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.