At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global tax strategy and manage complex cross-border tax queries.
- Company: Join DS Smith's dynamic Group Tax Team in Paddington.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop an International Tax Manager and drive strategic initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on international tax strategy across 35+ countries.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in international tax and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About the role: Join our Group Tax Team at DS Smith’s Paddington headquarters. Lead the global execution and advisory aspects of our international tax strategy, serving as the primary contact for complex cross‑border tax queries, M&A transactions, and legal entity structures. Partner with senior internal teams on commercial projects, build relationships across our global footprint of over 35 countries, and directly manage and develop an International Tax Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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.
Head of International Tax employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation at our Paddington headquarters. As the Head of International Tax, you will not only lead a critical function within our Group Tax Team but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that values your expertise. With a global presence across 35 countries, you'll have the chance to build meaningful relationships and make a significant impact on our international tax strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of International Tax
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the tax field through LinkedIn or industry events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of international tax strategies and recent changes in regulations. We want you to be the go-to expert when discussing complex cross-border tax queries!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight how you've managed teams or projects, especially in areas like tax due diligence or M&A transactions. We love seeing candidates who can lead and inspire.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to take on the challenge of shaping our international tax strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of International Tax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of International Tax role. Highlight your experience with international tax strategies, M&A transactions, and any relevant advisory roles. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex tax issues or led teams in the past. Let us know what excites you about joining our Group Tax Team.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to highlight your soft skills too! We value strong communication and relationship-building abilities, especially since you'll be partnering with teams across 35 countries. Give us examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Tax Stuff
Make sure you brush up on international tax laws and recent updates, especially around CFC regimes and Pillar 2 compliance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also on top of current trends.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed or executed tax strategies in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to capital structures and dividend planning, as well as how you’ve managed risks in complex scenarios. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and lead effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves partnering with various teams, think about how you can illustrate your relationship-building skills. Have anecdotes ready about how you've collaborated with finance teams or other departments to achieve common goals. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work across a global footprint.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific cross-border tax queries or M&A transactions. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making criteria in these situations. This will help you convey your expertise and problem-solving abilities during the interview.
