Team Leader - Key Projects

Engineering Team Leader – Key Projects

Come join our high-impact technology team at Sonoco ($7.5b global leader) dedicated to transforming our industrial paper converting products and processes. We have a fun and supportive environment where innovation is encouraged and rewarded.

• Lead and oversee the technology team, ensuring the successful execution of projects, adherence to timelines, and the achievement of technical excellence.
• Strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of engineering principles and practices.
• Focus on key technical projects relating to product and process developments, product design optimizations and material optimizations, as well as other projects related to supporting our global industrial paper converting businesses.
• Continually look for innovative ways to drive cost and complexity out of our products.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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.
• Work 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.
• Data Analytics & Project Execution:
• 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.
• Manage project timelines from conception to commercialization using Planner and other modern project management tools.
• 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.

Qualifications

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

Pay

The annual base salary range for this role is from $150,960 to $169,830, plus an annual target bonus of 12.5% of base salary. At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits.