Large, privately owned real estate group

A large and well-established property investment and development group is seeking a Head of Tax to take ownership of the Group’s tax function. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role will oversee all aspects of tax compliance, tax reporting, policy and planning across a complex UK group with significant real estate activity. This is a broad and visible position within the finance leadership structure, providing both operational ownership and strategic input across the Group’s tax matters. The role will lead the management of corporate tax compliance and reporting, oversee tax governance and controls, and act as the primary point of contact with HMRC and external tax advisors. The successful candidate will also provide tax support on transactions and business initiatives, ensuring tax considerations are effectively integrated into commercial decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the preparation, review and submission of all Group company tax computations and corporation tax returns, including managing HMRC enquiries and information requests
• Oversee the Group’s tax compliance across all relevant taxes including corporation tax, VAT, income tax, SDLT, ATED, CIS and withholding taxes
• Monitor and manage the Group’s transfer pricing and Corporate Interest Restriction (CIR) positions to ensure full compliance
• Lead the preparation and review of year-end tax reporting, including consolidated tax disclosures and subsidiary-level reporting
• Maintain and develop tax reporting schedules, ensuring processes remain robust and adapt to evolving legislation
• Prepare and review tax forecasts for inclusion in Group budgets and the wider corporate financial model
• Manage tax payments and repayments across the Group, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Review SDLT returns and provide tax input on real estate transactions across corporation tax, income tax, VAT, CIS and SDLT considerations
• Act as the primary liaison with HMRC on all tax matters
• Work closely with external tax advisors on transactions and advisory matters, managing relationships and ensuring advice is communicated clearly to the wider business
• Ensure the Group remains fully compliant with evolving UK tax legislation and regulatory requirements

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with strong experience in UK corporate tax within a large or complex organisation. A CTA qualification would be advantageous but is not essential. You will bring strong knowledge of UK tax compliance and reporting, ideally within a group structure. Experience working within the property sector or advising real estate clients would be beneficial but is not a requirement. This role requires someone who is able to navigate complex tax matters while communicating clearly with non-tax stakeholders. You will be analytical, detail-oriented and comfortable operating in a hands-on capacity, while also bringing a commercial mindset and the ability to provide practical tax advice to the wider business. You will be a self-motivated and collaborative professional, capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of technical accuracy and governance.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of the tax function within a large and sophisticated real estate group, working closely with senior leadership and external advisors across a wide range of tax matters. If you are interested in discussing this opportunity in confidence, please apply or get in touch for further details.