Vice President, Corporate Strategy

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Primary Function

The Vice President of Strategy will serve as a key member of the Leadership Team, partnering closely with the CEO, CFO, and Business Unit Leaders. This leader will develop and execute enterprise-level strategies that drive performance, profitability, and sustainable growth. The role will lead corporate strategic planning, support portfolio transformation through corporate development, and ensure that strategic priorities are implemented effectively across the organization.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Partner with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and key stakeholders to define and communicate A. O. Smith’s long-term strategic vision.
• Develop comprehensive strategic and business unit plans aligned with corporate objectives and market opportunities.
• Lead implementation of strategic initiatives, monitor progress, and ensure accountability for measurable outcomes.

Corporate Development

• Identify, evaluate, and execute mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships aligned with strategic objectives.
• Lead financial and strategic due diligence, valuation analysis, and integration planning.
• Oversee integration of acquired businesses and assets to maximize synergies and long-term value creation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with corporate functions, including Technology, Finance, HR, Digital, Legal, and Operations—to align strategies and ensure seamless execution.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and disciplined execution across teams and business units.

Risk Management

• Anticipate and assess strategic and operational risks associated with new business opportunities.
• Develop and implement mitigation plans to ensure resilience and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in corporate strategy, management consulting, or investment banking, with a proven track record of executing complex strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in evaluating and executing mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships.
• Strong financial acumen with advanced analytical and modeling capabilities.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to build alignment across a global, values-based organization.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, result-oriented mindset and strong business judgment.
• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Willingness to travel as needed for business opportunities and integration efforts.

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance. 

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