Head of Tax & Customs

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