Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) – Manufacturing Leadership

Job Description

Emerging Leader Operations | Sonoco

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Sonoco, located in Columbus, Ohio. Sonoco is a multi-billion-dollar global company with diversified operations in over 34 countries, having evolved from a small family business founded in 1899. They are a world leader in global packaging solutions, constantly reinventing with brilliant solutions and driven by their core belief that ‘People Build Businesses.’ This Emerging Leader Operations role is a pivotal entry point into Sonoco’s selective Emerging Leaders Program, designed to cultivate future leaders who will contribute to the company’s continuous reinvention and sustainable growth, starting within the Consumer Packaging Americas division.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person Columbus, OH
• Pay: $77000–$85000 yearly
• Team: Consumer Packaging Americas
• Mission: Join a selective program designed to provide hands-on experience, leadership development, and coaching, enabling you to gain technical knowledge, establish strong business skills, understand Sonoco’s culture, and contribute through valuable project work.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Operational Development: Engage in comprehensive technical training specifically tailored to excel in your operational role, gaining the necessary knowledge to perform effectively within the Consumer Packaging Americas division.
• Personal Development: Participate in targeted activities and coaching designed to increase your self-awareness, enhance emotional intelligence, strengthen conflict management abilities, and understand your personal leadership style.
• Leadership Development: Acquire and practice essential skills to communicate vision effectively, foster increased team engagement, manage organizational change, and establish trust through consistent results and strong relationships with business leaders.
• Project Contribution: Undertake and contribute to valuable, hands-on project work throughout the program, providing tangible impact to Sonoco’s operations and strategic objectives.
• Cultural and Business Acumen: Develop a deep understanding of Sonoco’s unique culture and intricate business processes, establishing strong foundational business skills that extend beyond a traditional first job.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Have or will obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering by December 2026 or May 2027. This is an early career position within a selective program, specifically designed for professionals starting their career with Sonoco and looking for a role that extends beyond a traditional first job.
• Experience: Previous internship experience is required, preferably within a Manufacturing environment or a relevant functional area. Candidates must also demonstrate proven leadership experience from academic, professional, or extracurricular activities.
• Skills: Possess strong technical aptitude, along with excellent communication skills, effective presentation abilities, and strong interpersonal effectiveness required for collaborating within teams and connecting with business leaders.
• Bonus: A strong desire to work within a Manufacturing environment is preferred. Candidates should also demonstrate strong ethics, a passion for innovation, and be willing to go the extra mile. Openness to immediate or future relocation is expected, and flexibility with specific location preferences is required as part of the program.