About the Role
We are seeking a Senior International Tax Specialist / Tax Advisor with robust hands-on experience in cross-border taxation, particularly within international trading, defense, supply chain, or multinational business environments. The ideal candidate will be responsible for protecting the organization from tax risks, structuring international deals in a tax-efficient manner, and advising the business on tax implications prior to signing international contracts. A willingness to travel, particularly in Africa, is essential for this position.
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Key Accountabilities:
The Tax Lead will sit within the International Business team, with a dotted reporting line to Group Finance/Group Tax. The primary responsibility is to oversee all tax-related matters for International Bids and Proposals before contract signature. Post-contract signature, the role will involve hands-on support with International Program Managers to execute contracts, ensuring thorough planning and compliance for all tax matters, both in the UAE and internationally.
- Support in structuring international trading entities, distributions, and agency arrangements.
- Assess tax implications of global supply chain and contractual arrangements.
- Evaluate Permanent Establishment (PE) risks associated with cross-border trading activities.
- Review intercompany transactions related to global trading operations.
- Aid in structuring transactions to effectively manage import/export VAT and customs exposure.
- Review VAT implications for international supply chains and distribution models.
- Assist in the development of tax risk assessment frameworks when entering new jurisdictions.
- Coordinate with external advisors on complex international tax matters.
- Provide tax input during contract review and negotiation stages.
- Support the entry into new markets and jurisdictions from a tax perspective.
- Manage and coordinate engagements with external tax advisors globally.
- Review technical advice received from advisors and simplify it into practical business guidance.
- Coordinate with Group Tax on significant tax risks, structuring matters, and cross-border initiatives related to global trading activities.
- Ensure that tax positions adopted in trading operations align with Group tax policies and internal governance requirements.
Experience & Education Qualifications:
- 8–10 years of relevant experience in international tax advisory, preferably in global trading, supply chain, or multinational environments.
- Degree or MBA in Finance or Corporate Tax Law.
- Professional qualifications such as ADIT or relevant UAE Corporate Tax / VAT Diplomas.
- Strong technical expertise in Corporate Tax and VAT across multiple jurisdictions, with practical experience in cross-border transactions, supply chain structuring, and indirect tax implications.
- Proven experience in identifying and managing Permanent Establishment (PE) risks, with practical application in operational and commercial setups.
- Solid understanding of international tax principles, including transfer pricing basics, agency/distribution models, and tax-efficient structuring of trading operations.
- Practical experience in customs and import/export considerations, including the interaction between VAT and customs in cross-border supply chains.
- Ability to translate complex tax technical advice into clear, practical, and commercially viable solutions for business stakeholders.
- Experience in supporting market entry strategies and new jurisdiction assessments from a tax and regulatory perspective.
