Job Title

VAT Director | £95,000 - £115,000 + Car Allowance | Southampton | Hybrid & Flexible WorkingA Top 10 firm is looking to appoint a VAT Director to lead their high-performing team in Southampton.Cultural fit is critical. The existing VAT team is stable, well-established and performs strongly. They have built a supportive, collaborative culture that works, and this role is about complementing and strengthening that environment - not reshaping it or introducing unnecessary disruption. This won’t suit everyone, but for someone who values progression within a settled, high-performing team and wants to do their best work with strong peer and Partner support, it is a very compelling opportunity.There is a proven track record of internal progression here, particularly from Director > Partner. While many firms have slowed or paused senior promotions over the past 12-18 months, this firm has continued to promote at all levels, including double-digit Partner promotions in the last year. Progression is based on contribution and readiness, with clear support in place for those who want to take the next step.The roleYou will join an existing VAT team with a strong reputation internally and externally. The brief is clear: step into the role, add value, and build on what is already working. This is not a mandate to restructure or overhaul the function.You will work closely with senior stakeholders, including a London-based VAT Partner, while remaining embedded in a close-knit local team with consistently strong engagement scores and low turnover.Client work spans a broad VAT advisory mix, supporting entrepreneurial, owner-managed and larger corporate businesses. The role is advisory-led, with technical depth expected, but grounded in commercial, practical advice.What you’ll be doingLeading and delivering VAT advisory work across a varied client baseActing as a trusted adviser to clients and internal stakeholdersManaging and mentoring senior managers and developing future leadersSupporting proposals and new work opportunities where appropriateCollaborating with other tax specialists across the wider firmTaking ownership of complex or high-risk VAT mattersThis is a visible role with influence, without the expectation of “reinventing the wheel”.What they’re looking forStrong VAT advisory background at Associate Director or Director levelCTA, ACA or equivalent qualificationBroad UK VAT experience with confidence operating at senior client levelComfortable leading people and complex projectsSomeone who values team culture, continuity and long-term developmentWorking environmentSupportive, collaborative team cultureGenuinely sociable team with regular informal and firm-wide eventsFlexible, agile working approach (part-time is a realistic option here too)This is a well-balanced senior VAT role for someone who wants influence, stability and quality work without unnecessary internal noise.If you'd like to learn more about this opportunity or have a confidential conversation around what this firm can realistically offer you then please reach out to Louis Fayers at LHH.