Team Leader - Key Projects

Sonoco • Hartsville, SC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Sonoco is a global leader in packaging solutions with a rich history dating back to 1899. This position is within the high-impact technology team, dedicated to transforming industrial paper converting products and processes. The role involves leading and overseeing a technology team focused on key technical projects related to product and process development, product design optimization, material optimization, and supporting global industrial paper converting businesses. The goal is to maintain and build Sonoco's technology leadership position. The team will lead technical initiatives, collaborating with Global Technology & Engineering and cross-functional partners in Sales, Operations, Quality, and Marketing. A key focus is finding innovative ways to reduce cost and complexity in products. Projects are managed from inception to commercialization, offering growth and variety. The role is based at Sonoco's Corporate Headquarters in Hartsville, SC.

Requirements

• A BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (or a related technical field).
• Around 10 years of professional experience, ideally with some experience in people management.
• A proven track record in project management; PMP, PMI, or PPM certifications are a significant plus.
• Knowledge of the paper industry is a bonus, but a passion for innovation is essential.
• You thrive in a team setting and enjoy an environment that rewards creative problem-solving and meaningful innovation.

Responsibilities

• Drive Innovation & Product Development
• Collaborate with Experts: Partner with engineers, scientists, and project managers to design, test, and refine products and processes relating to our paper-based industrial products.
• Be Hands-On: Work directly in our R&D facilities alongside technicians to bring concepts to life through prototyping and experimentation.
• Generate Ideas: Identify and pitch new opportunities for growth, material & 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.
• Lead with Data: Use tools like Python, Minitab, and Excel to perform deep-dive analytics and to make informed technical decisions and to identify productivity opportunities.
• Identify projects aimed at making us more competitive on our product designs, materials, or manufacturing processes.
• Own the Lifecycle: Manage project timelines from conception to commercialization using Planner and other modern project management tools.
• Keep Leadership Informed: Provide clear, data-driven updates on project status, milestones, and strategic alignment.
• Bridge the Gaps: Work cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Quality, and Marketing to identify opportunities and needs as well as to ensure technical solutions meet real-world market needs.
• Build Technical Expertise: Develop a "master-level" understanding of our materials and products—using that depth of knowledge to fuel meaningful innovation.

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

What This Job Offers

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