VAT Manager Europe

Our client is a global leader building iconic brands that consumers love, in a place where ownership, ambition, and action thrive. The organization empowers its people to dream big, lead change, and create a long-lasting legacy, and values relentless problem-solvers who take accountability, embrace challenges, and turn bold goals into results through resilience and hard work.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced VAT professional to join our client's European tax function in a high-impact, visible role. You will operate at the intersection of compliance, advisory, and transformation—supporting the business in navigating an increasingly complex VAT landscape.

Working within a dynamic, international environment, you will partner with senior stakeholders across finance and operations, providing technically robust and commercially focused VAT guidance. This role offers the opportunity to drive process improvement, support strategic initiatives (including e-invoicing and digital reporting), and contribute to the ongoing development of a best-in-class VAT function.

• Lead VAT compliance across Europe, ensuring accurate and timely filings in multiple jurisdictions, supported by robust controls and governance

• Deliver high-quality VAT reporting and accounting, including review of reconciliations, analysis of VAT positions, and management reporting

• Provide technical VAT advisory support on complex transactions, business initiatives, and cross-border activities

• Identify and implement VAT efficiencies, improving cash flow, optimizing recovery, and mitigating risk

• Monitor regulatory developments, translating changes into clear business impact and actionable recommendations

• Manage relationships with tax authorities, including leading audits, enquiries, and dispute resolution processes

• Drive VAT transformation initiatives, including automation, process standardization, and e-invoicing / e-reporting implementation

• Enhance the control environment, strengthening processes, documentation, and internal frameworks

• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including finance, IT, external advisors, and auditors

• Develop internal capability, providing training and guidance to finance and non-finance teams

• Act as a subject matter expert, contributing to the strategic direction of the VAT function and influencing decision-making

Who We're Looking For

• A qualified tax or finance professional with 5+ years of experience in VAT / indirect tax, gained in a multinational environment or professional services firm

• Strong technical expertise in European VAT, with the ability to navigate complex, cross-border scenarios

• Demonstrated experience in delivering both compliance and advisory work, with a commercial and risk-aware mindset

• Proven ability to lead initiatives and improve processes, including exposure to automation or tax technology

• Confident communicator with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders

• Strong analytical capability, with attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving

• Experience working with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills

• A proactive, collaborative professional with the ambition to drive impact and continuously improve the VAT function

What We Offer

• Competitive bonus

• A flexible rewards system (smartphone, bike lease, internet at home, extra pension plan, etc.)

• Quarterly vouchers

• Compensation & seniority days in addition to legal holidays (40 days total)

• Meal vouchers, allowances, gift per company policy

• A unique parental leave

• Competitive life insurance, disability & medical plan

• Learning & development opportunities

• Multiple physical & mental wellbeing support initiatives