Our Business
Lebara is a telecommunications company providing services using the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) business model to customers in the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, France and Denmark. Additionally, Lebara has license agreements for the use of the brand in further four global markets Spain, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Australia with Nigeria launching soon. Lebara was founded in 2001 with the intent to bring something new to the telecoms industry. Created by three entrepreneurs who migrated to Europe from Sri Lanka, the company name was formed from a combination of the founders’ surnames, and Lebara quickly became one of the fastest-growing MVNOs in Europe.

Lebara became private equity owned in 2017 and our current owners Waterland acquired the business in Nov 2024. Lebara is a business on a transformation journey which has and continues to achieve results and under our new ownership the business is moving from a consolidation phase to a growth phase.

Lebara’s business has evolved based on its customers’ needs, from providing international calls to the migrant community, to becoming a significant value challenger within the wider telecoms category. Lebara offers prepaid and SIM-only mobile tariffs, and in 2017, Lebara launched its first postpaid monthly contract SIMs in the Netherlands. Lebara operates under the Full MVNO model in France and Germany and Light MVNO model in its other markets with the UK and the Netherlands preparing to move to full MVNO.

Lebara’s purpose is to consistently provide customers with a better value alternative to the established category players. Lebara supports its 4.7 million customers with a reliable network offering and exceptional customer service (Trustpilot average of 4.6 across the main 5 markets), at an affordable price, all of which makes Lebara the smarter way to connect.

Role Purpose

We are currently looking for a Group Tax Manager who will play an integral role in driving high-level performance across the Lebara Group. Partnering closely with the wider finance team, you will focus on managing tax compliance, maintaining robust tax governance, optimising the Group’s tax position, and ensuring efficient tax reporting across our global operations.

In this role, you will combine strong technical tax expertise with the ability to navigate a complex international business environment. You will develop skills crucial to advancing in a fast-paced global telecoms sector, within a company that values dedication, innovation and results.

The Group Tax Manager’s primary responsibility will be to work closely with local finance teams to ensure that VAT is accurately accounted for under local rules and regulations across our five operational territories: the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France and Denmark. You will take ownership of the timely submission of VAT returns, maintaining robust tax governance and provide comprehensive VAT advice and guidance to local controllers in each territory.

In addition, you will support the Head of Tax with Corporation Tax, Transfer Pricing and other ad-hoc tax projects as needed.

Responsibilities

VAT

1. Oversee and manage VAT compliance and reporting across multiple jurisdictions

2. Act as a business partner to finance, legal, and operations teams — translating complex VAT issues into practical guidance for non-tax stakeholders

3. Act as the main liaison with HMRC and other tax authorities for all VAT queries and audits

4. Lead VAT planning initiatives, including advising on the VAT implications of new product launches

5. Continuously monitor changes in VAT law, technical updates, Brexit developments, and Making Tax Digital obligations

6. Conduct VAT health-checks to identify efficiencies and drive automation of tax processes

7. Create playbooks for resolving common VAT issues, reviewing registrations, and managing any new registrations or de-registrations

8. Maintain and strengthen a robust risk and control framework around all VAT processes

9. Ensure VAT affairs are in good order for future exits or refinancing events (clean balance sheet, no hidden exposures)

10. Support tax due diligence for future exit scenarios. Maintain strong tax compliance to avoid surprises during PE portfolio reviews or exit events.

11. Mentor junior staff and lead internal training programmes on VAT matters

Corporation Tax and Transfer Pricing

1. Assist the Head of Tax with corporate tax compliance and filings across all territories, ensuring full compliance and effective tax optimisation.

2. Work closely with the Head of Tax to ensure the Group’s Transfer Pricing policy is properly embedded, maintained, and fit for purpose across all jurisdictions.

Tax Governance and Ad-Hoc Projects

1. Maintain robust tax governance, documentation, and control frameworks across the Group.

2. Identify and mitigate tax risks, oversee tax audits, and provide expert guidance on VAT and other tax matters as required.

3. Lead on other ad-hoc tax projects and initiatives as assigned by the Head of Tax.

Skills & Experience

1. Typically 5–7 years’ experience in VAT roles, either in professional services or an in-house group tax function.

2. Strong financial systems skills, ideally with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and/or equivalent ERP systems.

3. Strong technical knowledge of UK VAT legislation, plus a good understanding of international VAT/GST and Making Tax Digital (MTD).

4. Intermediate Excel skills required.

5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex tax issues clearly.

6. Experience working in a complex, fast-paced environment and delivering to tight deadlines.

7. Experience with process analysis, improvement, and documentation is desirable.

Behavioural Fit

1. Works effectively in a matrix organization. Leads through influence

2. Driven, self-motivated and results oriented

3. Ability to work in a cross-functional, multi-cultural team and in a collaborative environment with minimal supervision

4. Ability to multi-task and plan, organize and prioritize multiple projects.

5. Must have a hands-on mentality

Group Tax Manager

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