Head of Indirect Tax

Role: Head of Indirect Tax (UK) Salary: Depending on experience Location: Southampton, Dublin, Milan, Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt, Warsaw or Prague (hybrid) Please note that for this role, you can be based in Milan, Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt, Warsaw, or Prague to relocate to the UK. We are seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Head of Indirect Tax to lead our indirect tax function across a global landscape. This is a high-impact role that combines strategic vision with operational excellence, offering the opportunity to influence business-critical decisions and drive measurable value for both our organisation and clients. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in indirect tax management, coupled with strong leadership skills and a commitment to innovation. This role offers competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape a high-performing indirect tax team within a dynamic and growth-oriented organisation. Head of Indirect Tax , the role Strategic Leadership Define and execute a global indirect tax strategy that aligns with business objectives and supports international growth. Provide strategic advisory services to senior management and the board on indirect tax implications of significant business initiatives, including acquisitions, expansions, and restructures. Act as a key partner in driving the company’s tax optimisation initiatives to deliver long-term client value. Compliance and Governance Oversee Global Compliance: Manage indirect tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including VAT, GST, and Sales Tax, ensuring all filings are accurate and submitted within deadlines. Client Advisory and Representation: Provide expert advisory services to high-value clients, showcasing the company’s expertise and commitment to excellence in indirect tax management. Platform Demonstration and Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrate the capabilities of the company’s VAT platform to external stakeholders, enhancing confidence and supporting enterprise and strategic client needs. Proactive Legislative Monitoring: Stay ahead of global legislative changes, updating policies and procedures to ensure seamless compliance with evolving tax laws. Audit Leadership: Lead both internal and external audits, building credibility and trust with tax authorities and external advisors while mitigating risks for the organisation and for clients. Advocacy and Audit Defence: Challenge tax authority decisions during VAT audits, effectively defending client interests and delivering favourable outcomes. Advisory and Optimisation Provide expert, solution-oriented advice to internal stakeholders on complex indirect tax issues, ensuring risks are minimised and opportunities are maximised. Identify and execute tax-efficient structures to support business expansion and optimise tax positions globally. Innovation and Technology Champion the integration of technology to streamline indirect tax processes, improve accuracy, and enhance reporting. Support product development and technology teams Collaborate / support with the Software, product development and IT teams to implement automation tools for VAT, GST, and Sales Tax compliance. Risk Management Develop and enforce robust controls and procedures to mitigate tax risks. Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure adherence to global and local regulations. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with finance, legal, and operational teams to embed tax considerations into business strategies. Lead indirect tax input in cross-border transactions, ensuring compliance while driving efficiencies. Team Leadership and Development Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing indirect tax teams. Support / Deliver training programs to enhance knowledge and professional development within the tax function. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence. Performance Metrics Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the indirect tax function. Head of Indirect Tax , the person ACA/CTA/CPA qualified or equivalent, with a strong focus on indirect tax. Big4 background highly desirable. Extensive experience in indirect tax management within a global context minimum 10 years. Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders and the board. Demonstrated expertise in leveraging technology to drive efficiency in tax operations. Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organisation. Head of Indirect Tax, the benefits 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Annual leave purchase scheme (up to 5 days per year). Company Pension scheme (Royal London). Cycle2Work Scheme. Private Healthcare Insurance (Vitality). Flexible working. Regular departmental socials, company wide. About AVASK AVASK Global Compliance are a rapidly expanding international firm that specialise in VAT, tax and accounting for e-commerce businesses. AVASK assist hundreds of Amazon FBA sellers as well as entrepreneurs across eBay, Shopify and many other platforms. Providing clients with a comprehensive range of expertise - from practical guidance on cross-border transactions, to ensuring they are fully compliant.