Senior Direct Tax Manager - EMEA markets - German speaking an advantage
10 days ago
Chester
Location: Chester, North West England (Hybrid: 2–3 days per week in office). Relocation package and UK VISA SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE. Languages: Fluent English required. Fluency in any second European language, particularly German, is an advantage but not essential. Our client is a highly successful global organisation experiencing rapid growth across European markets. To support this expansion, they are seeking a Senior Direct Tax Manager to lead all corporate tax matters related to their business operations in Europe, in particular Germany. As the Senior Direct Tax Manager, you will play a key role in overseeing tax compliance across their European entities, working closely with senior finance and business leaders, shaping compliance strategy, and making a real difference to the group international tax landscape. With primary focus on Germany, and other key countries in Europe, you'll own meaningful, high‑profile work while developing deep cross‑border expertise. • Lead tax audits strategically in close collaboration with local finance teams., • Drive risk management by building and maintaining a risk register, drawing on input from payroll and indirect tax colleagues, and present findings directly to the Finance Director and General Manager each quarter., • Own end‑to‑end tax compliance for Germany (and select European markets), leading the planning and execution of local tax requirements., • Influence global tax strategy by supporting US GAAP provision, projection and contingency reporting, contributing to transfer pricing documentation, and aligning global tax requirements with local German regulations., • Advise the Head of Finance in local markets across Europe, proactively educating colleagues on legislative changes, and providing practical tax support on operational issues as they arise., • Build relationships across tax, finance, legal, treasury, HR, customs, and external advisers., • Leverage technology to create smarter, more efficient calculations that support tax returns and provisions., • Lead, develop and inspire the team – coach junior colleagues, encourage every voice to be heard, and foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous development., • Manage budgets with strategic foresight – planning internal resourcing, maximizing knowledge retention in‑house, and ensuring external adviser spend is well‑planned and transparent., • Fluent English required. Fluency in any second European language, ideally German, is helpful but not essential., • Educated to degree or chartered tax advisor qualification., • Solid professional experience in a large corporate tax environment (in‑house or advisory)., • Experience working within a global or regional tax team., • A track record of managing and developing people., • Strong knowledge of accounting provisions, audit requirements, and financial statement disclosures., • Familiarity with US GAAP is an advantage., • The ability to balance big‑picture thinking with sharp attention to detail., • Comfort navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and cross‑border complexities., • A collaborative, inclusive leadership style, someone who actively brings quieter voices into the conversation., • Experience working on Germany‑related tax matters (in‑house, advisory, or with German entities) is helpful but not essential., • Highly competitive – up to £86,000 per year., • 14% annual bonus plus £7,000 car allowance., • Eligible for participation in the company’s long‑term incentive programme, subject to plan rules., • Family cover healthcare., • Attractive contributory pension scheme., • Hybrid working – 50% home, 50% office., • 26 days holiday, plus bank holidays, plus festive shutdown., • Career and qualifications support – we invest in your growth., • Modern office with a range of on‑site benefits, including on‑site parking., • Visa sponsorship and generous relocation assistance for professionals outside the UK. To be considered, please send your CV to: Jonathan Grimes – jgrimes@languagebusiness.co.uk. #J-18808-Ljbffr