About BW ESS
BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, dedicated to rapidly developing and constructing market-leading energy storage projects across multiple countries. In collaboration with local development partners, we are active in the UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Sweden. Currently, we manage over 500MWh of operational Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, with an additional 3.3GWh under construction and a robust development pipeline of approximately 9.5GWh. Our strategy focuses on holding assets for the long term, employing a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle. As part of BW Group, BW ESS leverages a global industry network and decades of expertise in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation.
To learn more, visit: BW ESS Website
Our Culture
At BW ESS, our culture and way of working are built on a few key 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
We are seeking a full-time, on-site Head of Tax to oversee all tax matters within the company. This role is crucial for setting and executing BW ESS’s tax strategy, ensuring compliance across various jurisdictions, and acting as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on project development, financing, and commercial operations.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Strategy & Leadership
- Serve as the primary tax advisor to the CFO and Senior Management Team, defining and leading BW ESS’s global tax strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.
- Build and manage relationships with external tax advisors across operating jurisdictions.
- Engage regularly with BW Group’s in-house tax team.
Project & Commercial Tax Advisory
- Provide leadership on project structuring, including SPVs, joint ventures, and holding structures.
- Support investment decisions, bid processes, and commercial negotiations with tax insights.
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.
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 grows.
Qualifications
- Professional tax qualification (e.g., CTA, CPA, ACA, or equivalent)
- 10–15+ years of relevant UK and international tax experience, including leadership responsibilities. Prior experience in the Big 4 or similar legal/consulting firms is required.
- Experience in Renewables/Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with multi-jurisdictional tax frameworks and project-based businesses.
- Deep understanding of project finance, as well as Topco/Assetco structures.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong communication skills, capable of engaging credibly at the executive level.
- Hands-on mindset with a balanced approach to strategy and execution.
- A collaborative team player motivated to contribute to a growing organization.
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.