Technical Manager

Legal Entity: Woodbridge Foam Private Ltd.

Requisition ID: 3660

About Woodbridge

We are innovators using advanced technology to manufacture next generation products. We are pioneers in foam technology science and provide our products to customers in multiple industries. We are a global team of over 7,000 teammates strong who are laser focused on quality, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability. We are proud to give back to the communities in which we live and work through our Woodbridge Cares programs that serves communities around the world through volunteerism and philanthropy. We are a people centric organization that has been awarded numerous recognitions for our commitment to manufacturing excellence and innovation. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of foam technology.

Woodbridge Culture

Woodbridge takes immense pride in its robust corporate (think people first, innovation, lets get to it, manufacturing focused) culture, which serves our customers, Teammates, and the world. We're thrilled to share that in 2024, Woodbridge has been awarded Deloitte's Best Managed designation for eight consecutive years. This accolade is not just an award; it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, inspiring you to be a part of our journey

What's in it for you?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits Plan
• Defined Contribution Plan with additional company match – Automatic company contribution to a top quartile retirement savings plan with more incentives to match
• Flexible Working Hours
• Employee Assistance Program with free access to health and wellness coaches
• Continuous Learning Culture – We believe in Upskilling & Internal Promotions

Role Purpose

The Technical Manager – India is responsible for leading and overseeing all technical functions at our manufacturing plants in India—including both wholly-owned and joint venture (JV) facilities. This role ensures the manufacture of cost-optimized, Right-First-Time (RFT) foam pads, drives Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) reduction, and champions the implementation of new technologies and process improvements.

• This position also leads Woodbridge Production System (WPS) and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives to enhance plant competitiveness and profitability. In addition, the Technical Manager serves as the Business Case Lead for India, overseeing the development and execution of new investment or project business cases and supporting successful program launches.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by example and champion a culture of safety across all Indian manufacturing sites.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and direction to all plant technical functions, including Process Engineering, Tooling, and Maintenance.
• Support cross-functional collaboration between technical teams and departments such as HR, Production, Quality, and Materials.
• Lead technical support for program launches, ensuring communication flow between global product engineering (WFC) and Indian plants to drive launch excellence.
• Support customer and supplier engagement to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges.
• Reduce downtime and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by proactively addressing failure modes and inefficiencies.
• Drive standardization in tooling by deploying Woodbridge Global Standards, reducing scrap and rework through action-oriented plans.
• Monitor, analyze, and improve COPQ metrics and KPIs across all Indian sites.
• Develop and implement a Technology Roadmap in collaboration with plant teams; support rollout and provide training on new technologies.
• Optimize chemical usage and premix formulations, engaging cross-functional teams to reduce costs without compromising quality.
• Serve as the liaison between Corporate Technical Teams and plant-level technical resources.
• Lead WPS and Lean CI workshops, delivering measurable improvements in plant competitiveness.
• Prepare and support execution of Business Cases, ensuring returns meet or exceed projections.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership, ensuring clear, confident updates and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
• 12+ years of technical leadership experience in manufacturing, preferably within the automotive industry

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver technical excellence
• High-level verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Ability to lead projects with cross-border and cross-functional alignment
• Proficiency in managing technical performance metrics (COPQ, OEE, etc.)

Woodbridge is committed to fostering a diverse workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants without regard to race, colour, ancestry, creed, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know, and we will do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.