Director of Tax (Establishing a New Function)

We are partnering with a major global player that is embarking on the strategic setup of its in-house tax function. As the business grows in complexity and global reach, this newly created leadership role calls for a senior tax professional to build, shape, and lead a future-ready tax platform from the ground up.

If you're a senior tax expert with deep technical grounding, strong stakeholder presence, and the commercial lens to lead tax, this is a high-impact opportunity.

Responsibilities:

Tax Function Establishment

• Define and implement the group's end-to-end tax framework, including processes, policies, governance, and reporting standards
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on direct and indirect tax matters across jurisdictions, with a focus on maritime-specific tax issues
• Drive alignment between tax strategy and business operations, ensuring readiness for current and future regulatory demands

Tax Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with corporate tax regulations across key markets, including Singapore, the UK, India, and other relevant jurisdictions
• Oversee international tax matters such as BEPS 2.0, transfer pricing, CbCR, and GloBE filings, supported by documentation in line with OECD guidelines
• Lead internal readiness and response to audits or reviews from regulatory bodies (e.g., IRAS, HMRC), and maintain proactive relationships with authorities

Advisory & Business Support

• Act as a strategic partner to finance and operational leadership, advising on tax implications of commercial transactions, group structuring, and cross-border activities
• Collaborate with external advisors and internal stakeholders to drive tax optimization and planning initiatives aligned to business goals
• Stay abreast of evolving global tax regimes and assess impact on group operations

Requirements:

• Degree in Accounting, Tax, or Finance with a recognized professional tax qualification (e.g., Accredited Tax Practitioner, CA, CPA)
• 18-20+ years of experience in corporate tax, with strong grounding from both Big 4 and multinational in-house environments
• Exposure to the oil & gas, mining, commodity trading, shipping or maritime sector is highly advantageous
• Deep expertise in Singapore tax legislation, international tax frameworks, transfer pricing, and cross-border structuring
• Track record in navigating complex compliance landscapes and building tax governance structures from scratch
• Strong communication and advisory skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and external authorities
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on mindset and high professional integrity