Godrej completed his schooling at the prominent Cathedral & John Connon School. He attended the Illinois Institute of Technology, studying mechanical engineering, and was appointed a director of Godrej & Boyce in 1974, becoming managing director in 1991 and chairman in 2000. In 2012, Godrej resigned from the board of Haldia Petrochemicals, prompting efforts by government of Bengal to retain him.
Jamshyd joined the Board of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited as a director in 1974. He led the group in the areas of home appliances, consumer durables, office equipment, industrial products, consumer products and services. He is currently the Chairman and Managing Director of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited. He is also the chairman of the CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre.