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.
Location: Fergus, ON Canada
Primary Function
The Lead, AI Strategy & Business Intelligence is a cross-functional innovator responsible for transforming business needs into intelligent, automated solutions. This role combines the strategic foresight of an AI leader with the practical delivery of a business intelligence analyst. The successful candidate will design and implement enterprise-wide reporting tools and AI-enabled models that enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and build a high-performing, data-literate culture across all departments—including HR, operations, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and finance.
Responsibilities
Strategic AI Leadership
- Identify and develop high-impact AI/ML use cases (e.g., predictive maintenance, talent planning, demand forecasting).
- Collaborate with IT and business leaders to operationalize AI in manufacturing and support functions.
- Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI, generative AI) for enterprise fit and ROI.
- Guide data ethics and governance practices related to responsible AI adoption.
Business Intelligence & Insights Delivery
- Design dynamic dashboards and real-time reporting tools using Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms.
- Translate complex data into actionable insights that drive cross-functional performance.
- Develop and automate KPIs, operational reports, and predictive metrics in collaboration with department leads.
- Lead data storytelling efforts to influence strategic decisions at the executive level.
Change Enablement & Collaboration
- Act as a champion for data-driven decision-making and digital literacy across all levels of the organization.
- Provide technical mentorship and functional training to users on tools and concepts (e.g., self-serve BI, data interpretation).
- Partner with stakeholders across HR, finance, operations, and supply chain to identify analytics gaps and build roadmaps.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field.
- 7+ years of of related experience
- 3-5+ years of specific business intelligence and advanced analytics experience
- 2+ years AI experience and solution development strongly preferred
- Strong hands-on experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau), SQL, and exposure to Python or R for ML applications.
- Experience deploying AI or ML projects in a manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain environment.
- Knowledge of data governance and Canadian data privacy laws (e.g., PIPEDA).
- Proven ability to communicate complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills.
Education
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.
AODA DISCLAIMER
For Ontario - A.O. Smith is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, if you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure fair and equitable access throughout the recruitment and selection process. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.
