Director, Global Advanced Supplier Development

Legal Entity: Woodbridge Foam Corporation  

Requisition ID: 3925

Pay Range: 

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:

Reporting to the VP of Global Procurement, this role will lead the strategic development, capability, and readiness of suppliers in low‑cost‑country and emerging market regions. This role strengthens the global supply base by improving supplier technical maturity, operational performance, and cost competitiveness.

This leader partners closely with Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Engineering, and Operations globally, to ensure LCC and emerging market suppliers are capable, scalable, and aligned with company standards for quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability. 

Major Responsibilities and Activities:

• Conduct market scans in LCC regions and emerging manufacturing hubs to identify potential suppliers with relevant manufacturing competency and capable of becoming long-term strategic partners.
• Perform supplier assessments covering manufacturing processes, technical capabilities, quality systems, APQP readiness, financial health and risk exposure.
• Work with Engineering to align supplier capability with product requirements and manufacturability needs.
• Support global purchasing teams in the development of regional and global commodity strategies, that consider new LCC or emerging market vendors already qualified by the Advanced Supplier Development team, while maintaining an adequate balance across local/regional/overseas sourcing established by Global Purchasing.
• Develop and execute supplier improvement strategies and corrective‑action roadmaps.
• Analyze supplier cost structures and prepare should‑cost analysis.
• Develop strategies to mitigate supply‑chain risks in LCC regions, including capacity constraints, quality gaps, and geopolitical exposure.
• Validate capacity, scalability, and ability to support future growth.
• Guide new selected suppliers from initial sourcing into mass production to ensure a smooth incorporation and/or transition of supply. Promptly and proactively address any issues or concerns raised.
• Drive supplier adoption of best‑in‑class manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Partner with Purchasing to provide technical and operational insights that inform commodity strategies and sourcing decisions.
• Partner with Engineering to align supplier capabilities with future product and technology roadmaps.
• Promote alignment, communication responsiveness, and supplier leadership commitment.
• Lead and develop a geographically dispersed supplier‑development team, ensuring alignment on priorities, consistent execution of development methodologies, and strong cross‑regional collaboration.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and global collaboration

Preferred Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in supplier development/supplier quality, and procurement in the automotive industry.
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship‑building abilities.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen.
• Deep knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Solid background in cost break down analysis and should-be cost estimates.
• Proven experience developing suppliers in LCC regions.
• Ability to travel internationally as required

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.