Emerging Leader

Sonoco • Dalton, GA

4d • $68,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Sonoco’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a selective, full-time early-career program that provides hands-on experience, leadership development, coaching, and opportunities to connect with business leaders. The program is designed to develop leadership skills, technical knowledge, business skills, and understanding of Sonoco’s culture and processes. Associates gain insight into their leadership styles and contribute through project work.

Development includes operational training relevant to the role; personal development in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and conflict management; and leadership development in communicating vision, increasing engagement, managing change, and building trust through results and relationships. The program is based in manufacturing-oriented roles and may involve relocation immediately or later. Associates are expected to be open to relocation, and candidates should remain flexible about location preferences. Available locations include Dalton, Georgia; Hartsville and Columbia, South Carolina; Newport, Tennessee; and Neenah, Wisconsin. Candidates will be matched to locations based on their experience and business needs.

Requirements

• Have or be expected to obtain a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering by December 2026 or May 2027.
• Previous internship experience, preferably in manufacturing or a related functional area.
• Proven leadership experience.
• Desire to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Technical aptitude.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ethics, a passion for innovation, and willingness to go the extra mile.
• Willingness to remain flexible about location preferences and the possibility of relocation.

Nice To Haves

• Previous internship experience in manufacturing or a functional area.

Responsibilities

• Complete technical training needed to excel in the assigned role.
• Develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and conflict management skills.
• Learn to communicate vision, increase engagement, manage change, and establish trust through results and relationships.
• Contribute to Sonoco through project work.
• Build leadership, technical, and business skills and learn Sonoco’s culture and processes.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, including FSA and HSA options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Wellbeing tools and resources, including an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Company-paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans, including life, personal accident, and disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level