Operations- Emerging Leader Program

Sonoco Products Company; Oakdale (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoco Products Company in Oakdale, California offers the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) for graduates and early‑career professionals. This full‑time program provides hands‑on experience, leadership development, coaching, and opportunities to connect with business leaders.

Participants develop core competencies in operational, personal and leadership development areas, with relocation flexibility and exposure to the Consumer America Division at the Oakdale facility.

Qualifications

• Have or will obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Mechanical 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.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and complete assigned projects.
• Develop leadership, technical and business skills through hands‑on experiences.
• Be flexible with relocation as needed to support program needs.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong communication

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical aptitude

Education

Mechanical Engineering – Bachelors/Masters

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 EmergingLeaders 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.Theprogramis designed to help you develop leadership skills, gain technical knowledge,establishstrong businessskillsand 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 coredevelopment areasas 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, andestablishtrust through results and relationships

This specific ELP role will be a part of ourConsumer America Division, locatedin our Oakdale, California facility.

Sonoco is seeking candidateswhowillhelp us liveour purposeeach and everyday.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.

Weare lookingfor students who:

• Have or will obtain aBachelor orMaster'sdegree inMechanical Engineering by December 2026or May 2027

• Previousinternship 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 includerelocation (immediatelyor in the future)andnew ELP associates are expected to be open to the possibility of relocation.

Although these positions are listed in specific locations, candidates will be matched basedontheir unique experiences and specific location needs.We ask thatEmerging Leader Program candidatesremainflexible with their location preferences.

Compensation:

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

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

Benefits

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive