From Labor Shortages to Leadership Gaps: Navigating the Workforce Crisis in Print & Packaging
The print and packaging sector stands at a pivotal moment. While the industry continues to evolve—driven by automation, sustainability imperatives, and shifting customer expectations—organisations face a growing challenge that directly impacts performance and profitability: a critical shortage of talent at every level of the workforce.
Today’s talent crisis extends beyond production floors. It is equally evident in boardrooms, where leadership gaps are emerging at a time when strategic direction, operational excellence, and innovation are more important than ever.
Labour Shortages: A Challenge Reshaping Operational Realities
Across the sector, companies are contending with persistent labour shortages that threaten production capacity, quality standards, and customer fulfilment.
Key contributing factors include:
- Retiring skilled workers, with limited numbers of qualified candidates stepping in to replace them.
- Rapid technological transformation, requiring specialised technical skills not readily available in the current talent pool.
- Shifts in workforce preferences, as younger candidates gravitate toward industries perceived as more modern or flexible.
This is no longer just a recruitment issue—it is a business continuity challenge.
Leadership Gaps: A Strategic Vulnerability
While operational roles pose an immediate resourcing issue, the leadership void across the industry represents a deeper long-term risk. Companies are struggling to secure the experienced executives needed to navigate market pressures, drive transformation, and ensure sustainable growth.
Current leadership challenges include:
- A thin pipeline of next-generation leaders, particularly for senior operational, commercial, and general management positions.
- Limited succession planning, often leaving organisations exposed when key leaders retire or transition.
- Increasing complexity, requiring leaders with expertise in digitalisation, automation, supply chain resilience, and customer-centric strategy.
Without strong leadership, even well-equipped organisations struggle to execute effectively and remain competitive.
How Forward-Thinking Organisations Are Responding
To remain competitive and resilient, leading companies in print and packaging are taking proactive steps to address both immediate and long-term talent needs. These strategies include:
1. Modernising Talent Acquisition
Organisations are enhancing their employer value proposition and leveraging specialist executive search partners to identify leaders capable of driving transformation.
2. Investing in Skills Development
Upskilling and reskilling initiatives ensure teams are equipped to adapt to new technologies and evolving operational demands.
3. Prioritising Employee Retention
Improved culture, recognition, and professional development programmes are helping companies retain critical talent in a competitive labour market.
4. Strengthening Succession Planning
Structured initiatives are being put in place to build leadership pipelines and reduce organisational risk.
Leadership: The Defining Advantage
In today’s environment, the difference between organisations that thrive and those that fall behind is clear: effective leadership. Companies that invest in strategic, forward-thinking leaders are better positioned to respond to market volatility, implement innovation, and achieve long-term success.
Given the complexity of today’s challenges, securing the right leaders is more critical—and more competitive—than ever before.
Partner with a Specialist Who Understands the Industry
At Athena Executive Search, we specialise in supporting print and packaging organisations with the leadership talent required to navigate change and accelerate growth. Our deep industry knowledge enables us to identify and secure executives who can deliver meaningful, measurable impact from day one.
If your business is facing labour or leadership challenges, now is the time to strengthen your strategy.