Head of Group Tax Compliance (Mannheim area)

A unique opportunity has arisen to join a major international business as it prepares for one of the most significant corporate transformation projects in its history. With operations spanning multiple continents, the organisation is establishing a standalone tax function ahead of a planned public listing.

As Head of Group Tax Compliance, you will be responsible for leading German tax compliance and tax controversy activities during a period of substantial change and growth. This is not a role focused solely on maintaining existing processes; it is an opportunity to help design and build the tax governance, control framework and operating model of a newly independent multinational business.

Reporting directly to the Head of Tax, you will play a highly visible role within the organisation, working closely with senior finance leaders, business stakeholders and external advisors. You will be at the centre of the company's IPO preparation programme, helping to establish robust compliance processes while managing significant tax audits and authority interactions.

The role will oversee all aspects of German direct and indirect tax compliance, including corporate income tax, trade tax, withholding tax and VAT. Beyond compliance, a major element of the position involves managing tax audits, controversy matters and tax authority relationships. This is an environment where strong technical capability must be combined with sound judgement, credibility and the confidence to defend complex tax positions.

You will also contribute to broader transformation initiatives, including process improvement, automation, governance enhancement and the implementation of tax technology solutions. Over time, the role will lead a small team and help shape the future structure of the tax function.

We are interested in speaking with experienced tax professionals from multinational corporations as well as senior candidates from leading advisory firms. Candidates should possess strong German corporate tax expertise, substantial tax audit and controversy experience, and a proven ability to operate effectively within complex stakeholder environments. A Steuerberater qualification is highly desirable.

Equally important are the personal qualities required to succeed in a build environment: strong communication skills, a collaborative style, commercial judgement and the ability to thrive in a fast-moving organisation where not everything has been defined yet. In return, you will gain exposure to an exceptional career opportunity, combining the challenge of a major carve-out, IPO readiness and tax transformation programme with long-term leadership potential within a newly independent global business.
Location: Mannheim Region (Hybrid Working)
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Will Sheppard, Director, BPA Search
will@bpasearch.co.uk
+44 7818 519 396