Foods Philippines Tax Manager

Earlier this year, Unilever announced an agreement to combine its Foods business with McCormick & Company, creating a scaled global flavor powerhouse. The proposed combination would bring together iconic Foods brands, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with McCormick’s portfolio to create a global leader across spices, seasonings, condiments and complementary food categories, supported by strong retail and foodservice platforms. McCormick brings more than 135 years of heritage, a presence in 150+ countries and territories, and a portfolio of trusted brands. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, with completion estimated for mid-2027.

Team Tax

Job title Philippines Foods Tax Manager

Work level & grade WL2A

Reporting to Senior Tax Manager Asia (China)

Location Philippines

ROLE PURPOSE

The Tax Manager Philippines Foods supports tax compliance, reporting, controversy and advisory activities for the Foods organisation in Philippines, helping to ensure accurate delivery, strong governance and practical support to Finance and business stakeholders. This role will report into the Regional Tax Manager Asia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Own tax governance in the country mentioned above and drive the tax strategy.

Local business partner for this country, managing all day-to-day queries in relation to the ongoing tax affairs of the business.

Identify and support the response to any new local tax obligations and tax optimalisation opportunities.

Ensure local tax compliance (filings and payments) for corporate and indirect tax, including execution of the group’s transfer pricing policies, seeking tax specialist support as required.

Responsible for local and global tax reporting obligations for the management of effective tax rate, cash tax, tax provisions and continencies.

Initiating, planning and executing tax advisory aspects of key projects, including internal restructurings, legal structure optimisation, refinancings, grants and incentive opportunities, commercial initiatives and acquisition and disposal strategy.

Assessment of the VAT / Customs / WHT, Transfer Pricing implications of any new trade flows, movement or disposal of assets or (inter)company financing.

Supporting the management of tax authority enquiries, tax audits (together with other internal and external stakeholders) and overall tax controversy, including MAPs, and litigation.

Identify, monitor and manage tax risks (direct and indirect).

Work closely with external tax advisors, third-party tax compliance providers and internal shared service centers.

Provide management, guidance, training and associated tax support to local stakeholders with responsibility for key tax processes.

Manage the market's effective tax rate, cash tax position, provisions, and overall tax contribution.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

5+ years of experience in relevant tax roles in the country in scope

Strong understanding of direct taxes, indirect taxes, WHT, tax reporting, and transfer pricing.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Strategic thinker with problem-solving skills.

Business partnering, ability to translate complex tax requirements into practical guidance.

Stakeholder/influencing skills.

Working experience with SAP.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bring ing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.