Grupo Seripafer is a family-owned company located in Alcoy, Alicante, with more than 40 years of experience in the development of packaging, merchandising and PLV. Its culture has always been linked to innovation, creativity and quality, as well as having a strong environmental consciousness. At Heidelberg Spain we are proud to be technological partners of committed companies such as Grupo Seripafer.

Now, on International Women's Day, we want to highlight Ana Pérez as a key player in the company so that she can explain her experience as Project Manager in a nationally recognized company.

Ana Pérez, you are one of the members of Grupo Seripafer with a strategic level of responsibility in the company. What does your job entail? How would you define your role in the company?

As Project Manager at Grupo Seripafer, my job is to lead and coordinate strategic projects that connect the company's global vision with its operational execution. This involves planning, supervising and ensuring that each initiative is developed smoothly and efficiently, working hand in hand with multidisciplinary teams and various internal areas.

I define my role as a facilitator who acts as a bridge between strategy and operations, fostering collaboration and communication. My goal is to transform ideas into concrete actions that contribute to the company's growth and innovation, always maintaining a focus on teamwork and the integration of different perspectives. In addition, every day I face new challenges that drive me to seek creative solutions, ensuring that each project is aligned with Seripafer's objectives. This position also allows me to actively participate in decision-making, facilitating dialogue between departments to build a stronger and more competitive future.

Working for a market-leading company is very demanding. How does it feel to manage teams in a large and complex structure such as Seripafer? Can you tell us whether you think that, in general terms, the level of demand is raised by the fact that you are a woman?

Leading teams in a structure like Seripafer's involves coordinating various skills and managing daily challenges, but it also represents a great opportunity to learn and grow. Each team and each project have their own particularities, which makes the experience very enriching. In this context, each challenge becomes an opportunity to innovate and enhance collective talent, creating an environment of collaboration and continuous learning.

Regarding the perception that, because I am a woman, the level of demand could increase, I believe that the challenges of a leadership role are mainly linked to the responsibility and complexity of the position in question. Although stereotypes have sometimes been observed, my experience has allowed me to focus on performance and the quality of work, leaving aside any label. The key is to foster an inclusive environment, where merit is recognized and work is done together to overcome the challenges of the industry, taking advantage of the different perspectives that each member brings.

What is the most exciting part of your job and what are your professional challenges?

The most exciting thing about my job is the opportunity to lead projects that make a difference and to work in such a dynamic environment. I am particularly motivated by seeing how each team member contributes their experience to achieve common goals, which makes each project a constant source of learning and growth. In addition, collaboration and the exchange of ideas between colleagues enrich each initiative, fostering an environment in which innovation is nourished by collective talent.

As for my professional challenges, one of the greatest is to maintain cohesion and motivation in a complex and constantly evolving environment. Coordinating diverse teams and balancing the challenges of each project means always being open to innovation and continuous improvement, seeking to make everyone feel valued and an essential part of the change. I firmly believe that being united, valuing each contribution, is the key to driving positive and sustainable change in the company.

Do you think the importance of women in our market is recognized, or do you think there is still a long way to go?

There has been a notable advance in the visibility and recognition of female talent in our sector, which indicates a positive evolution. However, reality can vary depending on the context and, in some areas, challenges are still identified that show that the path towards complete normalization is still ongoing. The key is to continue promoting work environments where merit and professionalism are the focus, allowing each person to contribute their experience and talent without limitations.

Have you ever felt that you benefited or were disadvantaged by your status as a woman? Do you think there are prejudices regarding commitment and the acceptance of responsibilities, also regarding having to decide between family and career?

In my experience, commitment and professional dedication have been decisive factors in my development, beyond my status as a woman. However, I recognize that sometimes there are expectations or stereotypes related to the balance between family and professional life. Rather than feeling benefited or disadvantaged, I have seen each challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate that ability and commitment do not depend on gender. I firmly believe that the important thing is to work in environments that value the talent and responsibility of each person, without falling into prejudice, and to continue promoting change towards a culture in which professionalism is recognized without labels.

We would like you to leave us with one last thought on the fact that it is International Women's Day.

International Women's Day invites us to remember the importance of collaboration and unity. It is a reminder that, by working together, we can drive significant changes in our environments. We celebrate the achievements made and reaffirm our commitment to moving towards a future where equality and respect are the basis of each project, convinced that unity is the key to transforming realities.

Finally, I would like to thank Heidelberg Spain for this initiative.

Thank you very much, Ana, it has been a pleasure!