Starting 2026 the Right Way: Positioning Yourself as a Strong Candidate in Packaging & Print

As we enter 2026, the packaging and print industries continue to evolve rapidly. Market demand, sustainability priorities, automation, and innovation are reshaping businesses — and with this change comes significant opportunity for experienced and ambitious professionals.

Whether you are firmly embedded in your current role or discreetly open to new possibilities, the most successful candidates this year will be those who are intentional about their career positioning and visible to the right audiences.

Strengthening Your Position Within Your Current Organisation

Retaining and progressing within your current business requires more than consistently delivering against objectives.

Strong candidates in 2026 are those who:

• Demonstrate commercial awareness beyond their immediate function

• Take ownership of challenges and proactively contribute solutions

• Build strong cross-functional and leadership relationships

• Stay informed about industry trends within packaging and print

Professionals who align their contribution to the wider strategic goals of the business not only protect their position — they enhance their long-term career value.

Increasing Your Attractiveness to New Opportunities

Opportunities in packaging and print are abundant in 2026. However, access to them depends largely on how clearly you articulate your value and how accessible you are to the market.

Consider:

• Is your professional profile up to date and results-focused?

• Does it communicate leadership, impact, and commercial contribution?

• Are you connected to the right industry conversations and networks?

Being open to opportunity does not mean actively seeking change. It means being informed, connected, and prepared.

The Importance of Market Accessibility

Many of the most compelling senior and specialist roles are never publicly advertised. They are filled through trusted networks, reputation, and timing.

Remaining accessible to the market — particularly through specialist search partners — ensures that when the right opportunity arises, you are part of the conversation.

Never Close the Door on a Conversation

One of the most important career principles to carry into 2026 is simple:

Never close the door on a conversation with a potential opportunity.

A discussion that feels untimely today may lead to:

• A role later in the year

• A different opportunity within the same organisation

• Valuable market insight

• A professional connection that influences your future direction

The conversation you nearly declined may prove to be the most impactful decision you make this year.

Call to Action

At Athena Executive Search, we specialise exclusively in packaging and print recruitment, partnering with professionals who want to manage their careers strategically and proactively.

If you are open to a confidential conversation about the market, your positioning, or potential opportunities in 2026, we invite you to connect with us. Staying visible and informed today can open the right door tomorrow.

Let’s start the conversation.

— Athena Executive Search Specialists in Packaging & Print Talent

Email: enquiries@athena-executive.com