Senior Indirect Tax / VAT Lead

Holland & Barrett
Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Nuneaton office (CV10 7RH)

Holland & Barrett is growing across multiple markets, channels, and territories. As we continue to expand internationally through stores, online platforms, and third-party marketplaces, the complexity of our indirect tax landscape is increasing too.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, evolving environment and enjoys turning complexity into clarity. If you are motivated by improving data, building structure, strengthening controls, and creating a VAT function that can support future growth, this role offers the challenge and influence to do exactly that.

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About the Opportunity

This is not a maintenance role. You will not be stepping into a perfectly formed VAT function that simply needs oversight.

Instead, you will play a key role in shaping and strengthening how VAT operates across the business. From compliance and controls to systems, automation, and strategic advisory support, this position offers the chance to make a visible and lasting impact.

You will act as the senior VAT specialist for the business, helping Holland & Barrett navigate a highly dynamic international tax environment while enabling commercial growth with confidence.

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What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leading end-to-end VAT compliance across all Holland & Barrett territories, ensuring filings are accurate, timely, and well controlled.
• Serving as the senior VAT advisor to the CFO, Finance Director, and wider leadership team on matters including expansion, operational change, and commercial initiatives.
• Providing expert VAT guidance on cross-border B2C and B2B transactions, distance selling, marketplace rules, and digital VAT developments.
• Partnering across teams including finance, supply chain, commercial, and technology to optimise VAT outcomes across warehousing, logistics, and distribution models.
• Supporting transformation programmes by leading VAT input into ERP and finance process improvements, with a strong focus on reducing manual intervention through automation.
• Managing external relationships with advisors and tax authorities, including audits, enquiries, and dispute resolution.
• Tracking global VAT developments such as e-invoicing, real-time reporting, and EU reform, then translating these changes into clear business implications.
• Reviewing VAT rates and product liability across a broad and evolving product portfolio.
• Leading and developing one direct report, the VAT Manager.

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What Success Looks Like

In this role, your impact will be measured by both operational excellence and strategic influence.

• VAT returns are submitted accurately and on time in every jurisdiction, with no material penalties or surprises.
• Business changes and market entries are delivered smoothly, with VAT considerations managed proactively rather than becoming barriers.
• A strong VAT control framework is established, one that is genuinely robust and audit-ready.
• Processes become more efficient, with improved data quality, better structure, and less reliance on manual work.
• Senior stakeholders rely on your judgement because you explain complex VAT matters clearly, commercially, and credibly.

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What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an experienced indirect tax professional who combines technical expertise with commercial awareness, resilience, and the ability to build effective solutions in a changing environment.

• Extensive senior-level experience in international VAT and indirect tax, ideally within multinational retail, e-commerce, or consumer-facing businesses.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK, EU, and international VAT frameworks, including cross-border trade, marketplace rules, and omni-channel operations.
• Proven experience managing multi-jurisdictional compliance and handling audits, disputes, and tax authority enquiries.
• The ability to interpret complex legislation and translate it into clear, practical advice for non-tax audiences, including CFO and Board-level stakeholders.
• Excellent business partnering skills and confidence working cross-functionally with finance, commercial, supply chain, and digital teams.
• Experience with ERP systems, ideally SAP, along with a genuine interest in improving tax processes through technology.
• A pragmatic and resilient approach, with the capability to stabilise and improve a function before evolving it into something more strategic.
• A relevant professional qualification such as CTA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent.

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Why Join Holland & Barrett?

This is a high-impact opportunity within a business that is transforming, expanding, and investing in better ways of working. You will have the chance to influence senior leaders, improve critical processes, and shape the future of VAT across an ambitious international organisation.

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What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary aligned to the impact and scope of the role.
• 25 days’ holiday plus 8 bank holidays.
• 25% staff discount across our range, plus free online delivery.
• Pension contributions to support your future planning.
• Free wellness diagnostic tests to help you stay informed about your health.
• Exclusive wellness discounts on services, gym memberships, and more.
• Retail partner perks including discounts, advice, and savings from brands you use every day.
• A genuine wellbeing culture, with support ranging from mental health resources to menopause coaching.

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Our Commitment to Inclusion

Holland & Barrett is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where every colleague feels respected, heard, and valued.

We believe that fostering belonging helps us create a stronger organisation and supports our mission of making health and wellness a way of life for everyone.

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Important Notice for Recruitment Agencies

Holland & Barrett does not accept unsolicited CVs or resumes from search firms or recruitment agencies. Please do not forward candidate details to our job alias, employees, or any company location unless specifically agreed in relation to an open vacancy.

Holland & Barrett will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited candidate submissions unless a prior agreement is in place.