Tax Manager – 12 month Mat Cover – Established Retail Business

Company: Better Placed Ltd – A Sunday Times Top 10 Employer!
Apply for the Tax Manager – 12 month Mat Cover – Established Retail Business
Location: West Midlands
Job Description:

Tax Manager – 12-Month Maternity Cover – West Midlands (Hybrid)

Better Placed are delighted to be supporting a large, innovative retail organisation in the search for a Tax Manager to take ownership of a well‑established but newly restructured tax function during a pivotal period of change and development.

This is a hands‑on, impactful role within a collaborative, people‑centred finance team. You’ll be stepping into a clean‑slt environment where strong governance, clarity of process and consistent HMRC engagement are top priorities and where your expertise will directly shape how the tax function operates going forward.

With supportive leadership, great cross‑functional relationships, and a genuinely fun, down‑to‑earth culture, this is an excellent opportunity for a confident tax professional who enjoys taking ownership and improving how things are done.

The Role

This position will suit a proactive and highly‑organised Tax Manager who thrives on structure, stakeholder engagement and rolling their sleeves up. You’ll lead all areas of tax compliance and governance, working closely with internal teams and external advisors to ensure the business remains fully compliant and well‑positioned as it continues to evolve.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the full spectrum of UK tax compliance across Corporate Tax, VAT, employment taxes and CIS
  • Establish and embed clear daily, monthly and quarterly processes, ensuring robust controls and timely submissions
  • Proactively manage HMRC interactions, ensuring accurate responses and excellent governance
  • Work closely with external tax advisors, managing engagements and challenging where needed
  • Support senior leadership with tax insights, risk identification, and planning opportunities
  • Provide clear guidance to internal stakeholders across finance, legal and operations
  • Review and improve existing documentation, processes and records — ensuring everything is audit‑ready
  • Stay abreast of legislative changes and ensure the wider team remains informed
  • Contribute to SAO processes and tax risk frameworks
  • Play a key role in maintaining a high‑performing, organised and efficient tax environment

About You

  • Broad technical knowledge across Corporate Tax, VAT and employment taxes (CIS exposure advantageous)
  • Highly organised, detail‑driven and confident handling multiple deadlines
  • Strong communicator, able to collaborate effectively across teams and with HMRC
  • Hands‑on, proactive and comfortable taking ownership in a busy, fast‑paced setting
  • Able to quickly understand existing documentation and bring structure to complex or inherited workloads
  • Experience in multi‑site, fast‑moving or consumer‑centric environments is beneficial but not essential

The Package

  • Hybrid working: 3 days per week on site (West Midlands HQ)
  • Supportive, friendly team culture with genuine collaboration
  • Opportunity to shape and influence a tax function during a key stage of its development
  • Chance to build valuable in‑house knowledge while maintaining relationships with external advisors

If you’re an experienced Tax Manager who enjoys ownership, thrives on structure, and wants to make a real difference in a welcoming, down‑to‑earth business, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information, contact: olivergaydon@betterplaced.com

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Accounting / Auditing and Finance

Industries

Retail and Retail Apparel and Fashion

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Posted: February 17th, 2026