Senior Manager, (Indirect) Tax Compliance and Strategic Tax Projects (all genders) - 12-Month Contra

THE ROLE & THE TEAM Are you an inspiring and skilled tax professional ready to make an impact? We are seeking a talented Senior Manager, (Indirect) Tax Compliance and Strategic Projects (all genders)  to join Zalando’s Group Tax Department based in Berlin, consisting of a diverse team of international experts in both direct and indirect taxation.

As a key member of our team, you will take ownership of VAT reporting for a portfolio of European countries while also widening your scope to manage critical cross-functional tax projects. In this role, you will spearhead strategic initiatives, including upcoming e-invoicing rollouts across Europe, DAC-7 implementation, and other transformational topics across the indirect tax space. You will contribute to process improvements, implementing tax technology, and automation solutions—all within the dynamic, fast-paced world of e-commerce.

This is a 12-month fixed-term position with the potential for extension based on business needs at the end of the term.

WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING) You’ll own the responsibility for the complete, accurate, and on-time reporting of VAT-related obligations for Zalando entities. Demonstrate a high level of tax accounting expertise, ensuring accurate accounts through regular reconciliations.

You’ll display a high degree of ownership by independently managing tax audits related to your assigned portfolio and projects, taking initiative to address and resolve challenges with minimal guidance.

You’ll act as the key point of contact from Group Tax who is responsible for managing high-priority tax projects across the indirect tax space. You will take full ownership of the systems and process execution for critical initiatives—including upcoming e-invoicing rollouts, DAC-7 implementation, and strategic ERP and tax group integrations—translating tax advisory requirements into effective operational workflows.

You’ll be the go-to person for both internal and external stakeholders, proactively managing communication on VAT reporting, e-invoicing, and other indirect tax matters for your portfolio of countries.

You’ll exhibit proactive communication by collaborating closely with the tax advisory team and other stakeholders to develop tax policies and seamlessly implement new European tax requirements.

You’ll continuously review internal tax processes and systems to ensure alignment with industry best practices. Work collaboratively with your team, leveraging strong people skills, to optimise, automate, and digitalise tax compliance workflows, while supporting the broader tax team on various strategic Zalando Group initiatives.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF You have a Master’s Degree in Taxation, Law, Economics, or Business Administration or  a professional qualification as a Tax / VAT advisor.

You come with a minimum of 6+ years of tax experience, preferably within an in-house tax team or an international tax advisory/auditing firm, with practical experience in VAT reporting, tax projects, and cross-border tax topics.

You bear extensive experience in EU VAT reporting and tax accounting, combined with a strong understanding of EU VAT law, DAC-7 requirements, and evolving e-invoicing mandates, along with a hands-on mentality to approach challenges proactively.

You have demonstrated the ability to drive complex, large-scale tax projects, with a successful track record of rolling out tax technology, compliance mandates, and ERP integrations across the indirect tax landscape.

You have solid experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP S/4HANA, and familiarity with tax reporting tools. Knowledge of AMANA GTC VAT would be an added advantage.

You are a team player with excellent communication skills, coupled with the ability to manage time and tasks autonomously.

Fluency in English and German (written and spoken) is mandatory.

You are happy to work a minimum of 3 days a week in our Berlin office onsite with the tax team and stakeholders

OUR OFFERZalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.

27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days)

40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners

Family support, including counselling and dedicated services for parents and carers

Company pension scheme

Employee shares programme

Health and wellbeing options, including Wellhub

Mental health support and coaching

Development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review

2 paid volunteering days a year

Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement)

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGNIf you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading European technology platform for fashion and lifestyle – one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds.

We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. To support this, we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status in your CV, ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential.

We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, please let us know – we are here to assist you.

Discover more about our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-culture/diversity-and-inclusion