Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) – Consumer Packaging Americas – Manufacturing Engineering

Job Description

Emerging Leader Operations | Sonoco

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Sonoco, located in Columbus, OH. Sonoco has grown from a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company since 1899, excelling as a world leader in global packaging solutions with operations in over 34 countries. The Emerging Leaders Program is a selective initiative designed for professionals starting their career with Sonoco, offering hands-on experience and significant leadership development. This role is crucial for developing future leaders who will contribute to Sonoco’s growth and reinforce its core belief that “People Build Businesses.”

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

What You’ll Actually Do
• Receive hands-on operational experience within Sonoco’s Consumer Packaging Americas division.
• Engage in leadership development, coaching, and networking opportunities with business leaders.
• Develop personal skills, including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and conflict management abilities.
• Learn to communicate vision, increase engagement, effectively manage change, and establish trust through results and relationships.
• Contribute to Sonoco through valuable project work to gain a better understanding of your leadership style.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Early-Career professional with a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, obtained by December 2026 or May 2027.
• Experience: Previous internship experience, preferably in Manufacturing or a related functional area, coupled with proven leadership experience.
• Skills: Demonstrated technical aptitude, strong communication, effective presentation abilities, and solid interpersonal skills.
• Bonus: A strong desire to work in a Manufacturing environment, a commitment to strong ethics, a passion for innovation, a willingness to go the extra mile, and flexibility regarding potential relocation.