Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 17,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.
The Group’s Global Head Quarters are in the UK, with subsidiaries in approximately 40 countries, and sales in more than 100. S+N is a constituent member of the FTSE100 on the London Stock Exchange and had annual sales in 2024 of $5.8 billion.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Indirect Tax Director to lead and manage our global indirect tax function for a 12-month period. Alongside responsibility for compliance with indirect tax regulations worldwide this role also provides valuable support to our commercial operations. You will work cross-functionally with finance, legal, and operational teams to influence key business decisions and contribute to S+N’s continued growth.
The role is principally based in Croxley, Watford with the opportunity to work remotely 3-4 days per week.
Responsibilities:
- Elevate the tax department’s value and visibility within the organisation, primarily through providing strategic advice and partnering on international operations, supply chain, and commercial initiatives.
- Support talent development and oversee a high performing indirect tax compliance team, based in Poland and Malaysia, working together with the country finance teams and S+N’s outsource provider.
- Lead on global indirect tax strategy while working with the rest of the Group Tax team on transfer pricing, supplier contracting and M&A-related matters
- Lead tax audits, manage disputes, and liaise with tax authorities where required.
- Manage special projects as they arise, including supporting with automation/tax digitalisation projects and the ongoing implementation of a global tax determination engine (Thomson Reuters OneSource) outside the US.
Experience:
The successful candidate will have trained in a top-tier accounting firm and have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, having worked 2-3 years in-house at a global MNC with complex supply chains. Relevant industry experience and/or Thomson Reuters OneSource Tax Engine implementation experience would be a significant plus.
Competences:
- Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing global tax teams, fostering a culture of performance excellence and collaboration
- Excellent communicator with the ability to win confidence and influence across a wide range of internal stakeholders
- Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to balance risk management and business enablement
- Positive outlook, confident and robust under pressure
- Proactive self-starter with ability to prioritise and manage time effectively
- Expertise in international VAT/GST and other indirect taxes, including emerging digital tax trends
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Licenses/ Certifications: ACA or ATII/CTA
Physical Demands: N/A
Travel Requirements: <10%
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