R&D Tax Incentives Director

Hays Specialist Recruitment LimitedManchesterreedpublished 10/07/2026
Must-have:SeniorLeadJuniorHybrid

Your new company

Are you an experienced R&D Tax or Patent Box specialist looking for a genuine leadership opportunity within one of the market's most respected innovation incentives teams?A leading professional services firm is seeking a Director to join its Global Investment & Innovation Incentives practice in Manchester. This highly successful team works with innovative businesses across a broad range of sectors, helping them maximise the value of their R&D investments while shaping the future of innovation incentives in the UK.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious senior manager, director or experienced specialist looking to take ownership of client relationships, drive business development initiatives and play a key role in the continued growth of a nationally recognised practice.

Your new role

As a Director, you will work closely with partners and senior stakeholders to deliver strategic R&D Tax Relief and Patent Box advice to a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from fast-growth businesses to large multinational organisations.You will lead complex client engagements, identify new market opportunities and help shape the future direction of the practice both regionally and nationally. The role also offers exposure to wider tax, policy and controversy matters, including engagement with HMRC and HM Treasury on issues affecting innovation incentives.

  • Building and strengthening senior client relationships
  • Leading a portfolio of R&D Tax Relief and Patent Box clients
  • Driving business development activity and identifying growth opportunities
  • Working collaboratively with wider tax, policy and specialist advisory teams
  • Leading multidisciplinary project teams across complex engagements
  • Mentoring and developing junior team members
  • Contributing to thought leadership and market-facing initiatives
  • Supporting the development of innovative service offerings across the firm

What you'll need to succeed

  • Strong experience in R&D Tax Relief and/or Patent Box incentives
  • Experience gained within professional services, industry or HMRC
  • ACA, CTA, ATT or equivalent professional qualifications
  • Exceptional client relationship and stakeholder management skills
  • A proven track record in business development and winning work
  • Experience leading teams and delivering complex projects
  • Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills

What you'll get in return

This opportunity would suit an established Director or a high-performing Senior Manager looking to make the step into a leadership role within a growing and highly regarded innovation incentives practice.

  • Director-level leadership position within a market-leading team
  • Exposure to major UK and international clients
  • Significant business development and client ownership opportunities
  • Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
  • Strong investment in professional development and progression
  • Access to a global network of specialists and subject-matter experts
  • Flexible hybrid working model based in Manchester

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this R&D Tax Incentives Director role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Justin Hopkins on to discuss in more detail. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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Contact person

Listed by the employer in the job posting — for questions and your application.

  • Justin Hopkins