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. 

At Sonoco, diversity extends beyond our people to our business. With four major segments, including Rigid Paper Packaging, Metal Packaging, Industrial Paper Packaging, and Industrial & Specialty Packaging Services, we offer a wide range of career opportunities. Wherever your journey begins, you can expect a personalized experience designed to support your development and success.

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 

This specific ELP role will be a part of our Consumer Packaging Americas division, located in our Columbus Operating Center in the Columbus, Ohio facility.

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 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 

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 role is $68,000 to $85,000.

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.