Vp – Corporate Development & Strategy

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., A. O. Smith Corporation is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. We are one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment and air purification products. We employ approximately 12,000 men and women at operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

As the Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy, you will be a key member of our leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, and working closely with the CEO, CFO and Business Unit Leaders. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive our company's inorganic and organic growth, profitability, and long-term success. You will lead efforts to identify new opportunities, explore potential acquisitions and partnerships, and facilitate and coordinate our business strategy along-side our C-suite and business leaders, to optimize our existing business to ensure sustained competitiveness in the markets in which we participate.

Corporate Development:

• Identify and evaluate potential merger, acquisition, and partnership opportunities that align with our strategic objectives. Cultivating relationships with the investment banking community and industry participants.
• Conduct and coordinate thorough due diligence on potential targets, including financial analysis and risk assessments.
• Negotiate and structure deals that maximize value and support the company's growth strategy.
• Integrate acquired businesses and assets into the existing organization effectively.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Facilitate the implementation of strategic initiatives and track their progress towards achieving desired outcomes.
• Collaborate with the CEO and other key stakeholders to define the company's long-term strategic vision.
• Along-side the business and corporate teams develop comprehensive strategic plans that align with the company's objectives and market opportunities.

Business Analysis and Market Research:

• Make data-driven recommendations to improve existing business lines and explore new revenue streams.
• Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape to identify new opportunities and potential threats.
• Perform in-depth analysis to support business decision-making, including market segmentation, customer insights, and financial modeling.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork to ensure smooth execution of strategic initiatives.
• Partner with various departments (e.g., corporate technology, finance, HR, legal, operations) to align corporate development strategies with broader business goals.

Risk Management:

• Maintain a keen awareness of regulatory, legal, and compliance considerations that impact corporate development activities.
• Identify and assess potential risks associated with new business opportunities and develop risk mitigation strategies.

Team:

• As has been A. O. Smith’s historical practice, you will have one or more junior professionals to help drive the corporate development and strategy function.

Experience

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships at all levels of a values-based organization.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience in evaluating and executing mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
• Ability to travel as needed for business opportunities and integration efforts.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Economics, or a related field. MBA preferred.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing business priorities.
• 10 + years of experience in corporate development, strategy, investment banking, or related roles, with a proven track record of successfully executing complex strategic initiatives.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, results-driven approach to problem-solving.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct financial analysis and modeling.