Head of Taxation & Customs

South Wales | Competitive Executive Salary + Bonus + Benefits | Full-Time | Permanent

Introduction

Acorn by Synergie is recruiting an experienced Head of Taxation & Customs to lead a UK tax function during a significant period of business transformation and investment.

Reporting directly to the Group Finance Director, this is a strategic leadership position responsible for shaping tax strategy, optimising cash performance, managing tax risk and ensuring compliance across a complex and evolving regulatory landscape.

Leading a team of 10 tax professionals, including four direct reports, you will play a critical role in supporting major business transformation programmes, process optimisation initiatives and digital tax developments.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially minded tax leader to influence business strategy at the highest level while driving operational excellence across direct and indirect taxation.

Key Duties

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of tax specialists.
• Build a future-focused tax function aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Take overall accountability for all internal and external tax activities and deliverables.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and professional development.
• Develop and implement the UK tax strategy to support business growth and operational objectives.
• Manage the organisation's tax risk profile and ensure robust governance processes are maintained.
• Maintain strong working relationships with HMRC and other regulatory bodies.
• Lead Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) compliance and tax governance frameworks.
• Oversee all UK tax compliance, reporting, forecasting and payment obligations.
• Support the business in navigating increasingly complex customs and international trade requirements.

Requirements

• Extensive senior-level tax experience within a large corporate, multinational, manufacturing, industrial or complex business environment.
• Strong technical expertise across both direct and indirect taxation.
• Detailed knowledge of UK tax legislation and international tax frameworks.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and deliver strategic tax outcomes.
• Experience leading tax transformation, automation and process improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance compliance, risk management and business objectives.
• Excellent leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory and organisational change.

Qualifications:

• Chartered Accountant (ICAEW, ACCA or equivalent) and/or Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).
• Professional membership with a recognised accounting or tax body.
• Degree-qualified or equivalent professional experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive salary.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead a critical function during a major period of business transformation and investment.
• Exposure to senior executive leadership and strategic decision-making.
• Opportunity to shape tax strategy within a complex and evolving organisation.
• Long-term career development and progression opportunities.

Interested?

If you are an experienced tax leader looking for a strategic senior leadership opportunity, apply now with your up-to-date CV or contact Acorn by Synergie for a confidential discussion.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.