The Role
Imperial Brands is a leading global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with more than 25,000 employees worldwide. The company is undergoing an ongoing transformation and places strong emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and professional excellence. Within an international environment, we offer the opportunity to actively shape complex tax topics and contribute to sustainable, business-oriented solutions.
In the role of International VAT Manager (m/f/d), you will be part of the Tax Centre of Expertise within the wider Finance Centre of Expertise. You will act as a key point of contact and escalation for the Tax & Stats Centre of Capability (CoC) within the Global Business Services team, as well as for local market Finance Business Partners.
Working closely with the Head of VAT, you will support the management of global VAT matters, including tax advisory, compliance, audit and controversy management, technology solutions, and strategic special projects. This position offers high visibility, extensive international exposure, and the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the company’s global VAT strategy.
Principle Accountabilities
1. Shape and support the global VAT strategy by advising on new and existing business models, supply and service flows, contracts, and key corporate initiatives, in close collaboration with external advisors
2. Act as a subject-matter expert on global VAT legislation by monitoring regulatory developments, assessing business impact, and providing clear, practical guidance and mitigation strategies to management
3. Lead VAT support for M&A activity, including due diligence, risk assessment, and post-acquisition integration
4. Serve as a trusted VAT business partner to Global Business Services, Finance Business Partners, and the wider organisation by delivering timely, pragmatic solutions to complex VAT matters across regions
5. Manage VAT risk and controversy by supporting audits, disputes, litigation, and settlements with tax authorities, ensuring effective governance and efficient resolution
6. Drive continuous improvement by contributing to VAT policy design, training, and transformation initiatives that strengthen compliance, capability, and alignment with business objectives
Skills and Experience Required
7. Completed degree in economics, law, or a comparable field
8. Several years of relevant professional experience in VAT, ideally gained within a multinational company and/or a Big 4 accounting firm with a strong VAT focus; prior in-house multinational tax experience is an advantage
9. Advanced MS Excel skills and prior experience working with SAP or comparable ERP systems
10. Excellent communication, presentation, and coordination skills across all levels of the organisation
11. Strong attention to detail, structured working style, and proven project management and problem-solving capabilities and motivated, proactive, and professional personality with a high level of ownership
12. Fluent written and spoken English; German language skills are desirable
What We Offer
In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.
Everyone Belongs
About Us
We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all. Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.
As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.