For 115 years, L’Oréal, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability.
In our journey, we are looking for talented individuals who can lead us on this mission.
Would you like to be a part of the adventure?
Job Title: Head of Indirect Tax, India
Location: Mumbai
As Head of Indirect Tax for L'Oréal India, you will strategically lead all indirect tax and customs matters across our operations, including manufacturing, import/export, R&D, and the new Global Capability Center (GCC). You will ensure robust compliance, optimize tax efficiency, manage risks, and provide expert guidance on Indian Indirect Tax and Customs laws, while leading and developing a team of 8-9 tax professionals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning & Advisory: Develop and implement indirect tax strategies for L'Oréal India, advising on tax implications for new business initiatives, supply chain, R&D, and the GCC setup. Identify and mitigate tax risks.
- Indian GST Compliance: Oversee accurate and timely GST compliance, including returns, input tax credit management, e-invoicing, and e-way bill. Manage GST aspects for manufacturing and digital initiatives.
- Customs & Foreign Trade Policy (FTP): Lead customs compliance for all import/export, ensuring adherence to Indian Customs Act, FTP, classification, valuation, and duty optimization schemes (e.g., Advance Authorization, EPCG). Manage customs for R&D activities.
- GCC Taxation: Manage GST implications and compliance for the new Global Capability Center (GCC), focusing on cross-border services and inter-company transactions and GST refund for export of services.
- Audits, Litigation & Risk Management: Lead indirect tax and customs audits, assessments, and litigation with Indian tax authorities. Proactively identify exposures and implement strong governance.
- People Leadership & Development: Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team of 8-6-7 indirect tax professionals, including setting objectives, performance
- Process & Technology Optimization: Drive digitalization and continuous improvement in indirect tax and customs processes using ERP (e.g., SAP) and tax automation tools.
- Stakeholder Management & Leadership: Collaborate with internal departments (Finance, Supply Chain, R&D) and external stakeholders.
- Legislative Monitoring: Monitor changes in Indian GST, Customs laws, and FTP, assessing impacts and communicating proactively.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic Acumen: Ability to develop and execute proactive tax strategies aligned with business goals.
- Deep Technical Expertise: Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of Indian GST, Customs laws, FTP, old Service tax, VAT and Excise law.
- Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to build, manage, and motivate a high-performing team of 6-7 members, fostering a collaborative environment, strong talent development, and effective performance management.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical skills to resolve complex tax issues.
- Communication & Negotiation: Clear communication and strong negotiation skills for authorities and internal teams.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive and adapt in a dynamic regulatory environment.
Education:
- Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, or related field.
- Professional qualification: Indian Chartered Accountant.
- Professional Experience: 10-12+ years in indirect taxation, with significant senior leadership experience in a large multinational manufacturing company (FMCG/Pharma) in India or a leading consulting firm.
- Deep expertise in Indian GST laws (compliance, advisory, litigation).
- Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience with erstwhile Indian Indirect Tax laws (Service Tax, VAT/CST, Central Excise) is critical for managing legacy issues and assessments.
- Extensive practical knowledge of Indian Customs laws, valuation, classification, and Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
- Experience with manufacturing operations, import/export, R&D, and ideally, GCC tax management.
- Proven track record of managing and developing a team of professionals.
- Experience with ERP/tax technology. Strong system knowledge, particularly with SAP or other major ERP systems, and specialized tax technology platforms.
L’Oréal is committed to building a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. L’Oréal closely prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.