Sonoco’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is your pathway to becoming one of Sonoco’s future business leaders. For over four decades, this selective program has been a cornerstone of career growth for professionals starting their journey with us.
Grounded in our mission to empower emerging leaders to excel as leaders, teammates, and followers who consistently do the right thing, ELP offers full-time positions designed for recent college graduates that go beyond a traditional first job. Over 24 months, associates gain hands-on experience, personalized leadership development, and coaching tailored to their unique strengths — all while building connections with other emerging leaders across the company.
With access to our diverse portfolio of businesses, ELP associates are empowered to shape their careers, contribute to Sonoco’s culture, and deliver meaningful impact from day one — growing into the well-rounded, value-driven leaders of tomorrow.
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
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 have 4 openings, specific to our RPC division. The ELP role will be a part of our Rigid Paper & Containers; Orlando, FL facility, OR Chicago, IL OR Jackson TN OR Lexington, KY OR Cincinnati, OH.
We are looking for students who:
- Have or will obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, Technology or Business by December 2025 or May 2026
- 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.
Compensation:
The annual base salary range for Non-Technical Degrees is between $67,000 and $70,000
The annual base salary range for Technical Degrees is between $76,000 and $82,500
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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.
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What We Do
Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a leading manufacturer of consumer, industrial, healthcare and protective packaging. With more than 19,000 employees working in 34 countries, Sonoco serves many of the world’s best-known brands.
Our integrated packaging solutions help define brand personalities, create unique customer experiences and enhance the quality of products and the quality of life for people around the world.
It’s all in the service of our purpose: Better Packaging. Better Life.
Sonoco is committed to creating sustainable products, services and programs for our customers, employees and communities. Sonoco was listed as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 2021 as well as being included in Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the third year in a row.
Learn more at Sonoco.com
