Team Leader - Key Projects

Sonoco is a global packaging solutions leader with a 127‑year history, dedicated to innovation in industrial paper conversion. The role sits on a high‑impact technology team focused on key technical projects in product and process development, optimization, and commercialization.

• Drive Innovation & Product Development.
• Collaborate with experts: partner with engineers, scientists, and project managers to design, test, and refine products and processes for paper‑based industrial products.
• Be Hands‑On: work directly in R&D facilities alongside technicians to prototype and experiment concepts.
• Generate Ideas: identify and pitch opportunities for growth, material and product design optimization, and breakthrough productivity initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Oversee the engineering budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and cost‑effective solutions.
• Data Analytics & Project Execution: use tools such as Python, Minitab, and Excel for deep‑dive analytics to inform technical decisions and identify productivity opportunities.
• Own the Lifecycle: manage project timelines from conception to commercialization using modern project‑management tools.
• Keep Leadership Informed: provide clear, data‑driven updates on project status, milestones, and strategic alignment.
• Collaborate Across the Business: work cross‑functionally with Operations, Sales, Quality, and Marketing to ensure technical solutions meet real‑world market needs.
• Build Technical Expertise: develop a master‑level understanding of materials and products to fuel meaningful innovation.

• Education:
  
  a BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience:
  
  around 10 years of professional experience, ideally including people‑management responsibilities.
• Project Expertise: a proven track record in project management; PMP, PMI, or PPM certifications are a significant plus.
• Technical Savvy: knowledge of the paper industry is a bonus, but a passion for innovation is essential.
• Collaborative Mindset: thrives in a team setting and enjoys an environment that rewards creative problem‑solving and meaningful innovation.

• Base salary range: $150,960 – $169,830, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary.
• Benefits (U.S. employees): 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; paid time off and holidays; voluntary insurance plans (life, personal accident, disability); tuition reimbursement.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibit 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.