Case Studies

Retained Search in Action

A selection of retained search assignments completed for packaging manufacturers and distributors across the United States.

Case Study 1

Vice President of Sales — Flexible Packaging

Midwest, United StatesFlexible Packaging

The Challenge

A flexible packaging manufacturer was entering a new phase of growth and required an experienced Vice President of Sales to build a national commercial strategy and lead a distributed sales team. The company had previously attempted to recruit through internal networks but struggled to identify candidates with both flexible packaging expertise and proven leadership capability.

Our Approach

OC International conducted a retained search, mapping senior commercial leaders across flexible packaging manufacturers and converters throughout the United States. Targeted headhunting focused on individuals with experience scaling sales teams and managing national accounts within the packaging sector.

The Outcome

The search resulted in the successful appointment of a Vice President of Sales with extensive industry experience and a strong network across key consumer packaged goods accounts. The placement strengthened the company's leadership team and supported the next stage of its commercial expansion.

Case Study 2

Regional Sales Manager — Corrugated Packaging

Southeast, United StatesCorrugated Packaging

The Challenge

A corrugated packaging manufacturer required a Regional Sales Manager to develop new business across a competitive territory. The role required a strong hunter capable of opening new accounts while managing relationships with large regional manufacturers.

Our Approach

OC International conducted targeted outreach to corrugated packaging sales professionals with experience selling into industrial and manufacturing accounts. The search focused on candidates with proven success in developing new business within defined geographic territories.

The Outcome

The successful candidate brought strong regional relationships and a track record of opening new accounts in the packaging sector. The appointment strengthened the company's presence within the territory and supported continued revenue growth.

Case Study 3

National Account Manager — Labels & Sleeves

United StatesLabels & Sleeves

The Challenge

A label converter required a National Account Manager to manage and grow relationships with several large consumer packaged goods customers. The role required a commercially sophisticated account leader with experience managing complex label programs across multiple production facilities.

Our Approach

OC International conducted a targeted search within the label converting industry, identifying account managers with experience handling national CPG accounts. The search focused on candidates with both technical understanding of label production and strong commercial relationship management skills.

The Outcome

The selected candidate brought significant experience managing national consumer packaged goods accounts and was able to quickly integrate into the client's commercial team, strengthening several key customer relationships.

Case Study 4

Sales Director — Rigid Plastics

West Coast, United StatesRigid Plastics

The Challenge

A rigid plastics manufacturer required a Sales Director to lead business development across several high-growth packaging markets including personal care and nutraceuticals. The role required both strategic leadership and direct involvement in complex customer negotiations.

Our Approach

OC International conducted a retained search focused on senior commercial leaders within rigid plastic packaging manufacturers. Candidates were evaluated based on leadership capability, industry relationships, and experience developing new packaging programs with major consumer brands.

The Outcome

The successful placement strengthened the client's commercial leadership team and positioned the business to pursue several new growth opportunities within key packaging markets.

Case Study 5

Business Development Manager — Metal Packaging

United StatesMetal Packaging

The Challenge

A metal packaging producer required a Business Development Manager to expand its presence within the beverage sector. The role required a commercially driven sales professional capable of developing new customer relationships in a highly competitive market.

Our Approach

OC International conducted a focused search across metal packaging manufacturers and related packaging suppliers, targeting sales professionals with strong beverage industry connections and a proven ability to open new accounts.

The Outcome

The successful candidate brought an established network within the beverage packaging market and began developing new commercial opportunities shortly after joining the business.

Start a Retained Search

If you are looking to strengthen your commercial team with proven packaging sales talent, we are ready to have a conversation.