Overview
Posted on: 23/01/2026 - Application Deadline: 06/02/2026
Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we're building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.
At a glance:
Location: Cirencester Office
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Employment Type: Permanent
Seniority: Mid-Senior Level
What you'll be doing
We are seeking a Head of Group Tax to play a senior leadership role within the Group Tax function, acting as deputy to the Divisional Director - Group Tax. This role has significant responsibility for maintaining and enhancing the Group's tax profile, ensuring compliance across a broad range of taxes, and supporting the business through strong tax governance, risk management and advice.
The role covers key areas including Client Tax, VAT, Employment Tax, and ownership of the Tax Risk Framework, including SAO oversight. It is a high-impact role within Finance, with regular exposure to senior stakeholders and committees across SJP.
Key Responsibilities:
* Tax Compliance & Governance
* Tax Operations & Control Environment
* Projects & Advisory
* Stakeholder & Relationship Management
* Leadership & Culture
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure compliance with UK tax legislation and regulation across corporate, VAT, employment and client-related taxes.
* Oversee tax arrangements linked to client products managed under licence (e.g. ISAs, pensions).
* Monitor regulatory change and assess impact on the Group's tax position.
* Ensure tax practices align with SJP's low-risk appetite.
* Define and promote a robust tax control framework supporting accurate assessment, reporting and returns.
* Ensure integrity of tax-related data sourced from across the Group.
* Lead oversight of the SAO regime and maintain the Group Tax Risk Register.
* Act as the first point of contact on tax matters for Group-wide projects.
* Identify tax risks and issues early, sourcing specialist support where required.
* Build strong relationships across SJP and with key third parties, including outsource providers and external advisers.
* Represent Group Tax at relevant committees, including Group Tax Committee and Client Tax Committee.
* Line manage a team of four (qualified accountants and trainee), supporting development and performance.
* Champion SJP culture, values, and Consumer Duty requirements.
* Role model strong leadership behaviours, ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
Who we're looking for
You will be a senior tax professional with experience in financial services, comfortable operating in a complex, regulated environment. You will bring strong technical expertise, sound judgement, and the ability to translate complex tax issues into clear, practical advice for senior stakeholders. As a people leader, you will foster a positive, inclusive culture and support the development of others, while maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.
Skills & Experience
* Significant tax experience with strong technical knowledge across a broad range of taxes.
* Professional qualification: CTA, ACA or ACCA (or equivalent).
* Proven experience of tax governance, controls and risk management (including SAO or similar regimes).
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.
* Experience working within Financial Services or a similarly regulated environment.
* Experience of client tax arrangements linked to investment products (e.g. ISAs, pensions).
* Experience working with outsourced service providers and external tax advisers.
* Prior involvement in large-scale or Group-wide projects with tax implications.
* Experience operating at committee level or presenting to senior forums.
What's in it for you?
We reward you for the work you do, whether that's through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.
We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:
* Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
* Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
* 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)
Reasonable Adjustments
We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at. Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career-break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.
What's next?
If you're excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit an application by clicking'apply' below and our team will be in touch. As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and in particular consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.
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