At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global international tax strategy and provide expert advice on complex tax matters.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for mentorship and career growth in a diverse environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while working across 35 countries.
- Qualifications: Professional accountant with extensive international tax experience and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of International Tax to join our Group Tax Team at our Paddington headquarters. The Group Tax Team works collaboratively with the corporate functions and the wider business on a day-to-day basis to provide advice across all taxes. Our team is fuelled by curious minds from diverse backgrounds, and this is an incredible time to join us at DS Smith.
This role will focus on leading the global execution and advisory aspects of international tax strategy. You will be communicating with the business and acting as the primary point of contact for complex cross-border tax queries, M&A transactions, and legal entity structures. This role will partner with senior internal teams on commercial projects and initiatives, offering a fantastic opportunity to build relationships across a global footprint spanning over 35 countries, while directly managing and developing an International Tax Manager.
A successful candidate must be a proven self-starter and commercial leader, who is comfortable with pro-actively communicating directly, working collaboratively and liaising at all levels.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Develop and execute the group's international tax strategy, partnering with Treasury on capital structures, dividend planning, and repatriation methods.
- Provide expert tax advice to regional finance teams and corporate functions on commercial projects, managing risks around CFC regimes and permanent establishments.
- Lead tax due diligence on potential acquisitions or divestments, designing tax-efficient structures and overseeing post-acquisition integration and legal entity rationalisation.
- Track global tax updates to assess business impact, ensuring alignment on key international compliance components like Pillar 2 and transfer pricing principles.
- Provide strategic support to the Direct Tax team and local entities on tax audit queries relating to international tax matters.
- Directly manage, mentor, and coach the International Tax Manager, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with the wider tax function.
So, if you are an experienced International Tax leader looking for a new challenge in a business which prioritises creativity and encourages you to make a difference - then we might be looking for you!
About you
- Professional qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CA/CTA or equivalent.
- Demonstrable progressive International Tax experience, ideally at leadership level within a large multinational or large advisory.
- Extensive knowledge of UK direct tax (CFC, loan relationships, Pillar 2), Double Tax Treaties, and foreign tax regimes.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate complex tax matters into business outcomes and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage, coach, and develop direct reports while driving strategic corporate projects independently.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Car allowance.
- Private healthcare.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee Discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Location: This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days) - however flexibility will be required at times.
About us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Head of International Tax in City of London employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our Paddington headquarters provides a vibrant environment where you can thrive alongside a diverse team of professionals dedicated to sustainable solutions. With competitive benefits, including private healthcare and a strong focus on employee development, this is an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of international tax.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of International Tax in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their international tax strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of International Tax. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage complex tax matters, as this is key for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of International Tax in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of International Tax role. Highlight your international tax experience and any leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about international tax and how your background makes you a perfect fit for us. Don’t forget to mention your ability to communicate complex tax matters clearly.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing and mentoring an International Tax Manager, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams or led projects in the past, as we value collaboration and growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at DS Smith!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨Know Your Tax Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK direct tax, CFC regimes, and Pillar 2 principles. Be ready to discuss how these elements impact business decisions and demonstrate your ability to translate complex tax matters into actionable insights.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of International Tax, you'll need to showcase your experience in managing and mentoring teams. Prepare examples of how you've developed talent in the past and how you foster a collaborative culture within your team.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with DS Smith's operations and their approach to sustainable packaging solutions. Be prepared to discuss how your international tax strategy can align with their commercial projects and initiatives, showing that you understand their business goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's international tax challenges and future strategies. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates your proactive mindset and readiness to engage with senior stakeholders.
