Head of Tax - North America

About the Role

The Head of Tax - North America is responsible for leading and overseeing all tax-related activities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada for a complex, multi-entity automotive Tier 1 supplier organization. This role serves as the strategic tax leader for the region and partners closely with Finance, Treasury, Legal, HR, Operations, Shared Services, and Global Tax teams to ensure compliance, optimize tax structures, mitigate risk, and support business growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall North America tax strategy in alignment with global tax and business objectives.
• Serve as the primary regional tax advisor to executive leadership and business stakeholders regarding tax implications of M&A, restructuring, investments, financing, and cross-border activities.
• Oversee all federal, state, local, and international tax compliance activities across North America.
• Direct monthly and annual tax provision processes in accordance with IAS 12.
• Manage transfer pricing documentation and intercompany transaction requirements.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and develop mitigation strategies for emerging tax risks.
• Oversee sales and use tax, VAT, GST/HST, property tax, customs, and other indirect tax obligations.
• Lead all tax audits, inquiries, and examinations with tax authorities across North America.
• Identify opportunities for tax savings, credits, incentives, and operational efficiencies.
• Support site selection and expansion projects by evaluating tax incentives and government programs.
• Partner closely with Finance, Treasury, Legal, HR, Procurement, Operations, Shared Services, and Global Tax teams.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the high-performing regional tax function.
• Drive process improvements and automation to increase efficiency and shift focus toward value-added planning.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field required.
  • CPA required.
  • Master's degree in Taxation, Accounting, Finance, or MBA preferred.
• Experience:
  • 10+ years of progressive tax leadership experience within manufacturing, automotive, or multinational industrial environments.
  • Significant experience with North American tax operations, including US and Mexico tax matters.
  • Experience within a global organization required.
  • Prior automotive manufacturing or Tier 1 supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of federal and state corporate tax, international taxation, transfer pricing, sales/use tax, VAT, and tax accounting under US GAAP and/or IFRS.
  • Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP and advanced Excel capabilities.
  • Familiarity with tax software and reporting systems.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Leadership Competencies:
  • Executive presence and strategic mindset.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to influence across all organizational levels.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • High attention to detail and strong risk management orientation.
  • Strong collaboration and relationship-building capabilities across cultures and regions.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, including travel to manufacturing facilities, shared service centers, and global headquarters locations.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Vice President Finance - North America
Direct Reports: Regional Tax Managers, Tax Analysts, and/or external tax service providers

Work Environment

This position operates within a fast-paced, global automotive manufacturing environment supporting multiple facilities and business units across North America. The role requires frequent collaboration with global teams and the ability to balance strategic initiatives with operational execution.

Pay

The compensation range for this role is $210,000 to $230,000 base annual salary with a 40% bonus potential.