European / Global VAT & Customs Strategic Advice – Tax Manager

Banking & Financial Services
West Lothian
June 11, 2026
Permanent
Urgent

Job Description

European / Global VAT & Customs Strategic Advice – Tax Manager

Livingston, United Kingdom Full time Hybrid R

European & Global VAT and Customs Strategic Advice – Tax Manager

Function: Tax / Finance

Reporting to: Senior Director, Tax – EMEA, APAC & LA

About the Role

We are seeking a European & Global VAT and Customs Strategic Advice – Tax Manager to provide high quality, commercially focused VAT and customs advice across a complex international organisation. The role has a strong European focus with broader global exposure and works closely with Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and business teams.

This is a hands on advisory and business partnering role, supporting decision making, business change, and effective VAT and customs governance across the Labs and R&DS businesses, with further support to the Commercial Solutions business where similar operating, delivery, or contracting models apply.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advise on European VAT matters with global reach, including cross border supplies, goods movements, reorganisations, and operating model changes across Labs and R&DS.
  • Provide practical customs input on valuation, classification, and import/export structuring across international supply chains.
  • Support the development and application of consistent, defensible VAT and customs positions across jurisdictions.

Business & Commercial Support

  • Provide proactive, commercially focused VAT advice to Finance, Legal, and business teams to support growth and operational decision making.
  • Support sponsor and customer discussions where VAT treatment impacts pricing, margins, VAT recoverability, or execution.
  • Advise on VAT implications of new services, contracting models, and commercial approaches, including support to the Commercial Solutions business.

Governance & Risk

  • Maintain oversight of VAT compliance, reporting, and audit activity across multiple jurisdictions, working with local teams and advisors as appropriate.
  • Identify recurring VAT and customs risks arising from business models, supply chains, and operating structures.
  • Ensure VAT positions are appropriately documented, consistent, and technically robust.

Change & Development

  • Support VAT and customs assessments for acquisitions, integrations, and post deal operating models, particularly for global Labs and R&DS activities.
  • Monitor VAT and customs legislative developments and translate them into clear, practical business guidance.
  • Contribute VAT and customs input into process improvements, systems changes, and ERP initiatives where relevant.

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong experience in European VAT, with exposure to global VAT and customs matters.
  • Experience advising on cross border services, goods flows, and supply chains.
  • A pragmatic, commercial approach to applying indirect tax rules in a business environment.
  • Experience in a multinational organisation and/or a professional services firm (Big 4 or similar).
  • Ability to work confidently with Finance, Legal, and operational stakeholders.

Why This Role?

  • Broader international and cross functional exposure beyond pure compliance.
  • Meaningful involvement in business change, growth initiatives, and projects.
  • A balanced scope spanning VAT, customs, governance, and advisory, while remaining clearly aligned to a Tax Manager level remit.

Location

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