Head of International Tax

DS Smith | Paddington, London (Hybrid)

DS Smith is looking for an accomplished and commercially minded Head of International Tax to join our Group Tax Team at our Paddington headquarters. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced tax professional who thrives in a global, fast-moving environment and wants to help shape international tax strategy across a major multinational business.

Working as part of a collaborative and highly capable tax function, you will play a central role in advising the business on complex cross-border matters, supporting strategic projects, and driving the execution of the Group’s international tax agenda. It’s an exciting time to join DS Smith, where curious minds from diverse backgrounds come together to make a meaningful difference.

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The Opportunity

As Head of International Tax, you will lead the global execution and advisory elements of international tax strategy across the business. You will act as the key contact for complex international tax matters, including cross-border queries, M&A activity, and legal entity structuring.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across finance, treasury, and other corporate functions, helping to shape commercial decisions through practical, business-focused tax insight. The role also offers the chance to build strong relationships across a global footprint of more than 35 countries, while directly managing and developing the International Tax Manager.

This position would suit a proactive, credible, and self-starting leader who is confident communicating at all levels, influencing senior stakeholders, and balancing technical expertise with commercial judgement.

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What You’ll Be Responsible For

In this role, you will take ownership of a broad and strategically important portfolio of international tax responsibilities, including:

• Designing and delivering international tax strategy across the Group

• Partnering with Treasury on capital structures, dividend planning, and repatriation strategies

• Advising regional finance teams and corporate functions on commercial initiatives and tax risk

• Managing international tax risks, including issues relating to CFC regimes and permanent establishments

• Leading tax due diligence for acquisitions and divestments

• Designing tax-efficient transaction structures and supporting post-deal integration

• Overseeing legal entity rationalisation following M&A activity

• Monitoring global tax developments and assessing their impact on the business

• Supporting alignment with key international compliance requirements, including Pillar 2 and transfer pricing principles

• Providing strategic support to the Direct Tax team and local entities on tax audits involving international tax matters

• Leading, mentoring, and developing the International Tax Manager

• Promoting a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with the wider tax function

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What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a tax leader who combines strong technical expertise with sound commercial judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships across a complex international business.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CA, CTA, or equivalent

• Significant and progressive experience in International Tax

• Experience operating at leadership level within a large multinational organisation or major advisory firm

• Strong knowledge of:

• UK direct tax

• Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules

• Loan relationships

• Pillar 2

• Double Tax Treaties

• Foreign tax regimes

Key Skills & Attributes

• Commercially astute, with the ability to translate complex tax issues into practical business outcomes

• Strong capability to influence cross-functional stakeholders

• Confident working independently while leading strategic projects

• Proven experience in managing, coaching, and developing direct reports

• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage proactively at all levels of the organisation

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Why Join DS Smith?

This is more than a tax leadership role — it’s a chance to join a business that values creativity, collaboration, and impact. At DS Smith, you’ll have the platform to contribute to major strategic decisions while working with talented colleagues across an international network.

If you are looking for a new challenge in a business that encourages innovation and empowers people to make a difference, this could be the ideal next step in your career.

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Reward & Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive package, including:

• Competitive salary

• Discretionary bonus

• Car allowance

• Private healthcare

• 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays

• Pension scheme

• Life assurance

• Income protection

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee discounts

• Cycle to work scheme

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Location & Working Pattern

This is a hybrid role, with time split between our London Paddington office (3 days per week) and home (2 days per week). Some flexibility will be required depending on business needs.

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About DS Smith

DS Smith, together with International Paper, is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible when the right people come together to challenge, support, and inspire one another.

Across North America and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, more than 65,000 colleagues work across innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and many other specialist functions. Together, we help make the world safer and more productive — one sustainable packaging solution at a time.

Join a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us.

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Our Commitment to Fair Recruitment

At DS Smith, our purpose is to redefine packaging for a changing world. To achieve this, we are committed to building a workforce that is diverse, motivated, and engaged.

We strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone is treated fairly, differences are respected, and all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed. We know that diverse backgrounds, perspectives, ideas, and experiences lead to stronger thinking and more innovative solutions — especially when tackling today’s and tomorrow’s sustainability challenges.

We warmly welcome applications from all candidates, including those who may not meet every listed requirement.

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