European / Global VAT & Customs Strategic Advice - Tax Manager
Livingston, United Kingdom | Full time | Hybrid | R1542025
European & Global VAT and Customs Strategic Advice - Tax Manager
Function: Tax / Finance
Reporting to: Senior Director, Tax – EMEA, APAC & LA
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.
Key Responsibilities
* 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.
What We’re Looking For
* 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?
* 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 a Tax Manager level remit.
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