The Silent Powerhouse: Why Operations Managers Are the Backbone of the Packaging & Print Industry

/in

In the high-pressure world of packaging and print, where precision, efficiency, and customer responsiveness are non-negotiable, one leadership role quietly but consistently delivers results: the Operations Manager.

While often working behind the scenes, Operations Managers are central to ensuring that quality standards are met, production targets are achieved, and costs are controlled. Yet their strategic value is frequently underestimated.

At Athena Executive Search, we have observed how a well-placed Operations Manager can dramatically improve plant performance. The right individual can reduce downtime, streamline workflows, introduce lean manufacturing principles, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. These leaders are not simply managing production—they are creating the operational foundations that allow businesses to scale and remain competitive.

What distinguishes high-performing Operations Managers is their ability to bridge strategy and execution. They understand how operational decisions impact customer satisfaction, profitability, and brand reputation. In an industry increasingly influenced by automation, sustainability, and just-in-time delivery models, their role has become even more critical.

Too often, companies focus their leadership hiring efforts on commercial, sales, or R&D roles. While these areas are important, they cannot succeed without strong, consistent operational performance. An Operations Manager who can align people, processes, and performance is not just a functional leader—they are a strategic asset.

At Athena Executive Search, we specialise in identifying and placing operations leadership within the packaging and print sector. Our approach goes beyond technical capability—we assess leadership style, change management ability, and cultural fit to ensure long-term success.

If you are preparing for growth, facing operational challenges, or simply looking to raise performance standards, investing in the right Operations Manager may be the most impactful move your business can make.

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

Why Partnering with a Recruitment Agency Like Athena Executive Search Is a Strategic Career Move

/in

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, professionals at all levels – particularly executives and senior leaders – face a unique challenge: the best opportunities are often not publicly advertised. In fact, many of the most attractive roles are filled before they ever hit a job board. At Athena Executive Search, we specialize in uncovering these hidden opportunities and connecting the right talent with the right leadership roles.

The Hidden Market: Opportunities You Won’t Find Online

One of the most compelling reasons to work with a recruitment agency like Athena is exclusive access. A significant portion of our mandates are confidential or never publicly posted. Our clients – from dynamic startups to global corporations – rely on us to identify and engage high-caliber professionals discretely. These roles require a tailored approach, which is why they’re entrusted to executive search firms instead of being advertised.

By aligning yourself with Athena, you gain a direct channel to roles that others won’t even know exist.

More Than Just Job Matching – It’s Relationship Building

We don’t just match resumes with job descriptions. At Athena, we take the time to understand your aspirations, leadership style, and career trajectory. Whether you’re actively exploring opportunities or simply open to hearing about the right role, our consultative approach ensures that we align opportunities with your long-term goals.

Importantly, one role may not be the right fit – and that’s okay. Our goal is not a quick placement; it’s building an enduring relationship. We keep our network in mind across every new search we undertake. The perfect fit may be just around the corner – and when it is, you’ll want to be on our radar.

Why Candidates Choose Athena Executive Search

  • Industry Insight & Market Knowledge
    We stay ahead of the curve, tracking industry trends, organizational shifts, and emerging roles. This allows us to provide our candidates with insider perspective and strategic career guidance.

  • Confidentiality You Can Trust
    Executive transitions are often sensitive. Our process ensures discretion at every step, safeguarding your current position while exploring new opportunities.

  • Access to Decision-Makers
    Our firm works directly with hiring executives and boards. This gives you direct exposure to key decision-makers, bypassing traditional gatekeeping structures.

  • Personalized Support
    From interview preparation to offer negotiation, we serve as your advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your value recognized.

  • Long-Term Career Partner
    Even if the timing isn’t right today, we stay in touch. We’re in this for the long haul – and many of our placements come from relationships that started months or even years earlier.

Executive Search: A Two-Sided Commitment

Athena Executive Search represents both client and candidate – and we are deeply committed to creating alignment between the two. Our clients trust us to deliver candidates who are more than qualified – they must be aligned in vision, culture, and impact. Likewise, we’re committed to ensuring that every opportunity we present supports your growth, values, and leadership potential.

We don’t just care about filling a vacancy – we care about building meaningful, lasting matches.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Whether you’re actively looking or simply exploring what’s next, connecting with Athena Executive Search opens the door to opportunity, insight, and a trusted partnership. Stay ahead of the market – before the role appears, be ready to meet it.

Reach out today – because the best opportunities are rarely found. They’re discovered.

Regulatory Pressures and the Chemist’s Challenge: Staying Compliant in Packaging Inks

/in

In the packaging and print industry, product aesthetics often take center stage—but behind every vibrant label or matte-finish carton lies a complex layer of chemical formulation. At the heart of this process is the ink chemist, tasked not only with innovation but also with maintaining regulatory compliance in an increasingly scrutinized global landscape.

The Invisible Burden: Compliance in Packaging Inks

From REACH in Europe to FDA regulations in the U.S., ink chemists are navigating a minefield of environmental, health, and safety directives. And these rules aren’t static—they evolve frequently, tightening expectations around volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, migration limits, and sustainability claims.

The result? Ink chemists are no longer just formulators. They’re regulatory gatekeepers.

“The cost of non-compliance isn’t just financial—it’s reputational,” notes one Head of R&D at a global packaging firm. “We rely heavily on our ink chemists to stay ahead of regulatory change.”

What This Means for Hiring

Recruiting ink chemists today isn’t simply about technical know-how in pigment dispersion or binder systems. It’s about finding professionals who:

  • Understand regional compliance frameworks

  • Can adapt quickly to new legislation

  • Collaborate with regulatory teams and customers directly

  • Are proactive about sustainability certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, EcoVadis, etc.)

In short: chemistry is no longer enough—compliance expertise is a strategic advantage.

Athena’s Perspective

At Athena Executive Search, we see firsthand how packaging and ink companies are shifting their hiring priorities. The best candidates today have a dual profile:
– Deep formulation knowledge
– Strong regulatory literacy

We help clients assess both, not just through resumes, but through behavioral and technical interviews designed for real-world packaging challenges.

Whether you’re a global ink manufacturer, a private-label packaging firm, or a consumer brand bringing ink formulation in-house, you need chemists who can balance performance with compliance.

The Road Ahead

As regulatory landscapes become stricter—and more globally connected—companies that don’t prioritize this capability in their ink chemistry teams may fall behind.

If you’re struggling to find technical talent that understands both formulation and compliance, you’re not alone. Let’s talk.

Ready to strengthen your ink chemistry team?
Athena Executive Search specializes in identifying top-tier technical and regulatory talent in the packaging and print industry.
Connect with us today to discuss your hiring goals.

The Hidden Job Market: Why the Best Roles Never Hit the Job Boards

/in

In a fast-paced industry like packaging and print—where sustainability, innovation, and speed define success—your next career-defining opportunity might never be advertised. Instead, it’s likely to surface quietly, behind the scenes, through a trusted network of executive search professionals.

So where are these roles—and why aren’t they public?

Many of the most impactful positions—particularly at leadership and specialist levels—are filled through retained executive search. These roles are typically confidential, sometimes due to sensitive restructures, succession planning, or new market entries. As a result, they bypass the traditional job board route entirely.

Instead, they land in the hands of a select few—candidates who are known, trusted, and visible to firms like Athena Executive Search.

How Retained Search Works (and Why It Matters to You)

When businesses partner with Athena on a retained basis, they’re asking us to dig deeper than LinkedIn headlines and keyword-matched CVs. They want market insight. Cultural fit. Long-term potential. And most importantly, they want trust in the process.

That means:

  • We’re identifying high-potential candidates before a job is even announced

  • We’re reaching out directly to those aligned in both skill and mindset

  • We’re curating a shortlist based on substance—not just who applied first

In short, the candidates who benefit from these opportunities aren’t necessarily looking—they’re ready.

How to Access the Hidden Job Market

You don’t need to be job hunting to benefit from The Candidate Bulletin. You just need to stay informed. By subscribing, you’ll gain early access to:

  • Roles that never go public

  • Pre-release opportunities from our retained mandates

  • Signals about where the market is moving—and how you fit into it

Even if you’re not ready to move today, the insight you gain can help you prepare for tomorrow.

Real Success, Quietly Delivered

Here’s a real-world example: Earlier this year, we placed a Group Operations Director with a pan-European packaging group. The role was never advertised. The successful candidate had been receiving The Candidate Bulletin for months and had been on our radar for even longer. When the right role surfaced, it was a natural match—fast, seamless, and discreet.

The Takeaway

Your next opportunity probably won’t start with a job ad. It starts with access. With timing. And with being top of mind when the right role emerges.

If you’re in technical sales, supply chain, operations, or leadership within packaging and print, don’t wait for the perfect role to appear. Let us help you see it coming.

Stay ahead. Stay informed. Stay visible. Subscribe to The Candidate Bulletin—your professional edge in a competitive, fast-moving industry.

Confidential candidate enquiries: zandria@athena-executive.com

The Packaging Industry Is Transforming — But Is Your Talent Strategy Keeping Up?

/in

As packaging companies race to digitize operations and embrace automation, a new challenge has emerged: the talent gap is widening.

At Athena Executive Search, we’re seeing first-hand how these shifts are changing not just the tools of the trade — but the people leading the charge.

Automation Is Reshaping the Shop Floor

From smart factories and robotic handling systems to AI-driven supply chains, automation is rapidly improving efficiency and reducing waste. But it also demands a new kind of talent:

  • Digital-savvy production managers

  • Industrial data analysts

  • Automation engineers

  • Maintenance techs with IT skills

The question for many packaging firms: Where do we find these people?

The Rise of Hybrid Skills

It’s not just about tech know-how. Companies need leaders who can bridge:

  • Traditional print/packaging experience and

  • Digital transformation expertise

Whether it’s integrating ERP systems, leading a factory digitization roadmap, or aligning sustainability with technology — these hybrid thinkers are rare, but essential.

Executive Talent Is Evolving

We’re seeing high demand for roles like:

  • Chief Digital Officer (CDO) – driving company-wide tech innovation

  • VP of Operational Excellence – blending LEAN and automation strategies

  • Director of Smart Manufacturing – overseeing digital plant initiatives

These aren’t “nice-to-have” hires anymore. They’re business-critical.

How Athena Executive Search Can Help

Our deep specialization in the packaging and print sector means we know where to find the right people — and how to speak their language.

We help packaging businesses:

  • Identify emerging leadership needs

  • Attract top talent in a competitive market

  • Future-proof leadership teams for a digitally driven future

Ready for What’s Next?

Digital transformation isn’t slowing down — and neither should your talent strategy.

If you’re building the next-generation leadership team in packaging or print, let’s talk.
Connect with us today or visit: www.athenaexecutivesearch.com

The Crucial Role of Ink Chemists in a Sustainable Packaging and Print Industry

/in

In the dynamic world of packaging and print, ink chemists are emerging as pivotal players in shaping not just visual impact—but the industry’s sustainable future. At Athena Executive Search, we understand that innovation in inks is at the intersection of branding, performance, and environmental responsibility.

From consumer goods to industrial packaging, the role of ink is far more than cosmetic. Ink chemists engineer the formulations that define adhesion, durability, drying time, and color accuracy—all while navigating increasingly strict regulatory standards and shifting environmental expectations. Their expertise ensures that inks perform flawlessly across substrates while remaining low-VOC, recyclable, compostable, or bio-renewable.

With pressure mounting across the value chain to reduce carbon footprints and eliminate harmful chemicals, ink chemists are leading efforts to develop water-based, UV-curable, and solvent-free alternatives that meet both performance and sustainability benchmarks. Their work directly impacts recyclability, deinking processes, and the lifecycle of printed materials.

For organizations in the packaging and print sectors, attracting and retaining top ink chemistry talent is now a strategic imperative. Athena Executive Search partners with industry leaders to source chemists who not only understand complex formulation science but are also aligned with ESG goals and circular economy principles.

Whether you’re seeking innovation in sustainable ink solutions or looking to drive environmental impact without compromising print quality, the ink chemist is your catalyst for change. Let us help you find the talent that colors your brand—and the planet—a better future.

Navigating Executive Turnover: Building Leadership Continuity in the Packaging Industry

/in

Executive turnover is one of the most disruptive events an organization can face—yet many companies in the packaging industry remain unprepared. When a senior leader departs unexpectedly, it can derail strategy, damage morale, and slow down critical decision-making.

In today’s competitive, fast-evolving environment, leadership continuity is not optional. It’s a strategic advantage.

The Hidden Cost of Executive Turnover

Leadership transitions cost far more than just recruitment fees. The real expense lies in the lost momentum, talent drain, and uncertainty that often follow.

According to Athena’s research, 1 in 3 packaging companies say a senior executive’s departure has significantly delayed a major initiative. Whether it’s launching a new sustainable product line or navigating regulatory changes, leadership gaps can put your competitive edge at risk.

How to Build Leadership Continuity

To safeguard your organization’s future, start viewing succession planning as a year-round discipline—not a reactive process. Here are three key actions:

1. Prioritize Succession Planning

Identify high-potential leaders within your organization early. Invest in their development through mentorship, cross-functional exposure, and executive coaching. Succession candidates should be business-ready—not just role-ready.

2. Preserve Institutional Knowledge

Establish systems that allow outgoing executives to document and share critical insights, tools, and workflows. A structured knowledge transfer ensures continuity and empowers the incoming leader.

3. Benchmark External Talent

Even if you have internal candidates, it’s wise to compare them against the external market. A confidential talent mapping exercise can help you evaluate leadership readiness and identify potential external successors.

Athena Insight: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

At Athena Executive Search, we advise clients to begin succession conversations well before an executive plans to exit. A proactive approach allows for smoother onboarding, better cultural alignment, and less operational disruption.

We’ve seen that companies who start the search process six months to a year in advance consistently report stronger long-term outcomes—both in leadership performance and organizational stability.

Case Study: Future-Proofing the C-Suite

A mid-sized flexible packaging firm came to Athena with a unique challenge: their COO planned to retire in less than a year. Rather than rushing to fill the role, we guided them through a confidential search process, identifying candidates who could lead their next phase of growth.

The result? A seamless transition. The new COO was fully onboarded before the outgoing executive left—allowing the company to maintain operational momentum and avoid disruptions to key customer relationships.

Is Your Business Ready for a Leadership Transition?

If your company doesn’t yet have a clear plan for executive succession, now is the time to act. Whether you’re preparing for a planned retirement or navigating sudden turnover, we can help you build a future-ready leadership team.

Contact Athena Executive Search to schedule a confidential consultation.

Stay Ahead with The Athena Client Brief
This article is part of our ongoing newsletter series. Subscribe to The Athena Client Brief to receive strategic insights on hiring, retaining, and developing leadership talent in the packaging and print sectors.

Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7326186128158429184

Inking a Greener Future: Sustainability Trends in the Packaging and Print Industry

/in

As global industries grapple with rising environmental expectations, the packaging and print sector finds itself at a crossroads. Long associated with high volumes, short product lifecycles, and resource-intensive production, the industry is undergoing a significant shift toward sustainable innovation. One area undergoing rapid transformation—though often overlooked—is ink.

The Hidden Impact of Inks

While packaging materials such as plastic, paper, and aluminum often dominate sustainability conversations, printing inks represent a crucial yet complex piece of the puzzle. Conventional petroleum-based inks, especially those containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contribute to air pollution, health risks for workers, and challenges in recycling printed materials.

Bio-Based and Water-Based Inks: The Sustainable Shift

In response to regulatory pressure and consumer demand, many packaging and print manufacturers are embracing bio-based inks, derived from renewable resources like soy, algae, and even food waste. These inks offer several benefits:

  • Reduced VOC emissions

  • Improved recyclability and compostability of printed materials

  • Renewable sourcing compared to petroleum-based alternatives

Similarly, water-based inks have gained traction, particularly in flexible packaging and corrugated applications. They offer lower environmental impact, better worker safety, and increasingly competitive performance characteristics.

The Role of Innovation and Leadership

At Athena Executive Search, we observe that sustainability is no longer just an operational issue—it’s a strategic imperative. Leadership roles in R&D, procurement, and operations are now tasked with embedding environmental thinking into the heart of innovation. This includes:

  • Collaborating with suppliers to co-develop eco-friendly ink formulations

  • Investing in digital printing technologies that reduce waste and energy usage

  • Integrating sustainability KPIs into product development and marketing strategies

Challenges to Overcome

Despite encouraging progress, barriers remain. Bio-based inks can be more expensive, have limitations in color vibrancy or drying times, and may require new curing equipment. Regulatory standards are also evolving, creating uncertainty in long-term investment decisions.

Moreover, genuine sustainability requires systems-level thinking—from sourcing and production through to end-of-life disposal. Ink innovation must align with broader circular packaging goals, including compostability, recyclability, and minimal contaminant profiles.

Attracting the Right Talent for a Sustainable Future

As the industry evolves, so does the demand for talent. Organizations need professionals who combine technical know-how with a sustainability mindset—leaders who can navigate complex trade-offs between performance, cost, and environmental impact.

At Athena Executive Search, we specialize in identifying and placing executives and senior professionals who are ready to lead this transformation. Whether it’s a packaging technologist developing biodegradable inks or a sustainability director redefining the company’s material strategy, the right leadership is essential for turning sustainability from aspiration into action.

Conclusion

The ink may be on the packaging, but the writing is on the wall: sustainability is reshaping the print and packaging sector in profound ways. Inks, often overlooked, are central to this green revolution. With innovation, investment, and inspired leadership, the industry can ink a future that is not only brighter—but greener.

Athena Executive Search — Placing People Who Build a Sustainable World.

The Hidden Timeline of Executive Hiring

/in

Why your next role may take longer than you think — and how to use that time strategically.

One of the most common frustrations we hear from executive candidates is this:

“Why is this process taking so long?”

Unlike mid-level hiring, executive search operates on a very different timeline — one that can feel opaque and unpredictable from the outside. But once you understand the underlying dynamics, it becomes easier to plan, remain focused, and position yourself more effectively.

Executive Hiring Is Slow — by Design

C-suite and senior leadership roles are rarely filled overnight. From internal alignment to multiple interview stages, due diligence, board approvals, and competitive benchmarking — the process is rigorous for a reason.

Most executive searches take 3–6 months from the moment a role is opened to the day an offer is signed. In many cases, that timeline extends further if the search is confidential, if internal candidates are being considered, or if the organization is navigating change at the board or investor level.

It’s not uncommon for candidates to go weeks — sometimes months — between interview stages, especially when decisions require multiple stakeholder inputs.

The Internal vs. External Candidate Reality

Many companies begin their search processes by quietly evaluating internal talent. This means external candidates are often benchmarked rather than immediately prioritized. In some cases, a company may decide to promote from within after an extensive external process — which can feel like a “waste of time” to candidates, but is a calculated move on the client’s part.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t engage. It does mean you should approach each opportunity with clarity around where you stand in the process and what you’re learning, regardless of outcome.

How to Stay Top-of-Mind in a Long Search

When hiring processes stretch out, it’s easy for even standout candidates to fade from memory. A few ways to remain engaged without being overbearing:

  • Check in strategically: A brief, well-timed follow-up every few weeks shows continued interest and professionalism.

  • Offer insights: If relevant, share an article, data point, or market observation — especially if it ties into the company’s challenges.

  • Stay visible: Keep your LinkedIn active. Hiring teams often revisit candidate profiles during decision cycles.

What to Do While You Wait

A slower process doesn’t mean standing still. Here’s how to make the most of the in-between time:

  • Refine your positioning: Are you telling a clear leadership story across your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews?

  • Deepen your network: Use this time to re-engage with trusted peers, advisors, and former colleagues.

  • Stay sharp: Read, write, or speak on areas of expertise. Demonstrating thought leadership can help set you apart.

Executive Searches Take Time — but That Time Can Work For You

It’s natural to feel frustrated when things move slowly, especially when you’re ready and eager for your next chapter. But great roles — and great hires — aren’t rushed.

By understanding the hidden timelines of executive hiring, you can approach each search more strategically, stay visible, and stay prepared — so when the right opportunity lands, you’re ready to move with clarity and confidence.

Welcome to The Candidate Bulletin

/in

In an industry defined by innovation, sustainability, and speed, professionals in packaging and print face a unique set of challenges—and opportunities. Navigating your next career move isn’t always about who you know, but what you know and when you know it.

At Athena Executive Search, we understand the pace and nuance of this space. That’s why we’ve created The Candidate Bulletin—a monthly, insight-led bulletin designed to give candidates an edge in today’s competitive executive job market.

What Is The Candidate Bulletin?

More than just a job alert, The Candidate Bulletin is your professional career companion. Each edition is thoughtfully curated for those working in packaging, print, and adjacent manufacturing industries—whether you’re a rising star or a seasoned executive.

This monthly update connects you to what matters most:

  • Exclusive job opportunities you won’t find on public job boards

  • Market intelligence from our team’s daily conversations with employers and decision-makers

  • Talent spotlights to help you benchmark your skills and experience

  • Career visibility tips to ensure you stand out for the right reasons

What You Can Expect

Handpicked Job Opportunities

Each month, we feature a selection of roles across the UK and Europe—from operations and commercial leadership through to C-level appointments. These are often confidential or pre-release roles, shared directly with Athena through our retained search mandates.

Market Trends & Hiring Insights

Stay ahead with practical, data-informed insights on where the industry is heading. Understand which skills are most in demand, which regions are growing, and what leadership traits employers are prioritizing in today’s climate.

Featured Talent Spotlights

We anonymously profile high-performing candidates currently open to new opportunities. It’s a chance to understand how your experience compares to others in the market—and to consider how you might refine your own positioning.

Professional Growth Advice

From enhancing your LinkedIn profile to navigating discreet job searches while employed, we offer short, actionable tips to raise your visibility and sharpen your edge.

Why This Bulletin Matters

The best career moves rarely start with a job ad. They start with access. With timing. With awareness.

The Candidate Bulletin is built to give packaging and print professionals access to the market’s most exciting, often hidden opportunities—before they’re widely known. It’s also a chance to stay informed, even if you’re not ready to make a move just yet.

If you’re in production, operations, technical sales, supply chain, or executive leadership, this bulletin is for you.

Take Control of Your Career

For over a decade, Athena Executive Search has partnered with the UK and Europe’s leading packaging and print businesses to build world-class teams. Now, we’re sharing that insight with the professionals who power this industry—starting with you.

Subscribe to The Candidate Bulletin and stay one step ahead of your next great opportunity.

Want to be considered for future roles?
Contact us confidentially at: zandria@athena-executive.com