A.O. Smith Employee Reviews for Senior Buyer

What do you like about working at A.O. Smith?

"I liked the people in the plant and the challenge that the job presented. I was surprised that I could fix a simple quality issue that was going on for years.I appreciated being able to go to the VP of Purchasing and discuss my job. I felt he was getting factual information from the source."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Only if you REALLY need the money. If you have a decent job....keep it. I wish I had."

What don't you like about working at A.O. Smith?

"Being left with medical bills I was not prepared for for staying healthy. The long hours that were not appreciated to accomplish goals in a extremely small time frame. Conference calls until 9-10pm with China. Lack of good communication with immediate director. Made to feel like and outsider by director.Ugly politics in the department. Lack of cooperation with team members. Director playing both sides of the field; felt like he had his own agenda.Too much emphasis on outside activities.Lack of proper training."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"CEO needs to be more open to his employees at the bottom. I don't think he knows that there was one management person that is not a true team player. There are hidden agenda's being played out. The agenda is not for the betterment of AOS. HR needs to be more open to their employees as well. When someone goes to you with management problem, do a honest investigation. Covering up just makes it worse. You have bigger problems then you know. Forcing good suppliers into bankruptcy is not a good idea. You end up bailing them out of the hole and spending more in the long run. You have big problems letting some employee's damage your department. Have Buyers write weekly reports of what they have done for the week. It should go to the Director, VP and CEO. They should all get the same report. Click's should be discouraged, not encouraged. Where's the team atmosphere in that Good for some, but not for others. A professional dress code should be implemented. Most importantly - Keep some plants in the US. AOS is part of the US economy problem. If there are no US workers earning a paycheck, how can they buy your product ! Make it in the US sell it in the US. Make it in Mexico...sell it in Mexico. Your part of the problem here in the US just like every other manufacture that has gone to Mexico and China."