CASE STUDY
Confidential Automotive Client - Strategic Tax & Customs Leadership Hire
Our client is one of the world’s most prestigious premium automotive manufacturers, known for its innovation, engineering excellence and global footprint across design, manufacturing and mobility solutions. Their UK division plays a critical role in navigating post-Brexit compliance, trade alignment and financial governance across their European operations.
Challenge: Critical Tax & Customs Appointment Amid Regulatory Complexity
As the organisation faced increasing pressure from evolving UK and EU trade requirements, they identified a need for a senior specialist to lead their Tax & Customs strategy across the UK. The role demanded deep technical expertise, strong stakeholder management and the ability to operate with complete discretion in a high-profile corporate environment.
The assignment required a trusted recruitment partner with a strong grasp of regulatory frameworks, the ability to conduct highly targeted headhunting within a niche candidate pool, and the discretion necessary for a confidential hire.
Key Search Data & Process Insights
Senior hire delivered
Tax & Customs Specialist - responsible for UK tax compliance, customs strategy and cross-border risk mitigation
Time to shortlist
27 working days
Time to hire
52 days from initial brief to offer
Interview process
-
Stage 1: MS Teams with UK tax leadership
-
Stage 2: Final virtual interview with international leadership team
Candidate profile requirements
-
Strong technical background in UK/EU customs and indirect tax
-
Experience within automotive, manufacturing or regulated industries
-
Ability to interface with HMRC and senior global stakeholders
Additional value delivered
-
Market-mapped talent across competitors and Big Four advisory
-
Fully confidential process to protect business continuity and internal structures
-
Salary benchmarking and strategic input on candidate positioning
Result
Our client successfully secured an exceptional Tax & Customs specialist, now leading critical functions related to trade compliance, operational tax efficiency and customs governance. Their work is directly supporting the company’s ability to adapt to complex international trading environments while maintaining compliance and cost control.
This appointment reinforces ECW Search’s position as a trusted partner for senior finance, tax and operational hires within the global automotive sector. Our ability to deliver with discretion, technical accuracy and speed ensures we continue to support world-class organisations with business-critical talent at the moments that matter most.