R&D Tax Manager (IT & Software)

Sumer Group Holdings Limited; Belfast; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services firm in Belfast is seeking an R&D Tax Manager to oversee R&D tax relief claims for IT and software clients. The role involves managing client portfolios, conducting technical discussions to address software development challenges, and delivering workshops to enhance client understanding. Ideal candidates will have a background in IT or software development, with strong organizational skills and a passion for R&D tax incentives. Competitive salary and comprehensive training provided.

Benefits

Competitive salaries and benefits

Continuous training and development opportunities

Diverse and inclusive culture

Social responsibility initiatives

Fun and friendly atmosphere

Qualifications

• Background in IT, software development, or technical consulting.
• Ability to articulate complex concepts into clear written reports.
• Experience managing projects or teams is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of IT and software clients from scoping to submission.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of R&D tax relief claims.
• Conduct technical discussions to understand client software challenges.
• Deliver educational workshops to clients.

Skills

Understanding software development processes

Ability to communicate technical concepts

Client-facing skills

Project management experience

Strong organizational skills

Interest in R&D tax relief

Job description

R&D Tax Manager (IT & Software)

Department: Corporate Tax

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Belfast

Description

We are looking for a technically minded and commercially aware R&D Manager to lead the delivery of R&D tax claims for a portfolio of IT and software-led businesses.

This role would suit someone from a software engineering, IT, systems, or technical consulting background who enjoys working closely with innovative clients and is looking for a new challenge in a professional services environment.

You will oversee the end-to-end delivery of R&D tax relief claims, manage workflows, and ensure compliance with HMRC’s R&D criteria while maintaining high-quality reporting standards. You will also play a key role in client engagement, delivering educational seminars, improving record-keeping processes, and handling HMRC enquiries.

Prior experience in R&D tax relief is not essential, and full training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage your own portfolio of IT and software clients, overseeing engagements from initial scoping through to submission
• Lead the end-to-end R&D delivery of R&D tax relief claims for software and IT clients, ensuring accurate information gathering, technical understanding, and timely delivery
• Organise and manage workflows to ensure deadlines and quality standards are consistently met
• Conduct in-depth technical discussions with clients to understand software development challenges, innovations, and uncertainties
• Work with clients to improve their technical documentation, record keeping, and internal processes
• Deliver educational sessions and workshops to clients, either in person or via Teams
• Review R&D reports to ensure they are technically robust, clearly written, and compliant before final sign-off
• Act as a key point of contact for HMRC enquiries, working alongside senior colleagues where required, and feeding into ongoing enquiries within the team.
• Support the training and development of junior team members
• Contribute to business development by building strong client relationships and identifying new opportunities

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Background in IT, software development, systems engineering, or technical software/IT consulting.
• Strong ability to understand and articulate complex technical software engineering concepts into clear, structured written reports for the layman to understand
• Comfortable in a client-facing role, with the ability to lead technical discussions with experienced software engineering teams
• Experience managing projects, workflows, or teams in a professional environment
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines
• An interest in developing expertise in R&D tax relief and innovation incentives such as Patent Box, Land Remediation, Video Games Relief (prior experience not required, but desirable)

Job Benefits

• We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including pension, benefits hub, and an agile working policy.
• We provide continuous training and development opportunities, as well as mentoring and coaching from senior staff.
• We have a diverse and inclusive culture, where you can work with colleagues from different backgrounds and perspectives.
• We have a strong social responsibility ethos, and we support various charities and community initiatives
• We have a fun and friendly atmosphere, where you can enjoy social events and team building.