Senior Tax Manager – Direct Tax (Europe)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Tax Manager to lead direct tax activities for a European portfolio within a global biopharmaceutical company. Based in Zurich, you will work closely with senior stakeholders across multiple countries and support the tax function during a 6‑month maternity cover, with strong potential for extension or a permanent position.

Key responsibilities

• Manage corporate income tax compliance and reporting for Switzerland and other European jurisdictions.
• Coordinate tax audits and act as the primary liaison with tax authorities.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate tax risks across the region.
• Advise Finance, Legal, HR, Supply Chain and Commercial teams on direct tax implications of contracts and transactions.
• Collaborate with the Global Transfer Pricing team on documentation and adjustments.
• Monitor European tax legislation changes and evaluate business impact.
• Support tax technology initiatives and drive process improvements.

Required profile

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Law with a tax specialization.
• Minimum 5 years of direct tax experience in pharma, life sciences or a Big Four environment.
• Strong expertise in corporate income tax, tax reporting and compliance.
• Proven experience managing tax audits and interacting with tax authorities.
• Fluent in English and German (minimum B2 level).

Required skills

• Corporate income tax compliance
• Tax reporting and filing
• Tax audit coordination
• Transfer pricing documentation
• Knowledge of European tax legislation

What we offer

• Opportunity to work within a leading global biopharma organization.
• Collaborative international tax team.
• Potential transition to a permanent role based on business needs.
• Exposure to tax technology and process optimisation projects.