Buyer III

A. O. Smith Corporation

Buyer III role managing material flow and supplier relationships at A.O. Smith.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeMontreal • 🇨🇦 CanadaSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in supply planning, inventory management, and supplier coordination to optimize production requirements and achieve cost reduction goals. Proficient in data analysis and effective communication in both French and English to ensure compliance and enhance supplier relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supply PlanningInventory ManagementMaterial Requirements Planning (MRP)Supplier CoordinationCost Reduction

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisRoot Cause AnalysisProduction SchedulingInventory Turns ManagementDemand Forecasting

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationSelf-DirectedResults OrientedCollaborationProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSAP

Industry Keywords

Manufacturing EnvironmentSupplier PerformanceComplianceProcurementMRO Replenishment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop/maintain supply plans to support production requirements, including review of demand signals, forecasts, and schedule changes.
Create, analyze, and maintain material requirements (MRP) inputs/outputs to ensure correct planning parameters (lead times, MOQ, safety stock, lot sizes) are accurate and effective.
Coordinate with NAWH Procurement on pricing/terms as needed by providing volume, demand, and inventory data to support sourcing and cost decisions.
Maintain ongoing correspondence with suppliers.
Plan/release purchase order/blanket order releases in accordance with the approved production plan and material requirements.
Support invoice resolution by validating receipts and pricing alignment and coordinating with AP to clear discrepancies.
Coordinate MRO replenishment planning as assigned, ensuring stocking levels and service levels support site needs.
Confirm timely and complete receipts against production requirements; investigate and resolve shortages, overages, and late deliveries.
Track supplier on-time delivery and quality performance; communicate issues, maintain documentation, and drive recovery plans with suppliers.
Manage inventory to achieve service, accuracy, and inventory turns targets through proactive planning, parameter maintenance, and exception management.
Plan, coordinate, and communicate blanket/purchase order releases and schedule updates to support production requirements and capacity constraints.
Maintain inventory levels and safety stock settings in alignment with inventory turns goals, lead times, and demand variability.
Drive root cause analysis and corrective action with suppliers and internal stakeholders when quality or delivery performance is non-compliant.
Maintain ethical and compliant supplier interactions and ensure communication and documentation meet company and regulatory expectations.
Maintain system data required for planning and execution and support ordering and invoice payment workflows.
Build alliances across departments (Production, Engineering, Quality, NAWH Purchasing, Logistics, Finance) to align priorities and resolve constraints.
Measure and monitor supplier performance in on-time delivery, lead-time adherence, and cost of poor quality; communicate trends and corrective actions.
Coordinate dispute resolution with suppliers related to shortages, damaged goods, quality defects, delivery failures, and related credits/debits.
Coordinate returns of non-compliant merchandise in conjunction with Quality and the supplier, including required documentation and replacement timing.
Continuously evaluate supply and planning options to improve service levels, reduce shortages, and optimize total delivered cost (with NAWH Purchasing).
Collaborate in the selection of suppliers and subcontractors according to company procedures, providing planning inputs.
Develop and/or improve planning, analytics, and systems skills vital for business growth.
Anticipate and adapt to change by re-planning quickly in response to demand shifts, constraints, and supplier performance.
Ensure internal/external customer satisfaction through high plan adherence, clear communication, and timely issue escalation.
Work toward meeting department and company objectives such as inventory reduction, improved schedule attainment, and reduced expedites.

Requirements

What you’ll need

College degree in Business preferred
Minimum five (10) years’ or related work experience in a manufacturing environment
Proven record of cost reduction results
Ability to communicate effectively in French and English
High level of skill with the Microsoft Office Programs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Strong, self-directed, and results oriented
Experience with SAP is useful but not required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical and dental insurance
Company sponsored life insurance
Retirement savings plan
Tuition assistance