Senior Direct Tax Manager - EMEA markets - German speaking an advantage

Senior Direct Tax Manager

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.

The Company

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.

The Role of the Senior Direct Tax Manager

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Candidate Profile

• 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.

Salary & Benefits

• 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.

How to Apply

To be considered, please send your CV to: Jonathan Grimes –

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