The Rise of Hybrid Talent: Why Digital Skills Are Reshaping Print and Packaging Roles

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The print and packaging industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. While presses still hum and production lines still run, the way these systems are managed, optimised, and integrated is rapidly changing.

At the heart of this transformation is a new kind of professional—what we call hybrid talent. These are individuals who bridge the gap between traditional print and packaging expertise and modern digital proficiency. And in 2025, they’re becoming the most sought-after candidates in the market.

What Is a Hybrid Professional?

A hybrid candidate in packaging and print is someone who combines hands-on operational knowledge with fluency in digital systems, automation, and data-driven processes. These individuals can troubleshoot a flexo press—and also configure a print MIS. They understand substrates and color density—and can interpret data from a digital workflow.

In short, hybrid professionals bring the best of both worlds: deep industry experience plus future-ready skills.

Why Hybrid Skills Matter Now

The demand for hybrid talent is driven by multiple shifts in the industry:

  • Automation: From robotic packing arms to AI-driven quality control, companies need staff who can manage and maintain intelligent systems.

  • Digital Transformation: As digital printing expands and prepress workflows evolve, fluency with digital platforms and file systems is essential.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Modern production teams work closely with IT, design, logistics, and sustainability. Versatility is key.

Hiring managers are no longer filling narrow roles—they’re building teams that can adapt, evolve, and solve problems across departments.

What Hiring Managers Are Looking For

Employers consistently tell us they want candidates who:

  • Have experience with MIS, ERP, or workflow automation systems
  • Are comfortable working with digital printing platforms
  • Can interpret and apply production or performance data
  •  Show initiative in adopting new tools or technologies
  • Communicate clearly across technical and non-technical teams

Hybrid professionals often become the go-to person in a team—the bridge between production and innovation.

How to Become a More Hybrid Candidate

You don’t need to start over. You just need to expand your comfort zone. Here are a few practical steps:

  1. Learn on the job: Volunteer to get involved in new system rollouts, training sessions, or digital upgrades in your current workplace.

  2. Ask to shadow: Spend time with colleagues in IT, digital prepress, or automation teams to understand their workflows.

  3. Take short courses: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or vendor-led certifications offer training in ERP systems, automation basics, and digital workflow management.

  4. Update your CV: Highlight any cross-functional projects, tech tools you’ve used, or systems you’ve helped implement. Even small experiences matter.

Why This Matters for Your Career

The packaging and print workforce of the future isn’t divided into “manual” and “digital” roles. It’s blended.

Professionals who can move fluidly between machines and monitors, between factory floor and data dashboard, will have a distinct edge—not just in getting hired, but in growing into leadership roles.

At Athena Executive Search, we are already placing hybrid professionals into dynamic, high-impact roles—across operations, production management, technical sales, and innovation teams.

Final Thought

The industry doesn’t need people who do what’s always been done. It needs people who can do what’s next.

If you’re a print or packaging professional ready to evolve, now is the time to invest in your hybrid potential. And if you already have those capabilities, make sure you’re telling that story—on your CV, in interviews, and on LinkedIn.

Need help positioning yourself for your next opportunity? Reach out to the team at Athena Executive Search. We understand where the industry is headed—and who’s ready to lead it there.

Navigating Change: How Packaging & Print Candidates Can Thrive in 2025’s Shifting Market

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The packaging and print industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. For candidates, these shifts bring both challenges and opportunities. At Athena Executive Search, we work closely with professionals across the sector and have identified three key trends shaping career paths in 2025—and how you can position yourself for success.

1. Bridging the Skills Gap in a Digital Age

A wave of retirements is creating a talent vacuum in specialist roles such as press operators, production managers, and technical leads. At the same time, technology is redefining how work is done. Digital printing, automation, AI-driven quality control, and data-driven workflows are no longer optional—they are core to competitiveness.

What this means for you:
Employers are looking for candidates who combine traditional print expertise with digital fluency. If you can troubleshoot a press and optimise a digital workflow, you have a clear advantage. Upskilling in automation systems, predictive maintenance, and production analytics is a smart investment in your career resilience.

2. Mastering Sustainability and Regulatory Demands

Sustainability is now a non‑negotiable business priority. From EU packaging regulations to brand‑led environmental targets, the demand for recyclable, reusable, and eco‑friendly packaging is surging. This isn’t just a design consideration—it affects sourcing, production, and compliance at every stage.

What this means for you:
Candidates who understand sustainable materials, life‑cycle assessment (LCA), and design for recyclability are in high demand. If you’ve contributed to waste reduction projects, switched to greener substrates, or navigated compliance requirements, make it a central part of your CV. Consider formal training or certifications in sustainable packaging to enhance your credentials.

3. Adapting to Market Disruption and Economic Pressure

While traditional print volumes are declining, the packaging sector—particularly e‑commerce packaging—is experiencing strong growth. This shift comes with its own pressures: fluctuating material and energy costs, tighter lead times, and supply chain disruptions.

What this means for you:
Employers value candidates who can think commercially as well as technically. Demonstrating cost‑control skills, process efficiency improvements, or innovative sourcing strategies can make you stand out. Show that you understand not just how to produce packaging, but also how to do it profitably and sustainably.

How to Position Yourself for Success

In this changing landscape, standing still is not an option. Here’s how to keep your career moving forward:

  1. Invest in learning. Take advantage of short courses in automation, digital workflows, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

  2. Show hybrid skills. Highlight experience that bridges technical production with digital technology or process improvement.

  3. Quantify your impact. Use metrics—reduced waste, faster turnaround, cost savings—to show your value.

  4. Stay informed. Follow market and regulatory trends so you can discuss them confidently in interviews.

At Athena Executive Search, we specialise in connecting forward‑thinking candidates with the right opportunities in the packaging and print industry. By understanding these industry shifts and aligning your skills accordingly, you can not only weather the changes ahead—you can lead them.

Stand Out With a Strong Executive Resume

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In today’s competitive print and packaging job market, a powerful CV can be your ticket to boardroom opportunities. Hiring managers and executive recruiters often scan resumes in less than 30 seconds—so yours needs to communicate leadership, impact, and industry relevance fast.

Top Tips for Executive Packaging Professionals:

1. Lead with Impact
Start with a clear executive summary—3-5 lines describing your sector expertise, leadership style, and career highlights. Example:

“Strategic operations leader with 15+ years in flexible packaging. Proven track record of leading £100M+ P&L, driving site turnarounds, and implementing lean manufacturing across multi-site operations.”

2. Use Metrics to Tell Your Story
Recruiters love numbers. Use KPIs to demonstrate business impact:

  • “Increased EBITDA margin by 22% through cost-saving initiatives.”

  • “Led plant with 200+ staff; improved OEE from 68% to 89% within 9 months.”

  • “Grew European sales from €40M to €70M in under 2 years.”

3. Keep it Industry-Relevant
Tailor your content to print & packaging terminology:

  • Mention substrates (flexible films, paperboard, corrugated, etc.)

  • Include relevant machinery or processes (gravure, flexo, die-cutting, etc.)

  • Highlight customers or channels (FMCG, pharma, industrial)

4. Format for Senior-Level Readability

  • 2–3 pages max

  • Use bold headers, bullet points, and clear fonts

  • Avoid fluff—focus on outcomes, leadership, and strategy

5. Include Leadership Competencies
C-suite hiring managers look for these core themes:

  • Change management

  • Team development

  • P&L ownership

  • Strategy execution

  • Private equity / M&A exposure

The Future of Leadership in Packaging: What C-Suite Candidates Want Now

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As the packaging sector evolves in response to global disruption, sustainability demands, and shifting workforce expectations, the leaders you attract today must be very different from those you hired a decade ago. But here’s the real shift: it’s not just about what you need from executive candidates—it’s also about what they now expect from you.

At Athena, we speak with top-tier leaders in print and packaging every day. Here’s what’s rising to the top of their priority lists—and how you can adapt your talent strategy to compete for the best.

1. Flexibility is a Leadership-Level Expectation Now

Executives are no longer looking for rigid office-based roles. Post-pandemic, even senior leaders expect hybrid or remote-first flexibility, provided they can still drive performance and lead effectively. Packaging companies that cling to outdated expectations around presenteeism risk losing top candidates to more agile competitors.

Your move: Redesign senior roles for flexibility—clearly outline decision-making authority, communication rhythms, and remote collaboration expectations.

2. Purpose-Driven Work Matters—Even at the Top

Executives want to lead organizations that are aligned with a broader mission. In an industry where sustainability and innovation are major market drivers, this is an opportunity. Whether it’s reducing waste, rethinking materials, or building circular supply chains, packaging leaders want to feel they’re contributing to something meaningful.

Your move: Articulate a clear vision tied to sustainability, innovation, or societal impact—and embed it into your leadership hiring narrative.

3. Compensation Still Matters—But Culture Closes the Deal

While competitive pay and performance incentives remain foundational, the leaders we place often cite cultural alignment as the deciding factor. Toxic cultures, unclear governance, or political board dynamics are deal-breakers—especially for seasoned executives with options.

Your move: Be transparent about company culture, leadership style, and board dynamics early in the process. This builds trust and attracts culture-fit leaders.

4. DE&I is a Leadership Expectation, Not a Buzzword

The most sought-after executives—especially Millennial and Gen X leaders—are now actively evaluating a company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If DE&I isn’t visible in your leadership team, policies, or hiring process, expect questions—or rejections.

Your move: Audit your leadership demographics, set meaningful DE&I goals, and communicate progress authentically in all hiring materials.

5. Career Pathway Still Counts—Even at the C-Level

You’d be surprised how often a CEO or VP-level candidate asks: What’s next for me here? Executives are no longer satisfied with just a title—they want development, board exposure, and growth.

Your move: Create structured leadership development plans, mentoring programs, and board succession pipelines that show executives how they can evolve inside your organization.

Conclusion: Recalibrate or Risk Falling Behind

Winning top leadership talent in the packaging sector today requires more than just a compelling job description—it takes a holistic, human-centered approach to executive engagement. Flexibility, purpose, culture, inclusion, and growth are no longer “nice to haves”—they’re non-negotiables for the best candidates.

Need help defining your leadership EVP and attracting next-generation executives? Athena can help. Reach out to learn how we connect forward-thinking companies with world-class packaging leaders.

Site Leadership in Packaging and Print: What Defines a Strong Plant Manager Today?

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The role of the Plant or Site Manager in the packaging and print industry has evolved. No longer just responsible for day-to-day operations, today’s site leaders are expected to drive performance, lead cultural change, and deliver on strategic business goals.

At Athena Executive Search, we’ve worked with organisations across the UK and Europe to recruit Plant Managers who go beyond operational oversight. In high-performing businesses, the Plant Manager is more than a department head—they are the face of leadership on site.

What Separates a Good Plant Manager from a Great One?

  1. End-to-End Accountability
    Top-performing site leaders own everything from safety and quality to P&L impact. They understand how daily decisions connect to broader business outcomes.

  2. People Leadership
    Strong Plant Managers engage their teams, build trust, and establish a culture of ownership. In environments where retention and morale are under pressure, this skill is invaluable.

  3. Operational Expertise with Strategic Vision
    While grounded in operational discipline, great site leaders also drive continuous improvement, cost optimisation, and investment readiness. They balance today’s priorities with tomorrow’s plans.

  4. Clear Communication Up and Down
    They speak the language of the boardroom as comfortably as they do with the shop floor. This ability to communicate across all levels is essential for alignment and execution.

  5. Resilience and Adaptability
    Whether navigating supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, or technical change, strong Plant Managers remain steady under pressure—and lead with clarity.

As the scope of site leadership broadens, so too must the recruitment approach. A technically capable manager may keep a site running. A strategic, people-oriented leader will drive sustainable performance.

At Athena Executive Search, we assess beyond CVs and KPIs. We look at leadership style, behavioural fit, and long-term potential—because great site leadership goes far deeper than operational metrics.

Athena Executive Search
Leadership recruitment for the packaging and print industry.

Succession Planning in Operations: A Critical Risk—and Opportunity—for the Packaging and Print Sector

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In an industry where operational continuity is everything, too many packaging and print businesses remain vulnerable to a single point of failure: the departure of a key Operations Manager without a clear successor in place.

While attention is often given to sales or executive-level succession, operational leadership is just as critical. A sudden vacancy in a senior operations role can halt progress, disrupt delivery schedules, and put customer relationships at risk.

At Athena Executive Search, we have seen the impact of both proactive and reactive approaches to operational succession—and the results speak for themselves.

Why Succession Planning for Operations Matters

  1. Knowledge Retention
    Senior Operations Managers often hold deep knowledge of legacy systems, supplier relationships, and team dynamics. Without a plan in place, that knowledge leaves with them.

  2. Continuity of Improvement
    Ongoing lean or automation projects can lose momentum—or fail entirely—if transitions aren’t well-managed.

  3. Internal Talent Motivation
    Identifying and developing high-potential internal talent demonstrates a clear career path and helps retain future leaders.

  4. Reduced Hiring Risk
    When succession is part of a long-term workforce strategy, external recruitment becomes more strategic and less reactive—resulting in better fit and higher retention.

What Forward-Looking Businesses Are Doing Differently

Leading packaging and print companies are taking a structured approach to succession planning for operational leadership. That includes:

  • Leadership assessment at the site and group level

  • Training and coaching to prepare internal talent

  • Partnering with specialist search firms to map the external market well in advance

Succession planning is not just a risk management exercise—it’s an opportunity to build strength into the next generation of leadership.

At Athena Executive Search, we support businesses not only when vacancies arise, but in designing proactive succession strategies across operational and site leadership roles.

Athena Executive Search
Trusted advisors in leadership recruitment for the packaging and print industry.

Beyond Efficiency: Why Modern Operations Managers Must Be Strategic Leaders

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At Athena Executive Search, we speak with both employers and candidates across the packaging and print sector daily. The profile of the “ideal” Operations Manager has changed significantly over the last decade. The most successful leaders we see today share three defining qualities:

1. Strategic Alignment
Top-tier Operations Managers no longer focus solely on internal metrics. They understand how their function supports customer service, commercial growth, ESG goals, and long-term competitiveness. Their decisions are grounded in business priorities—not just operational performance.

2. Influence Across the Business
The best Operations Managers are credible voices at the senior leadership table. They contribute to cross-functional planning, collaborate with sales and procurement, and help shape investment decisions. Their leadership extends beyond the factory floor.

3. Vision and Execution
Modern operations leaders must see the bigger picture—whether it’s adopting new technologies, reshaping processes, or leading sustainability initiatives. But vision means little without execution. Strong candidates balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and accountability.

As the scope of operations leadership expands, so too must the approach to recruitment. It is no longer enough to hire someone who can run a shift pattern or improve OEE. Businesses need people who can engage stakeholders, drive transformation, and connect operations to broader commercial goals.

At Athena Executive Search, we specialise in finding exactly this type of operational leader. We go beyond the CV to assess mindset, leadership maturity, and the ability to create lasting impact in a changing sector.

Athena Executive Search
Leadership recruitment for the packaging and print industry.

Recruiting the Right Operations Manager: Lessons from the Packaging and Print Frontline

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In the packaging and print industry, the right Operations Manager can be the difference between meeting targets and missing them—between maintaining the status quo and driving meaningful improvement.

Yet many organisations still approach this hire as a technical replacement rather than a strategic appointment.

At Athena Executive Search, we’ve placed Operations Managers across a wide range of packaging and print businesses—from independent converters to multinational groups. These experiences have highlighted a few critical lessons for recruiting operational leadership in today’s market.

1. Think End-to-End, Not Just Factory-Floor

The best Operations Managers understand the full value chain—from raw materials and supply chain inputs through to warehousing, delivery, and customer feedback loops. They make decisions in context, not in isolation.

2. Prioritise Business Acumen Over Routine Management

High-impact leaders are not simply good at scheduling or managing teams. They think commercially. They understand cost-to-serve, margin preservation, and how operational choices affect customer experience and business reputation.

3. Culture Fit Is Not Optional

Whether it’s a privately owned SME or a global packaging group, cultural alignment matters. The most technically capable candidate can still fail if their leadership style doesn’t suit the team or the environment. Effective recruitment needs to consider behavioural fit alongside skillset.

4. Change Readiness Is Essential

The packaging and print sectors are undergoing rapid change—driven by automation, sustainability targets, and evolving customer demands. Successful Operations Managers are those who can lead through transition, not simply manage existing systems.

Ultimately, hiring the right Operations Manager is not just about maintaining production—it’s about enabling growth, resilience, and long-term performance.

At Athena Executive Search, we focus on the operational leadership layer because it has a direct and lasting impact on business results. Our clients don’t just need someone who can keep things moving. They need someone who can move things forward.

Athena Executive Search
Specialists in leadership and operational recruitment for the packaging and print industry.

How Automation is Reshaping the Role of Operations Managers in the Packaging and Print Industry

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As automation, AI, and digital workflows continue to advance, the packaging and print industry is undergoing a profound operational shift. This transformation is not just about technology—it’s also redefining the role of the Operations Manager.

Traditionally, Operations Managers were responsible for production efficiency, staff management, and quality control. While these responsibilities remain, leading businesses are now seeking candidates with a very different skill set—one that blends operational expertise with digital fluency and strategic leadership.

At Athena Executive Search, we are seeing a sharp increase in demand for Operations Managers who can:

1. Lead Smart Factory Integration

Modern operations leaders must understand the technologies underpinning automation—from robotics and sensors to MES and ERP platforms. More importantly, they must know how to implement these systems in a way that improves performance without disrupting core workflows.

2. Navigate Workforce Transformation

As automation changes the composition of the workforce, Operations Managers are being asked to lead reskilling, upskilling, and workforce planning initiatives. This requires empathy, adaptability, and strong communication—qualities not always associated with traditional operations leadership.

3. Align Automation with Business Goals

Effective automation isn’t about cost-cutting alone. It’s about improving agility, traceability, sustainability, and customer responsiveness. High-performing Operations Managers understand how to translate automation into measurable business outcomes.

4. Manage Complexity with Confidence

Automation often introduces new layers of complexity—across systems, data flows, and compliance. Operations Managers must be capable of overseeing these transitions while maintaining day-to-day excellence.

As the industry continues to evolve, so too must the people who lead it. The next generation of Operations Managers in packaging and print will not be defined by their ability to manage the line—they’ll be defined by their ability to modernise it.

At Athena Executive Search, we specialise in identifying operational leaders who are ready for this challenge—individuals who combine traditional manufacturing acumen with the digital mindset required for the future.

Athena Executive Search
Leadership recruitment for the packaging and print industry.

The Five Traits of High-Impact Operations Managers in the Packaging and Print Industry

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In today’s fast-moving packaging and print sector, operational leadership is under increasing pressure. Rising costs, supply chain complexity, automation, and customer demand for speed and quality mean that the role of the Operations Manager is more critical—and more complex—than ever before.

Through years of executive search work across this industry, Athena has identified the consistent traits that set top-performing Operations Managers apart. These are not simply functional skills, but deeper capabilities that deliver real business value.

1. Data-Driven Decision Making

The best Operations Managers don’t rely solely on experience or instinct. They work with real-time data and meaningful KPIs to drive performance, improve forecasting, and manage risk proactively.

2. Cross-Functional Leadership

Operations do not exist in a silo. Strong candidates know how to align production with commercial, procurement, supply chain, and quality teams. They understand the importance of collaboration in delivering consistent results.

3. Continuous Improvement Mindset

Whether trained in Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI frameworks, high-impact leaders pursue improvement relentlessly. They identify bottlenecks, empower teams, and never settle for “good enough.”

4. Customer Orientation

Leading Operations Managers understand that service levels, delivery reliability, and product quality directly affect the customer experience. They align internal processes with external expectations.

5. Change Management Capability

With automation, digital transformation, and ESG initiatives reshaping the industry, adaptability is essential. Great Operations Managers can lead change, not just survive it.

In our experience, companies that successfully build strong operational leadership teams take a broader view of recruitment. They prioritise leadership style, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment—not just technical skills or years of experience.

At Athena Executive Search, we specialise in identifying and placing these high-calibre leaders. If your business is ready to raise the bar in operations, it starts with hiring the right person to lead the function.

Athena Executive Search
Trusted specialists in operational and leadership recruitment for the packaging and print industry.