Head of Tax Operations, Governance & Transformation

Mott MacDonald
Location: Croydon, UK
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Discipline: Finance and Accounting
Job Ref: 14018
Recruiter Contact: Erinda Hazizi

Join Mott MacDonald in a senior leadership opportunity where you will shape the future of global tax operations within a highly respected, employee-owned international consultancy.

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About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with more than 20,000 employees across 50+ countries and over 140 offices worldwide.

Our work spans some of the world’s most important industries, creating meaningful impact for clients, communities, and society. We believe our people are central to our success, which is why we foster an environment where collaboration, development, and ambition can thrive.

As an employee-owned business, we invest in our people and create opportunities for every individual to feel empowered, valued, and included. Whether your goal is technical depth, strategic leadership, or broader international exposure, Mott MacDonald is a place where talented professionals come to do exceptional work.

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The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking **Head of Tax Operations, Governance & Transformation** to play a pivotal role in the development of our global tax function.

Reporting to the **Group Head of Tax** and sitting within the **Tax Leadership Team**, this role will lead key operational, governance, reporting, and transformation initiatives. You will have a direct impact on how tax is managed across the Group, helping to ensure compliance, strengthen controls, modernise systems, and align the tax function with wider business strategy.

This is a highly visible role with significant scope to influence senior finance, accounting, and business stakeholders globally.

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What You’ll Be Responsible For

1. Leading Group Tax Reporting

You will oversee the full corporate tax reporting cycle, ensuring filings and reporting outputs are completed accurately and on time.

- Manage end-to-end tax reporting processes and corporate tax filings - Ensure accuracy, control, and timeliness across reporting cycles - Identify and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and data quality - Strengthen reporting processes through better systems, controls, and governance

2. Overseeing BEPS Pillar II Compliance

You will take ownership of the Group’s obligations under the OECD Pillar II global minimum tax framework.

- Lead internal Pillar II reporting and external compliance submissions - Ensure timely and accurate submissions to HMRC and other tax authorities - Prepare the business for evolving disclosure and reporting requirements - Monitor legislative developments and translate them into practical action plans

3. Driving Global R&D Tax Credit Strategy

You will lead and refine Mott MacDonald’s approach to R&D tax credits across multiple jurisdictions.

- Oversee global R&D tax credit strategy and delivery - Work closely with business units to identify qualifying activities - Monitor relevant legislation and scheme requirements - Maximise claim value while ensuring full compliance with applicable laws - Build stakeholder understanding through clear communication and collaboration

4. Strengthening Tax Governance and Controls

You will design and continuously improve robust tax governance frameworks that support transparency, compliance, and risk management.

- Develop and maintain tax governance policies, frameworks, and key controls - Align tax controls with global best practice and the Group risk framework - Support strong tax risk management processes across the organisation - Ensure tax governance meets or exceeds the expectations of tax authorities

5. Championing Technology and Innovation

You will lead the modernisation of tax operations through digital tools, automation, and data-led solutions.

- Drive the adoption of tax technology, automation, and AI-enabled solutions - Improve tax reporting, compliance, and analytical capabilities - Introduce practical tools such as dashboards, reporting platforms, and system enhancements - Stay informed on emerging tax technology trends to keep the function future-ready

6. Providing Strategic Leadership

You will work closely with the Group Head of Tax to help shape the tax operating model and broader strategic direction of the function.

- Act as a trusted deputy and strategic adviser on tax operations matters - Contribute to transformation initiatives aligned with wider business goals - Bring thought leadership to the Tax Senior Leadership Team - Communicate complex technical and operational tax matters clearly to senior stakeholders

7. Building Cross-Functional Partnerships

This role requires close collaboration across Finance, Accounting, IT, and operational leadership teams.

- Partner with Statutory Accounting and wider Finance teams to align tax and financial reporting - Improve the quality and consistency of accounting and tax data - Support joined-up approaches to compliance and reporting across functions - Build strong stakeholder relationships at all levels of the business

8. Leading the Pillar II Task Force

You will chair a cross-functional BEPS Pillar II Task Force focused on continuous improvement and sustainable compliance.

- Lead a practical and collaborative approach to Pillar II implementation - Address data gaps and improve data collection processes - Embed lessons learned into business-as-usual activity - Ensure ongoing readiness for evolving global minimum tax requirements

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What We’re Looking For

Experience

You will bring significant tax experience, ideally gained within large multinational organisations, with a strong focus on tax compliance and reporting.

- Proven success managing complex tax reporting and compliance requirements - Demonstrated ability to improve tax processes, controls, and operational efficiency - Experience operating in a senior, high-impact tax role within a global environment

Hands-On Mindset

This role requires a leader who is comfortable being close to the detail. Initially, there will be a strong hands-on component, particularly in relation to tax reporting deliverables.

- Willingness to engage directly in key reporting activities - Ability to support the Finance Team’s objectives through practical delivery - Capacity to provide cover for the Head of Tax Compliance & Reporting when required

Professional Qualifications

You should be a fully qualified tax or accounting professional.

- CTA, ACA, or equivalent qualification required - Strong technical grounding in UK tax - International tax experience would be highly advantageous

Technical and Digital Expertise

We are looking for someone who understands the power of technology in transforming tax functions.

- Strong knowledge of tax technology, automation, and reporting tools - Experience using AI, analytics, and digital solutions to improve efficiency - Familiarity with tax software platforms and ERP tax modules

Governance and Risk Management

You will have strong knowledge of tax governance and control frameworks and be able to champion best practice at senior level.

- Understanding of tax control frameworks and risk management processes - Familiarity with requirements such as Senior Accounting Officer obligations - Ability to communicate tax risk and compliance priorities clearly to executives and boards

Leadership and Influencing Skills

You will be an effective people leader and a credible senior stakeholder partner.

- Experience leading teams and mentoring high-performing professionals - Strong communication and relationship-building skills - Ability to drive cross-functional change and influence senior decision-makers

Breadth of Background

A combination of advisory and in-house experience would be especially valuable.

- Background spanning both public practice and industry is highly desirable - Big 4 or similar advisory experience is preferred - In-house corporate tax leadership experience is strongly valued

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Why Join This Role?

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful transformation in the tax function of a major global business. You will help shape how tax is governed, reported, and delivered at scale—bringing innovation, efficiency, and strategic value to a critical business area.

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded tax leader who can combine technical excellence with operational leadership and a forward-looking approach to transformation.

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Working at Mott MacDonald

Agile Working

We support flexible and hybrid working, enabling you and your manager to decide how you can work most effectively while balancing client, team, and personal commitments.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We place equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our culture. We are committed to fair employment practices and to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

Accessibility

If you are disabled or require support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact **reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com** so we can discuss how best to assist you.

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Benefits

Financial Wellbeing

• Pension contributions matched between 4.5% and 7%
• Life assurance of up to 4x basic salary, with the option to increase to 6x
• Income protection support for long-term illness or injury
• Flexible benefits including:
  • additional life assurance
  • critical illness cover
  • payroll saving
  • will writing services
• Annual bonus schemes and additional ways to share in business success

Employee Ownership

• No external shareholders — our people are at the centre of our success
• Personal and group performance bonuses
• A direct connection between your contribution and business performance
• Opportunities for senior employees to move toward ownership from day one
• Access to formal channels to engage with and influence senior leadership

Health and Wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues
• Health cash plan for everyday healthcare costs
• Access to Peppy, offering menopause support
• Comprehensive wellbeing support for you and your family
• Flexible health benefits, many of which can be extended to family members

Lifestyle

• 33–35 days’ holiday inclusive of public holidays, depending on level
• Holiday entitlement rises to 35 days minimum after 5 years’ service
• Option to buy or sell leave through flexible benefits
• Retail discounts and employee savings schemes

Family and Carers Support

• 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave
• 2 weeks paid paternity/partner leave
• Shared parental leave with up to 24 weeks at full pay
• Up to 5 additional days’ leave for significant caring responsibilities, including 2 paid days

Learning and Development

• Paid annual professional institution subscription
• Access to mentoring, formal learning, and self-development opportunities
• Support to grow both technical and soft skills

Networks, Communities and Social Impact

• Access to employee networks supporting:
• LGBTQ+
  • gender
  • race and ethnicity
  • disability
  • parents and carers
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful community and social outcomes initiatives

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Important Information

Security Clearance

Please note that any offer for this role will be conditional upon obtaining the appropriate level of Security Clearance.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd is not currently offering sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route for this role, following changes introduced by the UK Government in April 2024.

Applications are welcomed from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK through an alternative immigration route that does not require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future.

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Apply Now

If you are ready to lead tax transformation at a global, purpose-driven organisation, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Apply now to join Mott MacDonald and help shape the future of tax operations, governance, and innovation.