About BW ESS
BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, rapidly advancing to develop and construct market-leading energy storage projects across multiple countries. Collaborating closely with local development partners, our operations span the UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Sweden. With over 500MWh of operating Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, 3.3GWh currently under construction, and a substantial development pipeline of approximately 9.5GWh, BW ESS is committed to a long-term asset strategy that focuses on maximizing value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle.
As part of BW Group, we leverage a robust global industry network and decades of expertise in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation. To learn more, visit: bw-ess.com
Our Culture
At BW ESS, our culture thrives on a few clear foundations:
- Talent density over team size
- Flexible people over fixed structures
- Context over control
- Results over processes
- Transparent and clear feedback
Location
Zurich
Reports to
CFO
Job Description
This full-time, on-site role for the Head of Tax will lead all tax matters within BW ESS. This position is pivotal in setting and executing the company’s tax strategy, ensuring compliance across various jurisdictions, and serving as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on project development, financing, and commercial operations.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Strategy & Leadership
- Act as the primary tax advisor to the CFO and Senior Management Team, defining and leading BW ESS’s global tax strategy in accordance with business objectives and growth plans.
- Build and manage relationships with external tax advisors across operating jurisdictions.
- Maintain regular interaction with BW Group’s in-house tax team.
Project & Commercial Tax Advisory
- Provide tax leadership on project structuring, including Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), joint ventures, and holding structures.
- Support investment decisions, bid processes, and commercial negotiations with tax input.
Financing, M&A & Capital Markets
- Lead tax workstreams for project finance, refinancing, and portfolio-level financing.
- Advise on tax implications of equity investments, asset acquisitions, disposals, and platform M&A activities.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Oversee corporate income tax, VAT/GST, withholding tax, and other relevant taxes across jurisdictions.
- Ensure timely and accurate filings, provisions, and disclosures.
- Manage tax audits, disputes, and interactions with tax authorities.
- Monitor legislative developments impacting storage, power markets, and infrastructure taxation.
Transfer Pricing & Cross-Border Matters
- Oversee transfer pricing policies and documentation for intercompany services, financing, and intellectual property.
- Support the development of scalable, tax-efficient operating models as the business expands.
Qualifications
- Professional tax qualification (e.g., CTA, CPA, ACA, or equivalent).
- 10–15+ years of relevant UK and international tax experience, including leadership responsibilities. Previous experience with the Big 4 or similar legal/consulting firms is essential.
- Preferred experience in Renewables/Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- Demonstrated experience with multi-jurisdictional tax frameworks and project-based businesses.
- Deep understanding of project finance and Topco/Assetco structures.
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong communication skills, capable of engaging credibly at the executive level.
- Hands-on mindset with the ability to balance strategic thinking with execution.
- A team player motivated to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization.
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.