Overview
Job title: Head of Indirect Tax
Reference: 335451
Location: London (185 Farringdon Road) + Hybrid Working. Occasional travel to Chesterfield may be required.
Reports to: Group Tax Director
Team: Lead a team of 4
Company: International Distribution Services (IDS) / Royal Mail
About the company
International Distribution Services, IDS is a global logistics company, operating the Royal Mail and GLS delivery networks. Royal Mail is an iconic British brand with over 500 years of history, evolving from a service for the Crown into the UK's leading mail, parcel and logistics operator. Parcelforce Worldwide provides time-critical, door-to-door services across the UK and internationally. GLS is a leading international logistics provider with a strong parcel service network in Europe and North America.
About the role
IDS is seeking an exceptional Head of Indirect Tax to lead all VAT and Customs activities across the UK business and support strategic indirect tax matters for GLS as required. This leadership role is responsible for the Group's indirect tax reporting, compliance, planning, and advisory agenda—shaping the future of tax policy, risk management, and tax-efficient commercial propositions across a complex organisation.
You will lead a UK-based team of VAT and Customs specialists, acting as the subject matter expert and strategic voice on all indirect tax matters.
Key responsibilities
1. Tax Strategy & Planning
o Develop and deliver a comprehensive indirect tax strategy aligned to Group objectives
o Identify VAT savings, tax efficiencies, and process improvements to enhance financial performance
o Ensure all products and services provided to customers are fully compliant and risk managed
o Communicate and report strategic issues, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership
o Implement best practice approaches to indirect tax governance, controls, and operations
2. Collaboration & Advisory
o Act as the Group's senior adviser on VAT, Customs, and indirect tax implications of new initiatives, regulatory changes, transactions, and business operations
o Lead tax due diligence and structuring activities for acquisitions and corporate transactions
o Work closely with senior leaders across Legal, Finance, Commercial, Government Affairs, and other functions
o Play a key leadership role in shaping commercially compelling, tax-efficient propositions across services where VAT and International Trade & Customs are significant differentiators (International, Wholesale, and commercial products)
o Build and maintain strong relationships with external advisers and HMRC
3. HMRC Relationship Ownership
o Lead the Group's relationship with HMRC on all indirect tax matters, ensuring transparent, constructive, and proactive engagement
4. Team Leadership
o Lead, develop, and mentor the indirect tax team (4 direct reports)
o Foster a collaborative, high performance culture focused on continuous learning, innovation, and accountability
5. Compliance & Controls
o Drive Group-wide awareness of compliance and reporting obligations, ensuring adherence to Senior Accounting Officer provisions
o Implement and maintain robust tax control frameworks across the organisation
6. Tax Technology & Transformation
o Champion tax technology adoption and lead the indirect tax workstream through the SAP S/4HANA upgrade
o Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and enhance reporting and compliance processes
7. External Advocacy
o Lead lobbying and engagement with tax authorities and EU agencies on VAT matters affecting Royal Mail
8. Adviser Management
o Select, manage, and build strong relationships with the Group's external advisers on all indirect tax matters
9. Risk Management & Audit
o Assess, maintain, and manage tax and customs risks, including ownership of risk registers and emerging threat identification
o Lead management of internal and external audits, disputes, and tax-related investigations
o Ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in all indirect tax reporting and filings through best-practice tools and controls
Experience & qualifications
* ACA / CTA (or equivalent professional qualification)
* Proven experience at senior level VAT/indirect tax in a complex environment
* Deep expertise in UK VAT and Customs with strong analytical and technical capability
* Collaborative and influential leadership style with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders
* Proven ability to deliver change across systems, processes, and teams
* Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
* Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and ability to simplify complex tax issues
* Highly self-motivated, resilient, and comfortable navigating ambiguity
Why join us?
IDS and Royal Mail are iconic brands with significant new investment. This role offers the opportunity to operate within a complex and evolving tax landscape and to shape the indirect tax agenda at Royal Mail, influence key commercial decisions, drive transformation, and lead a high-calibre specialist team.
Benefits & Next steps
Extra Benefits
* Family friendly support – enhanced maternity pay, paternity/adoption leave, and shared parental leave
* Discounts and offers – 800+ offers for savings on groceries, days out, holidays, and household bills
* Sick pay – supportive and generous
* Your Wellbeing – 24/7 access to services for physical and mental health, financial and social support
Next Steps
The next stage of the selection process will be a face-to-face or virtual interview with competency-based and role-specific questions. Royal Mail Group is committed to inclusion and represents the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from all individuals, including the Armed Forces community.
If you require adjustments to support you during the hiring process, please discuss with your recruiter when contacted.
Closing date: 13 February 2026. This advert may close early if the appropriate number of applications is reached.
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