Head of International Tax

About the role

• 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 droving

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.

• #LI-NS

• #DSPAD