Hiring Packaging Managers in the UK: What Employers Need to Know in 2026

The UK packaging industry continues to grow, driven by sustainability mandates, e-commerce demand, and reshoring of production. But with growth comes a talent squeeze — particularly at the management level.

The Current Landscape

Packaging managers, production managers, and operations directors are among the hardest roles to fill in UK manufacturing right now. Companies across flexible packaging, corrugated, rigid plastics, and sustainable packaging are all competing for the same pool of experienced professionals.

Key factors driving demand:

• Sustainability regulations: New EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) rules mean companies need leaders who understand recyclable and compostable packaging
• Automation investment: Major capital expenditure in new machinery requires technically competent management
• Growth in e-commerce packaging: Direct-to-consumer brands are driving demand for innovative packaging solutions

What Top Candidates Want

Through hundreds of conversations with packaging professionals, we've identified the key factors that influence career decisions:

1. Salary competitiveness — Packaging managers in the UK now command £45,000-£65,000, with operations directors reaching £80,000+
2. Career progression — Clear pathways from production manager to operations director to site GM
3. Modern facilities — Candidates increasingly favour sites with recent capital investment
4. Work-life balance — Flexible working patterns, even in manufacturing environments
5. Company stability — Candidates are cautious about businesses with uncertain futures

How to Stand Out as an Employer

If you're struggling to fill packaging management roles, consider these strategies:

Be realistic on salary: The market has moved. If your salary bands haven't been reviewed in two years, they're probably below market rate.

Speed up your process: The best candidates are off the market within 2-3 weeks. If your interview process takes a month, you'll lose them.

Sell the opportunity: Candidates want to know about investment plans, growth trajectory, and team culture — not just the job spec.

Use a specialist recruiter: Generalist agencies don't have the networks or knowledge to source packaging talent effectively. Work with a recruiter who understands your sector.

The Hyrra Approach

At Hyrra, packaging recruitment is one of our four core specialisms. We have active networks across flexible, corrugated, rigid, and sustainable packaging — and we understand the specific challenges of recruiting for 24/7 production environments.

If you're hiring in packaging, we'd welcome a conversation about your needs. Get in touch to discuss how we can help.