Head of Tax

The University of Southampton is a world‑leading, research‑intensive university, recognised globally for excellence, innovation and enterprise. We are seeking an experienced Head of Tax to join our Finance Leadership team at a key point in the University’s strategic and financial development.

This is a senior role with responsibility for the tax strategy, governance, compliance and risk management of a large and complex University Group, spanning UK and international activities, subsidiaries, capital projects and commercial ventures. Acting as the University’s principal tax adviser, you will work closely with senior leadership and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure tax matters are managed effectively, transparently and in line with the University’s values and public‑benefit mission.

You will lead the development and delivery of the Group’s tax strategy, oversee tax risk and compliance, provide high‑quality advice on complex transactions, and manage relationships with HMRC and external advisers. The role offers significant scope to shape how tax supports the University’s long‑term sustainability and ambitions.

We are looking for a senior tax professional with strong technical breadth, sound judgement and the credibility to influence at Executive level. Experience in higher education or the public sector is essential.

• Lead the development and delivery of the Group’s tax strategy.
• Oversee tax risk and compliance across the University Group.
• Provide high‑quality advice on complex transactions.
• Manage relationships with HMRC and external advisers.

Senior tax professional with strong technical breadth, sound judgement, and credibility to influence at executive level. Experience in higher education or the public sector is essential.

Working at the University of Southampton gives you access to a wide range of benefits in addition to our competitive rates of pay. Our core benefits include pension scheme membership; a generous annual leave allowance (supplemented by University closure days and public holidays) and excellent family leave arrangements (including maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave). All our benefits can be viewed here:
Benefits Explained website.