Emerging Leaders Program Associate – Manufacturing Operations

Job Description

Emerging Leader Operations | Sonoco

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Sonoco, located in Columbus, Ohio, specifically within the Consumer Packaging Americas division. From its roots as a small family business in 1899, Sonoco has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global company, continuously changing the face of products and packaging. The company’s philosophy, “People Build Businesses,” emphasizes that talented individuals are at the core of its growth, constantly reinventing solutions and driving innovation. This Emerging Leader Operations role is a pivotal opportunity for early career professionals to join a world leader in global packaging solutions. The position is part of Sonoco’s selective Emerging Leaders Program, meticulously designed to provide hands-on experience, leadership development, coaching, and opportunities to connect with business leaders. Through this program, associates will develop essential leadership skills, gain critical technical knowledge, establish strong business acumen, and deeply understand Sonoco’s culture and operational processes, ensuring they can contribute to and lead in a company with diversified operations in over 34 countries and a strong focus on sustainability and industrialization.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person Columbus, OH
• Pay: $77000–$85000 yearly
• Team: Consumer Packaging Americas
• Mission: Develop leadership skills, gain technical knowledge, establish strong business skills, and understand Sonoco’s culture and processes through valuable project work.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Operational Development: Acquire technical training necessary to excel in the assigned role.
• Personal Development: Enhance self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and conflict management skills.
• Leadership Development: Master communication of vision, effective change management, and trust-building through results and relationships.
• Project Contribution: Deliver valuable project work that contributes to Sonoco’s objectives.
• Career Flexibility: Maintain openness to relocation immediately or in the future as part of career advancement within the company.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering obtained by December 2026 or May 2027. Career level: Entry-Level.
• Experience: Previous internship experience, preferably in Manufacturing or a functional area, coupled with proven leadership experience.
• Skills: Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; technical aptitude.
• Bonus: Desire to work in a Manufacturing environment; strong ethics and a passion for innovation.