Tax Manager - EMEA

At AlixPartners, we solve the most complex and critical challenges by moving quickly from analysis to action when it really matters; creating value that has a lasting impact on companies, their people, and the communities they serve. By understanding, respecting, and honoring the needs of our employees, clients, and communities, AlixPartners actively promotes an inclusive environment. We strongly believe in the value that diversity brings to our experiences and are committed to the perpetual enhancements of initiatives, policies, and practices. We hold ourselves accountable by providing the space for authenticity, growth, and equity for everyone. AlixPartners has embraced a hybrid work model to provide flexibility and support our employees’ work-life integration. Our hybrid model combines a mix of in-person at an AlixPartners office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with remote working options on Monday and Friday. The Role We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager – EMEA to help shape and lead tax compliance and advisory projects across our Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations. In this key leadership position within the global Finance function, reporting to the Tax Director, you will oversee direct tax, indirect tax and transfer pricing strategy and advisory across multiple jurisdictions, with routine compliance delivered through a co-sourced model with external advisors. You will serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior Finance, Legal, and business leaders on tax matters, shaping how the organization structures, invests, and grows across the region. You will direct external tax advisors and manage relationships with local tax authorities, while ensuring the organization continues to meet its local tax compliance obligations and optimize tax efficiency across the region. This role combines technical depth with commercial judgment in a fast-paced, multinational environment. The role is located in London, UK and you will report to the Tax Director, working closely with EMEA Finance leadership and local finance teams across all regional entities; the Global Tax function and US teams for coordinated tax strategy; external tax advisors (Big 4 firms and regional specialists); and Legal and Corporate Development teams on tax controversy and M&A matters. What You'll Do Direct & Indirect Tax Compliance - Lead the preparation and filing of corporate income tax and VAT returns across all EMEA jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission. - Oversee the co-sourcing arrangements with Big 4 and regional tax advisors, monitoring deliverables and maintaining oversight of outsourced tax functions. - Coordinate with EMEA Finance on timely and accurate tax return filings, payments, and related submissions across the region. - Take ownership of VAT data validation, general ledger account reconciliation, and tax return preparation with support from external advisors. - Manage withholding tax and digital service tax compliance, ensuring consistency and adherence to local regulatory requirements. Tax Authority Relations & Controversy Management - Serve as the senior point of contact with local tax authorities, building constructive relationships and engaging proactively on emerging issues. - Lead the strategy for responding to tax authority inquiries and assessments, working with external advisors and legal teams as required. - Lead the assessment of tax authority findings and direct the dispute and resolution process. Identify tax risks early and advise management on their commercial implications, with clear recommendations for mitigation. External Advisor & Relationship Management - Direct the co-sourcing model with Big 4 and regional tax advisors across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring quality deliverables and cost effectiveness. - Build and maintain strong relationships with key external tax advisors and liaise on technical tax matters. - Direct and evaluate the work of external advisors on tax planning initiatives, audits, and compliance projects. Strategic Tax Planning & Business Partnership - Act as a trusted business partner to Finance, Legal, and business unit stakeholders, advising on tax implications of new initiatives. - Support transaction planning and analysis for M&A activities, restructurings, and new market entries. Identify and evaluate tax optimization opportunities within the EMEA region while maintaining compliance. - Support cross-border structuring and international tax strategy implementation. Process Improvement, Governance & Leadership - Establish and maintain tax governance frameworks, documentation, and control procedures aligned with global standards. Apply a risk-based approach to periodic tax compliance reviews across business units, and drive remediation of exceptions. - Identify opportunities to improve tax processes, systems, and efficiency across the region. Develop training and build tax awareness among finance teams and business stakeholders, equipping them to factor tax into decisions early. - Monitor proposed and newly enacted tax legislation, regulations, and judicial decisions, and advise leadership on their impact and the actions required. - Prepare tax provision accounting and tax disclosures for consolidated financial statements. What You'll Bring Education & Core Experience - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, or related field. - 7+ years of progressive professional experience in tax compliance and/or tax advisory, with significant experience in Big 4 or in-house multinational tax functions. - Demonstrated expertise in corporate income tax and VAT across multiple European jurisdictions. - Strong technical knowledge of tax laws in at least one major EMEA jurisdiction. - Proven track record of delivering results in complex, multinational tax environments, including advising senior stakeholders on strategic decisions. Technical & Functional Skills - Experience managing external tax advisors and overseeing outsourced tax compliance arrangements. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex tax issues into clear, actionable advice for non-tax stakeholders and senior leadership. - Comfortable working in matrix environments across geographies and functions. - Strong analytical capabilities and ability to develop creative, commercially minded solutions to complex tax challenges. Preferred Qualifications - Professional tax qualification (CTA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent). - German language fluency and expertise in German tax legislation (Steuerberater or equivalent qualification highly valued) - Deep technical expertise in both direct and indirect German tax matters. Familiarity with additional EMEA jurisdictions (France, UK, Italy, Benelux, or Central Europe). - Experience with transfer pricing and cross-border structuring. - Proven track record managing tax audits and controversies with tax authorities. Experience with tax provision accounting and US GAAP / IFRS tax reporting. - Familiarity with tax compliance software (e.g., OneSource Tax Compliance, SAP, Vertex) or tax technology platforms. Knowledge of Pillar Two (BEPS 2.0) and emerging international tax developments. The AlixPartners Way - Must become familiar with, and promote and abide by, our Core Values as defined by AlixPartners' Code of Conduct and foster an inclusive environment with people at all levels of an organization. Entrepreneurial: - We take ownership and generate innovative ideas and solutions, both as individuals and as team members. You will identify opportunities for tax efficiency and drive implementation of solutions. Self-Starter: - You navigate through ambiguity and often work with minimal direction, relying on excellent communication skills to drive alignment across diverse teams and jurisdictions. Analytical: - Faced with challenging and fast-paced situations, you rely on sound reasoning, backed by data, to solve complex tax problems and assess compliance risks. Collaborative: - Inspired by our One-Firm philosophy, you strive to work seamlessly with your colleagues and clients across offices, functions, and levels, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. This description is not designed to encompass a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties or responsibilities. AlixPartners reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the role based on business needs. * The minimum experience is intended as a guide only and does not preclude applications from those with more or less years of experience. The firm offers market-leading benefits that provide flexible options to support our employees’ needs including health benefits to help prioritise their physical and emotional well-being, time-off policies to help to recharge and financial/ retirement benefits that offer income protection and support long-term planning. AlixPartners is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other characteristics, race, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status or status as an individual with disability. #LI-KL2 #LI-Hybrid