Emerging Leader Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Wellbeing programs

Paid time off

Insurance plans

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sonoco's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) in Columbus, Ohio offers full-time roles for recent graduates in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering. Candidates should have or expect a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree by Dec 2026 or May 2027 and prior internship experience in manufacturing.

The ELP combines hands-on project work, leadership development and coaching, with relocation flexibility and a comprehensive benefits package in a global packaging company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering by Dec 2026 or May 2027
• Previous internship experience in Manufacturing or related area
• Proven leadership experience and desire to work in a manufacturing environment

Skills

Communication

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership experience

Technical aptitude

Manufacturing experience

Education

Bachelor or Master in Industrial/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

About Sonoco and the Emerging Leaders Program

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 (but not limited to): 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.

Candidate Qualifications

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

Location & Relocation

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 & Benefits

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 listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

• 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.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global leader in value-added, sustainable metal and fiber consumer and industrial packaging. The Company is now a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with approximately 22,500 employees working in 270 operations in 40 countries, serving some of the world's best-known brands. Guided by our purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., we strive to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence to provide solutions that better serve all our stakeholders and support a more sustainable future. Sonoco was proudly named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek. Sonoco Privacy Policy