Senior Direct Tax Manager - EMEA markets - German speaking 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.

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 –