Head of Tax & Customs

Tata Steel UK

Join Tata Steel UK at a defining moment in our transformation journey. We are seeking an accomplished Head of Tax & Customs to lead our UK tax function, shape strategic decision-making, and support a major transition toward a more sustainable future.

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Location & Package

• Location: Port Talbot, SA13

• Working Pattern: Hybrid working

• Salary: Competitive senior leadership package

• Closing Date: Tuesday 14th June 2026

This senior leadership opportunity comes with an excellent reward package, including a company car or car allowance, a highly attractive pension scheme, and a wide range of additional benefits.

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About Tata Steel UK

At Tata Steel UK, our strength comes not only from the steel we produce, but from the people who drive our success. We are proud of the diversity, capability, and commitment across our workforce, and we know that our people are what truly set us apart.

As our business evolves to meet the demands of a more sustainable future, our Finance function is central to that transformation—enhancing governance, enabling change, and supporting resilience in a rapidly shifting environment.

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The Opportunity

This is a high-impact role for a tax leader who can combine technical excellence with strategic vision. Reporting to the Group Finance Director, the Head of Tax & Customs will take ownership of Tata Steel UK’s full tax agenda, ensuring robust compliance while identifying opportunities to optimise tax performance and cash flow.

You will lead a team of 10 tax professionals, including 4 direct reports, and play a key role in supporting Tata Steel UK through a major business transformation.

With a multi-billion-pound investment underway in a new Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot, this role will be instrumental in ensuring all tax implications of the transition are managed effectively. You will also lead important tax change initiatives, including automation, process improvement, and the optimisation of customs and VAT activities.

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What You’ll Be Responsible For

Strategic Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing tax team

• Build a modern, future-ready tax function aligned to business priorities

• Take full accountability for internal and external tax deliverables

• Create a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Tax Strategy & Risk Management

• Define and deliver the UK tax strategy

• Proactively manage the Group’s tax risk profile

• Maintain strong, transparent relationships with HMRC

• Lead tax governance processes, including:

• Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements

• Tax risk management frameworks

• Internal control oversight

Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee accurate and timely tax filings, payments, and forecasting across:

• Corporation Tax

• VAT & Customs

• Employment Taxes

• Environmental Taxes

• Ensure all activity is compliant with statutory requirements

• Drive process efficiency and reporting accuracy across the tax function

Commercial Business Partnering

• Partner with senior leaders to ensure tax considerations are embedded into key business decisions

• Provide expert advice on complex UK and international matters, including:

• Cross-border structuring and compliance

• Transfer pricing

• OECD / BEPS requirements

• M&A activity

• Business restructuring

• Expansion initiatives

Value Optimisation

• Identify ways to improve tax efficiency and strengthen cash performance

• Maximise the value of tax credits, including RDEC

• Make effective use of available tax attributes

• Strengthen in-house capability and reduce dependency on external advisors where appropriate

Transformation & Change

• Lead tax input into major transformation programmes

• Oversee digital tax developments and compliance with Making Tax Digital

• Drive automation and process optimisation initiatives

• Support the business in navigating increasingly complex customs requirements

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What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a senior tax professional with the credibility, technical depth, and leadership capability to operate confidently at executive level.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Extensive tax experience with strong expertise across both direct and indirect tax

• Deep knowledge of UK tax legislation and international tax frameworks

• Proven ability to influence strategic business outcomes through effective stakeholder engagement

• Strong understanding of tax technology and digital transformation

• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams

• Ability to work effectively through complex regulatory and business change

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) or Chartered Tax Adviser

• Professional membership at an appropriate level

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Why This Role Matters

This is more than a tax leadership role—it is an opportunity to shape the tax strategy of a major UK manufacturer during a period of significant investment and transformation.

You will play a central role in helping Tata Steel UK navigate change, protect value, maintain compliance, and support the business as it transitions toward low-CO2 steel production.

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What We Offer

Tata Steel UK offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support you professionally and personally.

Core Benefits

• Competitive salary

• Company car or car allowance

• 35 days annual leave

• Annual pay review

• Bonus scheme subject to business performance

• Private healthcare with family cover

• One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes:

• 10% employer contribution

• 6% employee contribution

Additional Lifestyle Benefits

• Free onsite parking

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee discount scheme, including offers with:

• Vodafone

• Jaguar Land Rover

• Various local services

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Why Join Tata Steel?

Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers, with an annual crude steel capacity of over 33 million tonnes and approximately 80,000 employees across four continents.

We are part of the globally respected Tata Group—one of the world’s most diverse and influential business groups, with well-known UK brands including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tetley Tea.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to operating responsibly, improving continuously, and building a better future through innovation, ambition, and action.

Innovating for tomorrow. Making a positive impact today.

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Interested?

If you would like more information or would prefer an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact:

• Ruth.Knoyle@tatasteeleurope.com

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Application Guidance

You may use AI tools to support your application preparation. However, all information you submit must be accurate and reflect your own experience. We value authenticity and honest applications that genuinely represent who you are.

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Learn More

Discover more about Tata Steel UK and what it is like to build your career with us by watching:

• Tata Steel – A place you can thrive – YouTube