Expansive modern paper mill housing a VOITH paper machine with blue accents and a yellow overhead crane

CONNECTED.

TRUSTED.

PARTNERSHIPS.

For the global paper economy. Nearly three decades connecting mills, manufacturers, and innovators with leaders who transform them.

Our Mission

To empower the global paper industry by discovering and connecting exceptional leaders with the companies that shape the sector's future.

With nearly three decades of executive search and talent partner expertise, we provide tailored recruitment solutions built on focus, industry knowledge, and trust.

Our Vision

To be the world's most trusted executive search and talent partner in the paper industry — recognised for uncovering the talent that drives innovation, sustainability, and long-term success across the industry.

Who Are We

Global Executive Search
& Talent Partners

At Payen Search, we believe exceptional businesses are built by exceptional talent and leaders.

We are a specialist executive search and talent partner, working exclusively with organisations across the global pulp, paper and fibre-based manufacturing sectors. We partner with boards, CEOs, private equity investors and senior leadership teams to identify, attract and secure the talent that drives business performance, operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Our expertise extends far beyond traditional recruitment. We deliver tailored talent solutions across the full leadership and operational lifecycle, from confidential Board and C-suite appointments to specialist technical search, succession planning and full Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) for greenfield projects, new paper mill developments and major capital investment programmes.

Whether supporting a strategic executive hire, strengthening an existing leadership team or building an entire workforce for a new manufacturing facility, we combine industry expertise, executive search methodology and an extensive global network to deliver exceptional outcomes.

With decades of combined experience within the paper industry, we understand the challenges our clients face, from leadership succession and digital transformation to sustainability, operational efficiency and skills shortages. Our market knowledge enables us to identify talent that is often inaccessible through conventional recruitment methods.

Our relationships extend across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America, giving our clients access to a truly global talent network while maintaining the personalised service of a boutique executive search partner.

Two paper industry professionals in high-vis safety gear reviewing a laptop in a mill environment

Global Reach

SEARCH
WITHOUT
BORDERS

Trusted across the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and emerging markets. We connect leadership talent across active search corridors that span the global paper economy.

Our Sole Focus

PULP &
PAPER

Pulp and paper is all we do. Our deep understanding of the science, commercial dynamics, and operational challenges gives us unmatched insight into the leadership each area of the industry requires.

Modern paper mill interior

What We Deliver

PRECISION
SERVICES

01

Executive Search

Board-level and senior leaders who set strategy, shape culture, and drive transformation across the paper industry.

02

Search & Selection

Fast, targeted recruitment for mid-to-senior professionals — combining deep market insight with rigorous assessment.

03

Project Based Hiring

Temporary or contract hires for expansions, commissioning, and start-ups. Fast ramp-ups and turnaround hires.

04

RPO

A scalable, embedded partnership model that streamlines your hiring and delivers efficiency across multiple functions.

05

Global Talent Mapping

Insight into where critical talent sits worldwide, helping you benchmark competitors and prepare for future needs.

06

Succession Planning

Building leadership continuity by aligning internal pipelines with external talent strategies.

07

Operational Excellence

Delivering leaders who improve efficiency, sustainability, and innovation across mills, plants, and operations.

08

Advisory & Insight

Market intelligence, benchmarking, and strategic guidance tailored to pulp, paper, packaging, and tissue.

09

Greenfield Projects & New Mill Start-ups

Full workforce build-out for greenfield sites, new paper mill developments, and major capital investment programmes — from leadership to operational teams.

010

Investment, Mergers & Acquisitions, Transformation Projects

Talent strategies supporting investment activity, M&A integration, and business transformation — ensuring the leadership needed to drive value creation.

Our Process

HOW WE
WORK

A professional retained search assignment follows a rigorous, structured methodology. Each engagement is tailored, but the framework below outlines what a typical assignment includes.

01

Position specification

02

Employer value proposition (EVP)

03

Market map

04

Target company list

05

Talent landscape analysis

06

Long list

07

Shortlist

08

Candidate assessment reports

09

Interview guides

10

Reference reports

11

Offer management support

12

Onboarding support

Industrial paper manufacturing machine

2026 Global Paper Industry

Salary Benchmark Tool

Explore compensation ranges across the global paper, packaging, and tissue industry. Select a role and region to see real market data from our 2026 benchmark report.

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Get Started

INITIATE
SEARCH

Whether you need a single transformative hire or a full-scale recruitment partnership, start the conversation here.

1
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2
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Payen SearchPayen Search

Executive search and talent partners for the global paper industry. Nearly three decades of recruitment excellence.

PAYEN SEARCH LIMITED is a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 16662489). Registered Office: The Old School House, Llanferres, Denbighshire, CH7 5SN.

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