Operations- Emerging Leaders Program
Listed on 2026-09-04
-
Engineering
Manufacturing Engineer, Operations Management, Mechanical Engineer
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 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.
CoreDevelopment Areas
- 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 America Division,locatedin our Alpha/Beavercreek, Ohio facility. Sonoco is seeking candidates who will help us live our 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.
- Have or will obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Mechanical Engineering by December
2026or 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 (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 that Emerging Leader Program candidates remain flexible with their location preferences.
Compensationand 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.
- 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
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.
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.
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