URBN - Indirect Tax Manager

About Us

URBN UK Limited is part of the URBN Group, a global retailer, with its European Head Office located in London. Its retail offering in Europe takes the form of three brands.

With stores in more than 10 European countries and a strong e-commerce presence, we’re driven by the same core values as our customers, and we approach our work with a sense of community and purpose that sets our brands apart. We love what we do.

Role Summary

Own the indirect tax strategy, risk management, and compliance framework for a multichannel (retail store, online and wholesale) business trading across the UK and EU. Act as the senior in-house authority on VAT/GST matters, advising the business on the tax implications of commercial and supply chain decisions, and representing the company with tax authorities, advisors, and auditors.

What You'll Be Doing

• Set and own the group's indirect tax strategy across UK and EU jurisdictions, aligned with business growth (new markets, new channels, M&A).• Act as the primary point of contact with HMRC and EU tax authorities on indirect tax matters, including audits, disputes, and rulings.• Own the indirect tax risk register; identify, quantify, and mitigate VAT/GST exposures across the group.• Advise senior stakeholders (Finance, Supply Chain, Compliance, Legal) on the VAT impact of new business models — e.g. click & collect, cross-border fulfilment, OSS/IOSS schemes.• Partner with the USA Tax team and build a strong relationship and communication channel.• Oversee the design and operation of indirect tax controls (SAO/Tax Control Framework equivalent) and ensure Making Tax Digital and equivalent EU e-invoicing/reporting obligations are met.• Lead on post-Brexit VAT structuring, including import VAT, triangulation, and place-of-supply planning across multiple EU warehouses/fulfilment centres.• Own external advisor relationships and manage the indirect tax budget.• Lead, develop, and manage the Indirect Tax Manager and Specialist; set objectives and oversee capability building across the team.• Own technology strategy for indirect tax — e.g. tax engines (Avalara, Vertex, Sovos), ERP VAT determination logic, and automation of returns/reporting.• Report indirect tax risk and performance to senior leadership• Horizon-scan for legislative change (e.g. EU VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA), UK VAT policy changes, Northern Ireland Protocol developments) and translate into business impact assessments.

What You'll Need

• CTA / ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent), indirect tax experience, including significant in-house leadership experience in retail, e-commerce, or FMCG.• Deep technical expertise in UK and EU VAT, including cross-border supply chains, OSS/IOSS, customs/import VAT interaction, and marketplace VAT rules.• Proven experience managing tax authority audits/disputes and engaging with senior stakeholders and Boards.• Strong people leadership experience; track record of building and developing tax teams.• Experience with tax technology and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and VAT determination/automation tools.• Excellent commercial judgement — able to translate complex technical VAT issues into practical business guidance.

The Perks

• Work-life Balance

  • Flexible start and finish times
  • Bring your dog to work

  Wellbeing

  • Employees Assistance program to support with mental, physical and financial health
  • Fully equipped free gym and on-site wellness room in Brick Lane and 50% discount of external gym memberships
  • Private Medical Insurance

  Employee Discount

  • Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands!

  Community

  • One paid day to either volunteer or fundraise for a charity of your choice

  Travel

  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Season ticket loan

  Continued Development

  • We offer structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development

 

Equal Opportunity Statement

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.