Printing Manager

Guided Search Partners (GSP)

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

We’re partnering with a large-scale manufacturing operation undergoing meaningful transformation after years of uneven performance. Significant capital has been invested—more than $40M over recent years, including state-of-the-art printing, cutting, gluing, and automation equipment—creating a real opportunity to reset standards and restore operational discipline.

This role exists because the organization is entering a new chapter. A recently hired Plant Manager is driving change across the facility, with a clear focus on tightening processes, rebuilding preventive maintenance, and creating consistency in execution. The Printing Manager will play a central role in stabilizing performance, extending the life of new equipment, and helping the plant move beyond break-even results.

What makes this opportunity compelling is the combination of modern technology and human impact. Success here requires more than technical expertise—it calls for a servant leader who believes that people on the floor matter, that trust and dignity drive results, and that coaching a developing leadership team is just as important as optimizing presses.

This environment is best suited for a hands‑on, process-driven leader who thrives in change, values accountability, and sees rebuilding as an opportunity rather than a burden.

This role blends technical ownership, people leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Lead the printing department through direct supervision of leaders and broad influence across a large production workforce.
• Restore and sustain tight operating processes across modern sheet‑fed and flexographic printing equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, cleaning standards, and preventive maintenance.
• Partner closely with operations, maintenance, safety, and quality to align daily execution with plant priorities.
• Troubleshoot printing, color, and process issues using data, structured problem-solving, and hands‑on engagement.
• Champion safety, housekeeping, and equipment condition as non‑negotiable foundations of performance.
• Mentor and develop a youthful, inexperienced leadership team—building confidence, accountability, and people‑leadership capability.
• Serve as a visible, credible presence on the floor, reinforcing standards while rebuilding trust and morale.

You’re a grounded, solutions‑oriented leader who understands that sustainable results come from both process discipline and human connection. You’re comfortable rolling up your sleeves, asking questions, and working side by side with operators and supervisors.

You balance technical credibility with approachability. You communicate clearly, coach patiently, and hold people accountable without losing sight of dignity and respect. Change doesn’t intimidate you—you bring structure to ambiguity and momentum to teams that need belief restored.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, hands‑on experience in a manufacturing or printing environment.
• Proven leadership experience within printing operations.
• Strong background with KBA sheet‑fed presses preferred; flexographic printing experience is also valued.
• Demonstrated expertise in color measurement and printing processes.
• Experience driving CI initiatives and enforcing disciplined operating standards.
• Comfortable leading through change in regulated, performance‑driven environments.
• A servant leader who balances urgency with precision and consistency.

This position is critical to the facility’s turnaround. The Printing Manager directly influences safety, quality, cost, morale, and overall plant performance. You’ll work closely with site leadership during a period of reset and renewal, helping ensure that significant capital investments translate into sustainable results.

Your leadership will help bring equipment—and people—back to life. By reinforcing process, mentoring leaders, and rebuilding belief on the floor, this role plays a direct part in shaping the plant’s future.

• Reports to:
  
  Operations Manager
• Direct reports: 5 leaders
• Indirect influence:
  Approximately 80 employees
• Works closely with plant leadership and cross‑functional partners