Emerging Leader Operations

Sonoco; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company"m

Wellbeing tools and resources

Paid time off and holidays

Company-paid and voluntary insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sonoco's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a selective, full‑time program for professionals starting their career with Sonoco. It offers hands‑on experience, leadership development, coaching, and opportunities to connect with business leaders.

The program helps you develop leadership skills, gain technical knowledge, establish strong business skills and understand Sonoco’s culture and processes. The ELP role at the Columbus, Ohio facility will cover core development areas including operational,

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering by December 2026 or May 2027.
• Previous internship experience (preferably in Manufacturing or functional area).
• Proven leadership experience.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to relocate and work in Columbus, OH area.

Responsibilities

• Participate in hands-on projects and leadership development as part of the Emerging Leaders Program.
• Engage with business leaders and cross-functional teams to gain exposure to operations and technical training.
• Relocate if required and contribute to Sonoco’s culture and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical aptitude

Manufacturing experience

Internship experience

Education

Bachelor or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Sonoco’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a selective program for professionals starting their career with Sonoco. Offering full‑time positions that extend beyond a traditional first job, we give associates hands‑on experience, leadership development, coaching, and opportunities to connect with business leaders. The program is designed to help you develop leadership skills, gain technical knowledge, establish strong business skills and understand Sonoco’s culture and processes. Throughout the program you can expect to gain a better understanding of your leadership style and contribute to Sonoco through valuable project work.

Your time spent in the ELP will cover specific core development areas as follows:

• Operational Development- Technical training needed to excel in your role
• Personal Development – Increasing self‑awareness, emotional intelligence, and conflict management skills
• Leadership Development – Learning how to communicate vision, increase engagement, effectively manage change, and establish trust through results and relationships

This specific ELP role will be a part of our Consumer Packaging Americas, located in our Columbus, Ohio facility.

Sonoco is seeking candidates who will help us live our purpose each and every day. Our core belief is that “People Build Businesses, by Doing the Right Thing”. To become an Emerging Leader, you must have strong ethics, a passion for innovation, and be willing to go the extra mile.

We are looking for students who:

• Have or will obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering by December 2026 or May 2027
• Previous internship experience (preferably in Manufacturing or functional area)
• Proven leadership experience
• Desire to work in a Manufacturing environment
• Technical aptitude
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

The ELP is the start of a career at Sonoco, which can include relocation (immediately or in the future) and new ELP associates are expected to be open to the possibility of relocation.

Although these positions are listed in specific locations, candidates will be matched based on their unique experiences and specific location needs. We ask that Emerging Leader Program candidates remain flexible with their location preferences.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for Business Non-Technical Degrees is between $68,000 and $71,000

The annual base salary range for Technical/Engineering Degrees is between $77,000 and $85,000

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.