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.