Director – Innovation Reliefs & Incentives (Information Technology)

KPMG UK | Tax & Law | Legal Services

Location: Available across all KPMG UK offices, including London

Capability: Tax & Law

Experience Level: Director

Type: Full Time

Contract: Permanent

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Shape the Future of Innovation Advisory at KPMG

At KPMG, our values shape the way we work, collaborate, and deliver for our clients. As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, we know our greatest strength comes from our people — their varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.

We are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. From our inclusive leadership strategy to ambitious diversity and inclusion targets, we are continually evolving who we are and how we work. This is your opportunity to be part of that journey.

KPMG’s national Incentives, Reliefs & Innovations (IRI) team brings together specialists in tax, engineering, science, and technology to advise clients across nearly every sector of the economy. As we continue to invest in our innovation advisory offering, we are looking for a Director with a strong Information Technology background to join our growing team.

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The Opportunity

In this role, you will help clients unlock value through a broad suite of innovation-focused services, including:

• R&D Tax Credits

• Patent Box

• R&D Allowances

• Grants

• Innovation Advisory Services

You will work with a diverse client base ranging from owner-managed businesses to large multinational organisations, applying your technical expertise and leadership skills to deliver high-quality advisory services and commercially valuable outcomes.

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What You’ll Be Responsible For

As a Director within the IRI team, you will take a lead role in both client delivery and team leadership. Your responsibilities will include:

Client Delivery & Technical Leadership

• Leading engagement teams to develop robust claim methodologies and prepare R&D tax relief claims for submission to HMRC

• Taking full accountability for the quality and delivery of your own work and that of your team

• Overseeing all aspects of the R&D workstream, including managing competing project and resourcing priorities

• Ensuring accurate quantification of R&D claims

• Directing the documentation of technically complex client projects for submission to HMRC

• Advising clients on the practical application of complex legislation to real-world scenarios

• Liaising with HMRC specialists to support the review and agreement of R&D claims

• Leading negotiations with HMRC on the technology elements of R&D claims

• Developing and promoting best practice in R&D claim preparation, aligned with current HMRC policy and legislation

Relationship Management & Business Development

• Building and sustaining strong client relationships with both new and existing clients

• Leading by example in technical excellence, client service, and delivery quality

• Developing a strong internal network across the wider tax practice and championing IRI services internally

• Driving business development activity, from lead progression through to sale completion

• Taking responsibility for contract negotiation and agreement

• Preparing compelling proposals and participating in presentations and pitches as required

People Leadership

• Leading, coaching, and developing junior team members

• Sharing technology knowledge across the team to build capability

• Providing ongoing feedback, mentoring, and support aligned to individual career aspirations

• Creating a collaborative team culture where different viewpoints are respected and valued

Operational Excellence

• Following KPMG best practice and policy

• Using technology tools to improve quality and efficiency in the preparation of R&D claims

• Demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced and demanding environment

• Managing workloads effectively, both personally and across your team

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What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a senior technology professional with a strong blend of technical credibility, leadership capability, and commercial awareness.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Honours or postgraduate degree in an Information Technology-related discipline

• Strong working knowledge of R&D tax legislation, particularly its application to Information Technology activities

• Significant industry experience in Information Technology

• Proven experience leading R&D-related workstreams

• Ability to quickly understand and apply new technical concepts

• Confidence working within cross-disciplinary teams

• Strong attention to detail, particularly when reviewing complex technical outputs

• A client-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences and situations

• Excellent project management skills

• The ability to manage multiple priorities and oversee the work of others effectively

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify core issues and integrate complex information

• A collaborative leadership style that values diverse perspectives

• Resilience, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude when working under pressure

Desirable Qualifications

• Tax or accounting qualifications are not essential, but would be advantageous, such as:

• CTA

• ACA

• ACCA

• Equivalent professional qualification

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About the Team

The Claims and Incentives team sits within KPMG’s wider Corporate Tax practice and helps clients secure valuable tax savings through government-backed tax reliefs and incentives.

This team is made up of two specialist areas:

• Fixed Asset Tax Services (FATS)

• Innovation Reliefs & Incentives (IRI)

Together, these teams support businesses that invest in fixed assets and undertake innovative activities.

Fixed Asset Tax Services (FATS)

The FATS team includes tax advisers, accountants, and surveyors who review fixed asset expenditure — including property construction costs — to optimise and accelerate available tax relief. They also support clients in improving data capture processes and use technology tools to enhance efficiency.

Innovation Reliefs & Incentives (IRI)

The IRI team works with businesses of all sizes, across almost every sector, to identify qualifying R&D activity, quantify eligible expenditure, and secure innovation-related incentives. The team also supports clients in making the most of the Patent Box regime.

What makes IRI distinctive is the breadth of expertise within the team. Our professionals include:

• Scientists

• Engineers

• IT specialists

• Qualified accountants

• Tax advisers

Although based across the UK, the national team works together as one connected unit to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.

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Why Join KPMG?

KPMG is part of a global network of firms delivering services across:

• Audit

• Tax & Legal

• Consulting

• Deal Advisory

• Technology

In the UK, more than 16,000 colleagues bring creativity, insight, and expertise to help clients solve their most critical challenges.

With offices nationwide, we work with organisations of every size — from fast-growing start-ups and private individuals to some of the world’s largest multinational groups. While the work we do is often complex, our vision is simple: to be the clear choice for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.

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Why Tax & Law at KPMG?

Tax and legal issues are constantly evolving, both in the UK and globally. That makes a career in KPMG’s Tax & Law practice both intellectually stimulating and highly rewarding.

You’ll also benefit from the breadth and scale of our work, spanning specialisms such as:

• Corporate Tax

• Indirect Tax

• Expatriate Tax

• Private Client Personal Tax compliance and advisory

• KPMG Law

If you are looking for a leadership role where you can combine deep IT expertise with strategic advisory, client engagement, and team development, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a real impact.

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Role Summary

• Position: Director – Innovation Reliefs & Incentives (IT)

• Business Area: Legal Services

• Capability: Tax & Law

• Contract Type: Permanent

• Working Pattern: Full Time

• Location: All UK offices

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Apply to Be Part of It

Join KPMG and help clients navigate complex innovation incentives while shaping the future of our growing national IRI practice.