R&D Tax Director - Software

We are seeking a Director-level candidate with a strong technology background to lead and develop a specialist team focused on innovation tax advisory services, including R&D tax reliefs, Patent Box, R&D allowances, grants and broader innovation incentives.

This role sits within a national advisory practice that combines tax, science, engineering and technology expertise to support a wide range of clients, from owner-managed businesses to large multinational organisations. The focus is on delivering high-quality, technically robust advice while continuing to grow service capability and improve internal delivery processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple engagement teams, ensuring work is delivered with high technical quality, efficiency and consistency.
• Drive continuous improvement in team processes, methods and use of technology tools to enhance quality, productivity and consistency across R&D tax and innovation advisory delivery.
• Oversee the development of claim methodologies and ensure accurate, compliant preparation of R&D tax relief documentation for submission.
• Provide leadership in planning, resourcing and balancing workloads across projects, anticipating conflicting demands and streamlining team workflows.
• Coach, mentor and develop team members, including sharing best practices, technology insights and facilitating ongoing professional growth.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a senior point of contact and trusted adviser on innovation incentive matters.
• Represent clients in discussions and negotiations with HMRC specialists, particularly on the technology and technical aspects of claims.
• Establish and champion best practice standards for R&D tax and innovation advisory across the wider tax and technology teams.
• Lead business development activities, including preparing proposals, participating in pitches and helping shape service offerings to meet evolving client needs.

What You'll Bring

• Strong technical background in information technology or related disciplines, with the ability to understand and analyse complex technical concepts relevant to innovation tax.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams, overseeing project delivery and improving processes in a professional services setting.
• Excellent project and stakeholder management skills, with experience driving quality and consistency across multiple engagements.
• Strong communicator, able to adapt messaging for technical and commercial audiences alike.
• A proactive, resilient approach with a positive attitude and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Experience building networks internally and externally to support growth and collaboration across teams.
• A degree in a relevant field, with additional tax or accounting qualifications such as CTA, ACA/ACCA desirable but not essential.