Position Overview:The
Lead Tax Planning Advisor is responsible for providing strategic tax guidance across U.S. domestic and international tax matters, including business structuring, cross-border transactions, and operating models. This role serves as a senior subject matter expert and provides informal leadership across tax planning initiatives, including advising on business models, cross-border activities, transfer pricing strategies, and restructuring.
The position partners closely with business leaders and internal stakeholders to identify value-creating opportunities, manage direct and indirect tax risk, and ensure tax considerations are appropriately integrated into business decision-making.
This is an in-office position based at the Company's corporate headquarters in downtown Houston, Texas, and reports to the Director of Tax.
Responsibilities:- Provide strategic tax planning advice across U.S. domestic and international tax matters, including business structuring, cross-border transactions, and operating models
- Identify opportunities to create value through effective tax planning while assessing, managing, and balancing tax risk with commercial objectives
- Partner with business leaders to understand operational and strategic priorities and develop practical, technically sound tax solutions that support the business
- Evaluate and advise on reputational risk considerations associated with tax planning strategies
- Research and analyze federal, state, and international tax laws applicable to business activities and transactions
- Draft, review, and negotiate tax provisions in commercial agreements, transactional documents, and other business contracts
- Oversee and coordinate tax planning and compliance efforts related to transfer pricing, BEPS, FATCA, and related documentation
- Evaluate impacts of new legislation, regulations, and guidance on business
- Provide tax support for M&A, divestitures, joint ventures, and investments
- Coordinate with indirect tax and property tax functions to ensure holistic tax outcomes
- Collaborate effectively with internal colleagues across Legal, Finance, Accounting, and external advisors to ensure alignment on tax planning, risk controls, and compliance requirements
- Support federal, state, and foreign tax audits and inquiries, working in coordination with internal stakeholders and external advisors
Experience and Qualifications:Required Education and Experience: - Juris Doctor required
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in U.S. federal and international tax
- Prior experience in a major law firm, Big Four accounting firm, or equivalent in-house tax role
- Strong technical knowledge of U.S. domestic and international tax, including:
- Inbound and outbound taxation
- Business tax planning and structuring
- Consolidated group attribute planning and modeling
- Transfer pricing principles and tax treaties
- Demonstrated ability to advise complex, multinational organizations
- Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage ambiguity and complexity in sophisticated transactions
- Proven judgment in balancing tax risk, compliance requirements, and business objectives
Preferred Education and Experience: - Master's degree with a concentration in taxation (e.g., MTax, LLM in Taxation)
- Prior experience with indirect and property tax is desirable
We reserve the right to amend or withdraw Motiva jobs at any time, including prior to the closing date. Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level and/or grade.
