Enterprise Project Management - Emerging Leader

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. 

To be considered for this role, you must be a recent graduate with a degree in Engineering, Project Management, Lean Management or related technical degrees.

The Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) and Lean Management (LM) is a vital part of Sonoco’s strategy.  EPMO & LM is dedicated to driving success across the entire organization by employing robust project management and lean management methodologies. Our mission is to provide unparalleled project and lean management services and support to all business areas, including manufacturing. Here are some of the key areas we impact:

• Integrated Business Manufacturing
• Operational Excellence (OPEX)
• Commercial Excellence
• Supply Management
• Information Technology (IT)
• Shared Service Functions (Sonoco Services, Finance, Accounting, HR, Supply Management, IT, etc.)

Why Join the EPMO & LM ELP Rotation Program?

As an EPMO & LM Emerging Leader Program (ELP) participant, you’ll dive into the heart of Sonoco’s operations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how our business functions. This program is designed to provide you with a solid foundation to identify and pursue a career path that aligns with your strengths and passions.

Rotation Structure:

Throughout the ELP program, you’ll engage in a rotation schedule, blending hands-on project and lean  management experience with leadership training and self-paced Project Management and lean management skills development. Here’s a glimpse of what a sample rotation structure could look like:

• First 6 Months: Collaborate with Shared Service leaders to manage strategic projects. You’ll be at the forefront of optimizing our global processes, making impactful changes that drive efficiency and innovation.
• Next 6 Months: Partner with the LM team to manage process improvement projects. This phase will immerse you in the world of operational excellence, where you’ll learn to enhance performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Final 6 Months: Engage with our Global Businesses to oversee manufacturing-related projects. This rotation will give you a deep dive into the manufacturing sector, allowing you to manage projects that directly influence our production and operational capabilities.

Skillset Required to be an Excellent Candidate:

To excel as a valued team member, you’ll need a blend of hard and soft skills that enable you to lead projects and process improvement effectively and efficiently. Here are some key skills:

• Leadership: Inspire and guide your team towards achieving project goals.
• Communication: Clearly convey ideas, expectations, and feedback to stakeholders and team members.
• Organization: Keep projects on track with meticulous planning and prioritization.
• Time Management: Juggle multiple tasks and deadlines without losing focus.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Problem-Solving: Tackle challenges head-on with creative and effective solutions.
• Budget Management: Keep projects within financial constraints while maximizing resources.
• Adaptability: Adjust to changing project requirements and environments with ease.
• Technical Skills: Utilize project and lean management tools and methodologies to streamline processes.

What You’ll Gain:

• Comprehensive Business Insight: Experience the full spectrum of Sonoco’s operations, from process improvements to manufacturing excellence.
• Leadership Development: Participate in leadership training that hones your skills and prepares you for future leadership roles.
• Project Management and Lean Management Expertise: Develop and refine your skills through real-world projects and self-paced training modules.
• Career Path Clarity: Discover the career path that best suits your strengths and interests, with the opportunity to continue growing within EPMO & LM.

Join us in the EPMO & LM ELP Rotation Program and become a key player in driving Sonoco’s success.

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.