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.

The Sonoco Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is designed to help you develop leadership skills, gain technical knowledge, establish strong business skills and understand Sonoco’s culture and processes. The program is a blend of hands-on experiences and opportunities. Throughout the program you can expect to gain a better understanding of your leadership style and contribute to Sonoco through valuable project work.

Sonoco is a very diversified company. We have 18 business units and most are looking to hire, including; Rigid Paper & Closures, Global Plastics, Flexibles, Paper, Recycling, Consumer Technology/R&D, Tubes & Cores, and more! Whichever business unit you join, you can expect a tailored experience!

Your time spent in the ELP will cover specific core objectives as follows (but not limited to):

Technical Skills Training - Safety, Quality, Scheduling, Customer satisfaction

Leadership Training – Supervisory skills, Performance Management, Mentorship

Business Insights - Accountability, Execution, Risk Taking, Budgeting

Culture Integration – including Communication, Collaboration and Innovation

Our hope is that in time, you’ll be a business leader! Whether that means you become a Plant Manager, Director of Finance, Supply Chain Leader, Regional Manufacturing Director, etc., the opportunities are endless.

We want employees who can help us live our purpose each and every day. Our core belief is the People Build Businesses, by ‘Doing the Right Thing’. To become a member of the ELP you must have strong ethics, a passion for innovation, and be willing to go the extra mile.

We look for students who:

Have or will obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in a physical science or engineering field (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Packaging, Mechanical/Chemical/Metallurgical/Materials Science Engineering) by May 2025.

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

This position will be located at our Columbus, Ohio facility.

All ELP Associates must be open to relocation (immediately or in the future), and be willing to work rotating or late shifts.

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

Compensation:

The annual base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $82,500.

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.

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.