R&D Tax Senior Manager

Your new company
Hays are working with a local advisory firm and are seeking a highly experienced and driven Senior Manager to join their R&D Tax team, with a specialist focus on the UK&ROI Patent Box regime and innovation-related grants. This role is ideal for a tax professional with a strong technical background in R&D incentives, who can lead client engagements, manage complex claims, and provide strategic advice on innovation funding.
Your new role

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Advisory & Project Management
  • Lead and manage a portfolio of clients across sectors, advising on R&D tax relief, Patent Box claims, and innovation grants.
  • Deliver high-quality technical advice on the application of the UK Patent Box regime, including IP identification, nexus fraction calculations, and relevant tax computations.
  • Identify and secure innovation grants (e.g., Innovate UK, Horizon Europe), supporting clients through the full lifecycle from application to reporting.
• Technical Expertise
  • Interpret and apply relevant legislation, HMRC guidance, and case law related to R&D tax relief and Patent Box.
  • Stay abreast of changes in tax law, IP regimes, and funding opportunities to ensure clients receive up-to-date advice.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Mentor and develop junior team members, providing technical training and performance feedback.
  • Support the leadership team in developing service offerings and go-to-market strategies.
• Business Development
  • Identify new business opportunities and contribute to proposals, pitches, and client presentations.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry bodies, and funding agencies.

• Qualifications:
  • ACA/CTA qualified (or equivalent); additional qualifications in IP law or innovation funding are advantageous.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in R&D tax advisory, with at least 2 years specialising in Patent Box and/or innovation grants.
  • Proven track record of managing complex claims and delivering measurable value to clients.
• Skills:
  • Strong technical knowledge of UK R&D tax relief and Patent Box legislation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex tax and IP concepts to non-specialists.
  • Commercial acumen and client-focused mindset.
  • Strong project management and leadership capabilities.

• Experience working with technology, life sciences, or manufacturing clients.
• Familiarity with international innovation incentives and IP regimes.
• Network of contacts within funding bodies or innovation ecosystems.