor VAT and customs legislative developments and translate them into clear, practical business guidance.
- Contribute VAT and customs input into process improvements, systems changes, and ERP initiatives where relevant.
Requirements
- Strong experience in European VAT, with exposure to global VAT and customs matters.
- Experience advising on cross‑border services, goods flows, and supply chains.
- A pragmatic, commercial approach to applying indirect tax rules in a business environment.
- Experience in a multinational organisation and/or a professional services firm (Big 4 or similar).
- Ability to work confidently with Finance, Legal, and operational stakeholders.
- Why This Role?
- Compared to many VAT Tax Manager roles in the market, this position offers:
- Broader international and cross‑functional exposure beyond pure compliance
- Meaningful involvement in business change, growth initiatives, and projects
- A balanced scope spanning VAT, customs, governance, and advisory, while remaining clearly aligned to an Tax Manager ‑level remit
Benefits
Additional Information
European & Global VAT and Customs Strategic Advice - Tax Manager Function: Tax / Finance Reporting to: Senior Director, Tax - EMEA, APAC & LA
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