Director - Business and International Tax

The Treasury is the United Kingdom’s economics and finance ministry.  

We are responsible for formulating and implementing the government’s financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.   

A Treasury career offers an exciting opportunity to be part of decision making that affects the whole of the UK.  

The Treasury plays a meaningful role at the heart of Government in the UK and, together with the Cabinet Office and Number 10, forms the centre of the Government and wider Civil Service.  

The Treasury is a small, agile and professional institution organised around thematic Director-led groups of standing and project teams.  

This role can be based in either London or Darlington.  

The Darlington Economic Campus is a ground-breaking new cross-government hub which bring together departments and public organisations which lead on some of the most important economic issues of the day.  

Job description  

The Director will jointly lead a group of 130 employees. You will lead the parts of the group that focus on; the UK’s corporate tax regime; international tax strategy and coordination, including working with stakeholders such as the OECD, as well as providing wider technical leadership on tax policy across the department.  

The post-holder will: 

• Provide strong leadership to the 130 employees in the group, working together with the co-director to create a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting wellbeing and developing talent 
• Act as the most senior tax specialist within the Treasury, with proven ability to craft and successfully deliver major tax changers including new and innovative taxes in the business and international tax sphere 
• Represent the UK at a high level on cross-border and other international tax, with a track record of influencing at the most senior levels in multilateral and bilateral negotiations to defend and deliver the UK’s interests  
• Explain complex technical issues in accessible terms, both to Ministers and in communication with the public, stakeholders and internationally 
• Collaborate effectively with the rest of the Treasury with HMRC through the Policy Partnership, and with counterparts in other countries 
• Support the Director General for Tax and Welfare to develop and deliver the government’s overall tax strategy  

The post-holder will report directly to the Director General for Tax and Welfare.  

Person specification  

While in post, the successful candidate will be expected to perform well across the full range of Senior Civil Service behaviours set out in the Success Profile framework and demonstrate commitment to the Civil Service values.  

The criteria for the purpose of selection are: 

• Sound judgement and strong strategic vision, with a track record of leading in uncertain and complex policy environments 
• Excellent influencing and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to gain the confidence of and work effectively with senior stakeholders such as Ministers (or board-level equivalents) and to work collaboratively across an organisation and with international counterparts 
• In-depth knowledge of the UK business tax regime, experience of delivering significant policy change (such as the introduction of new tax), together with an understanding of tax policy, the Budget process, and/or fiscal and spending frameworks 
• Experience of defending and securing the UK’s interests in complex multilateral negotiations and representing the UK at international fora  
• Excellent people leadership skills, with experience of setting direction and creating a working environment in which teams deliver at pace in an inclusive way  

To apply for this post please apply via Civil Service Jobs by no later than 23:55 on the 2nd June. We can only accept applications via the Civil Service Jobs platform.  

Applications should consist of a CV and personal statement outlining your experience and skills against those detailed in the person specification.  

Some of the benefits our people love!  

• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant)  
• Flexible working patterns (job-share, condensed hours)  
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27%  
• Generous parental leave packages  
• Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room  
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving  
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site  
• A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes  
• A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity  

At HM Treasury we have an exceptionally broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it’s important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff are able to realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.  

If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form or speak to the recruitment team.