Head of Tax
Job Description
Role Summary
Kimberly-Clark (K-C) and Suzano have come together to create Arbex, a new global joint venture for K-C’s International Family Care and Professional business. This is an exciting opportunity to join this exciting and dynamic new venture from the beginning and to help shape its future.
Arbex operates in 37 countries across, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific (APAC) and Latin America (LAO) and has global sales of $3.4bn annually. The Head of Tax will manage a team of 30 tax professionals across all regions, and is responsible for leading the global tax strategy, governance, and tax agenda of the Group. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring tax efficiency, integrity, and alignment with the company’s commercial objectives across multiple jurisdictions, while managing risk and maintaining strong relationships with tax authorities.
Reporting to the CFO, the role provides strategic leadership across all aspects of direct and indirect taxation, transfer pricing, tax controversy, and regulatory developments impacting a complex international consumer goods organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Strategy & Planning
- Develop and execute the Group’s global tax strategy aligned with business growth, supply chain structure, and operating model
- Advise executive leadership on tax implications of business decisions, M&A activity, restructuring, and expansion into new markets
- Optimise the Group’s effective tax rate while ensuring compliance with evolving global frameworks and legislation (e.g., OECD Pillar Two)
Global Tax Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all corporate tax, VAT/GST, customs, and withholding tax obligations across jurisdictions
- Oversee global tax reporting, including tax provisions, disclosures, and IFRS/US GAAP requirements
- Maintain robust internal controls over tax processes
Transfer Pricing & Operating Model
- Design, implement, and defend transfer pricing policies aligned with the Group’s global supply chain and brand/IP structures
- Ensure appropriate documentation and compliance with OECD guidelines and local regulations
Tax Risk & Governance
- Establish and maintain a strong tax governance framework consistent with the organisation’s risk appetite
- Identify, assess, and mitigate tax risks, including reputational considerations and ESG-related transparency requirements
- Lead the Group’s response to audits, enquiries, and disputes with tax authorities
Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders (CFO, regional finance leaders, Global Business Services (GBS), Legal, supply chain, and commercial teams)
- Provide tax input into pricing strategies, distribution models, digital commerce, and innovation initiatives
- Support market entry and expansion strategies in emerging and developing markets
Indirect Tax
- Oversee VAT/GST strategies critical to cross-border consumer goods flows
- Monitor changes in global trade policies and indirect tax regimes impacting supply chains
Leadership & Team Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global tax team (in-house and co-sourced)
- Drive continuous improvement through automation, data analytics, and technology solutions
- Manage external advisors effectively to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient outcomes
Key Requirements
Experience
- Significant senior tax leadership experience within a multinational organisation, preferably in consumer goods, retail, or manufacturing
- Deep expertise in international tax, transfer pricing, and indirect taxes
- Proven experience managing tax risk in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments
- Strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving strategic initiatives
Technical & Professional Qualifications
- Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CTA, or equivalent)
- Strong knowledge of OECD guidelines, BEPS developments, and global tax reform (including Pillar Two)
- Experience with IFRS/US GAAP tax reporting
Leadership & Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
- High integrity and sound judgement in managing risk and ethical considerations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed global environment
Key Success Measures
- Sustainable optimisation of the Group’s effective tax rate
- Strong compliance record and low level of tax controversy
- Alignment of tax strategy with business growth and supply chain evolution
- Effective implementation of global tax reforms (e.g. Pillar Two readiness)
- Development and retention of a high-performing tax team
Reporting Line
- Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
- Direct reports: Regional/functional tax leads
- Key stakeholders: Executive Committee, Finance Leadership, GBS, Legal, Supply Chain, External Advisors