## 📍 Job Overview **Job Title:** Manager, Product Strategy & Insights **Company:** Fortune Brands **Location:** Deerfield, Illinois, United States **Job Type:** Full-time **Category:** Product Strategy & Operations **Date Posted:** July 22, 2025 **Experience Level:** 5-10 Years **Remote Status:** Hybrid ### 🚀 Role Summary * Lead and mentor a team of sales and pricing analysts, driving strategic decision-making through data-driven insights and actionable recommendations. * Oversee the accuracy and effectiveness of sales forecasting models and pricing optimization strategies across multiple business units. * Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure data consistency and strategic alignment for Go-To-Market (GTM) initiatives. * Develop and implement advanced analytical tools and dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), sales performance, and market trends, influencing product roadmap and revenue growth. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** This role sits at the intersection of Product Management, Sales Operations, and Analytics. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" title, the responsibilities heavily involve sales forecasting, pricing strategy, and market analysis which are critical components of revenue generation and operational efficiency. The emphasis on leading a team and influencing senior leadership suggests a mid-to-senior level operations-focused leadership role. ### 📈 Primary Responsibilities * **Team Leadership & Development:** Manage, mentor, and develop a team of sales and pricing analysts, fostering a high-performance culture focused on data integrity and actionable insights. * **Sales Forecasting & Performance Analysis:** Oversee the development, refinement, and execution of sales forecasts across all business units, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and market dynamics. Analyze sales performance trends to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions. * **Pricing Strategy & Optimization:** Support strategic pricing initiatives by conducting in-depth analysis of customer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of pricing actions and promotional strategies, identifying opportunities for optimization to maximize revenue and profitability. * **Market Evaluation & Insights Generation:** Lead market opportunity assessments and competitive analysis to inform product strategy, business development, and Go-To-Market (GTM) planning. Translate complex data sets into clear, concise, and compelling insights for senior leadership. * **Cross-Functional Collaboration & Alignment:** Coordinate and collaborate effectively with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure data consistency, shared understanding of forecasts and market insights, and alignment on strategic business initiatives. * **Data & Tools Development:** Develop and implement advanced tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to effectively track KPIs, sales performance, and market trends, enabling proactive decision-making. * **Strategic Initiative Support:** Translate analytical findings into actionable recommendations that directly influence product development, sales planning, marketing strategies, and overall business direction. * **Process Improvement:** Ensure data integrity and drive continuous improvement of forecasting, pricing, and analytical processes through the implementation of best practices and automation where applicable. * **Stakeholder Management:** Represent the analytics function in executive meetings, sales summits, and industry events, effectively communicating insights and recommendations to diverse audiences. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The responsibilities clearly indicate a strong focus on driving revenue through analytical insights, strategic forecasting, and pricing optimization. This aligns closely with the goals of Sales Operations and Revenue Operations functions, particularly in supporting GTM strategy and business performance improvements. The emphasis on leading a team and influencing senior leadership suggests a strategic operational role. ### 🎓 Skills & Qualifications **Education:** * Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, Statistics, or a closely related quantitative field. * Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., MBA, Analytics, Economics) is strongly preferred. **Experience:** * Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in sales forecasting, pricing analysis, market research, business intelligence, or a related analytical role. * At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role, managing and mentoring a team of analysts or professionals. * Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sales forecasts and pricing strategies. * Proven track record of translating complex data into actionable business insights and influencing senior leadership. **Required Skills:** * Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of analysts, foster collaboration, and drive performance. * Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Strong quantitative skills with the ability to synthesize complex data, identify trends, and develop strategic recommendations. * Sales Forecasting Proficiency: Deep understanding of various sales forecasting methodologies and experience in building and refining forecast models. * Pricing Strategy & Analysis: Expertise in pricing analytics, market evaluation, competitive analysis, and the impact of pricing on revenue and profitability. * Data Visualization & Reporting: Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) and advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting. * Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex analytical findings clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership. * Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams, building strong relationships and driving alignment. **Preferred Skills:** * Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for data extraction and analysis. * Familiarity with statistical software or programming languages (e.g., R, Python) for advanced analytics. * Experience in the consumer goods, building products, or related industries. * Knowledge of market research methodologies and tools. * Experience with business intelligence platforms and data warehousing concepts. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The required skills directly align with core competencies for operations roles focused on revenue generation and strategic planning. The emphasis on leadership, analytical rigor, and cross-functional collaboration is crucial for success in this type of operations management position. Proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools is a baseline expectation, with advanced analytics skills being a strong differentiator. ### 📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements **Portfolio Essentials:** * **Case Study: Sales Forecast Improvement:** A detailed case study showcasing a time you significantly improved the accuracy or methodology of a sales forecast, including the challenges faced, the analytical approach used, the tools implemented, and the measurable impact on sales performance or business planning. * **Case Study: Pricing Optimization Initiative:** A comprehensive example demonstrating your involvement in a pricing strategy initiative. This should detail the market and competitive analysis performed, the pricing models developed, the implementation process, and the resulting impact on revenue, margin, or market share. * **Dashboard/Reporting Example:** A sample of a dashboard or key report you designed to track sales performance, market trends, or pricing KPIs. Highlight the key metrics, visualization techniques, and how it facilitated data-driven decision-making for stakeholders. * **Team Leadership Example:** While not a typical portfolio item, be prepared to discuss your approach to team leadership, mentorship, and developing analytical talent, backed by specific examples of how you've empowered your teams to deliver impactful insights. **Process Documentation:** * Demonstrate understanding of the end-to-end process for developing and refining sales forecasts, including data sourcing, model building, validation, and ongoing monitoring. * Be prepared to articulate your methodology for market opportunity assessments and competitive analysis, including data gathering, synthesis, and actionable insight generation. * Showcase your approach to process improvement, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of analytical workflows, reporting, and cross-functional data sharing. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** For a role requiring leadership in product strategy and insights, a portfolio should not only showcase analytical output but also strategic thinking, process ownership, and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to present on how they've driven tangible business outcomes through their analytical work and team management. ### 💵 Compensation & Benefits **Salary Range:** * Based on industry benchmarks for a Managerial role in Product Strategy & Insights with 5-10 years of experience in the Deerfield, Illinois area, the estimated base salary range is **$93,000 to $143,000 USD per year**. **Benefits:** * **Comprehensive Health Plans:** Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance options to support overall well-being. * **Market-Leading 401(k) Program:** A competitive retirement savings plan with a significant company contribution. * **Product Discounts:** Opportunities to purchase company products at a discounted rate. * **Flexible Time Off Benefits:** Generous paid time off policies, including half-day summer Fridays as per company policy, promoting work-life balance. * **Inclusive Fertility & Adoption Benefits:** Support for family planning through specialized benefits. * **Annual Bonus Plan:** Participation in an annual bonus plan tied to company and individual performance, rewarding contributions to business objectives. * **Employee Resource Groups (ERGs):** Access to various ERGs to foster inclusivity, networking, and a sense of belonging. **Working Hours:** * The role is listed as full-time, typically implying around 40 hours per week. However, given the hybrid work arrangement and the nature of strategic and analytical roles, there may be flexibility. Some evening or weekend work might be necessary during peak periods or critical project phases, but this is generally managed with flexible scheduling. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The provided salary range of $93,000 - $143,000 USD is directly from the job posting and aligns with typical compensation for a Manager-level role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, considering the required experience and responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional development. ## 🎯 Team & Company Context ### 🏢 Company Culture **Industry:** Fortune Brands Innovations operates within the consumer goods and building products sectors, focusing on creating innovative products for homes, including areas like plumbing, doors, cabinets, countertops, and security. The company aims to transform spaces into havens and improve lives through its products. **Company Size:** Fortune Brands Innovations is a large, publicly traded company (NYSE: FBIN) with a significant global presence, indicating a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for broad impact. **Founded:** Fortune Brands Innovations has a history that has evolved through strategic acquisitions and divestitures, with its current structure focusing on innovation and growth in specific home product categories. The company's forward-looking approach emphasizes innovation and customer focus. **Team Structure:** * The role reports into a leadership position responsible for Product Strategy and Insights, likely a Director or VP. * The direct team consists of sales and pricing analysts, suggesting a functional alignment within a broader Product Management, Marketing, or Commercial Operations department. * Significant cross-functional collaboration is expected with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams, indicating a highly integrated operational environment. **Methodology:** * **Data-Driven Decision Making:** The core of this role is leveraging data to inform strategic decisions, emphasizing analytical rigor and evidence-based recommendations. * Process Optimization: A continuous improvement mindset is expected, focusing on refining sales forecasting, pricing strategies, and analytical workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy. * Collaborative Innovation: The company culture encourages proactive thinking, learning, and bold decisions, fostering an environment where insights from this role can directly shape product development and market strategies. **Company Website:** [https://www.fbin.com/](https://www.fbin.com/) > **📝 Enhancement Note:** Understanding Fortune Brands' focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and improving lives provides context for the type of insights and strategic recommendations expected from this role. The company's structure implies a need for robust operational processes and data-driven strategies to support its diverse brand portfolio. ### 📈 Career & Growth Analysis **Operations Career Level:** This position is a Managerial role, representing a significant step up from an individual contributor analyst role. It demands leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence business outcomes through a team. It's positioned to be a key contributor to the company's commercial and product strategy execution. **Reporting Structure:** The Manager, Product Strategy & Insights will likely report to a Director or Vice President level executive within Product Management, Marketing, or a dedicated Strategy/Insights function. They will manage a team of analysts, providing direct guidance and career development support. **Operations Impact:** The role has a direct impact on revenue generation through accurate sales forecasting, optimal pricing strategies, and informed market evaluations. Insights generated will influence product development roadmaps, Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, and overall business planning, making it a critical function for the company's financial performance and strategic direction. **Growth Opportunities:** * **Advancement to Senior Management:** Potential to advance to Director-level roles in Product Strategy, Sales Operations, Revenue Operations, or Business Intelligence, managing larger teams and broader strategic responsibilities. * Specialization in Product Analytics: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories or analytical domains, becoming a subject matter expert within the organization. * Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to move into leadership roles in related functions such as Sales Operations, Marketing Analytics, or even Product Management, leveraging the strategic insights and analytical skills gained. * Industry Exposure: As part of a large, diversified company, there are opportunities to gain exposure to various aspects of the consumer goods and building products industries. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** This role offers a clear path for career progression within operations and strategy. The emphasis on leadership and strategic influence provides a strong foundation for advancing into senior management or specialized operational leadership roles. ### 🌐 Work Environment **Office Type:** The job posting indicates a hybrid work arrangement, suggesting a mix of in-office and remote work. The office is located at 520 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Illinois. This implies a professional, corporate office setting designed for collaboration and focused work. **Office Location(s):** The primary office location is Deerfield, Illinois. This area is a suburban business hub north of Chicago, offering access to amenities and a professional business environment. **Workspace Context:** * Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest an environment where team members work together, share insights, and contribute to collective goals. * Technology & Tools: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including necessary software for data analysis, visualization, communication, and project management. * Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior leaders through team meetings, project discussions, and strategic reviews. **Work Schedule:** The role is full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement. This typically means a set number of days in the office per week (e.g., 2-3 days) and the remainder working remotely. The specific schedule will likely be discussed and agreed upon during the interview process. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration essential for team leadership and strategic alignment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their preferred hybrid working style. ### 📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process **Interview Process:** * Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. * Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your leadership experience, strategic thinking, and technical skills related to sales forecasting and pricing analysis. * Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with potential team members and cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., from Sales, Marketing, Finance) to evaluate collaboration style and functional expertise. * Case Study/Presentation: A common step for this level of role, where candidates are asked to present on a prepared case study from their portfolio or tackle a hypothetical business problem related to sales forecasting, pricing, or market analysis. * Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior leader (Director/VP) to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company. **Portfolio Review Tips:** * Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role and actions, the methodology/tools used, and most importantly, the quantifiable results and business impact (e.g., improved forecast accuracy by X%, increased revenue by Y%, identified Z% cost savings). * Structure Your Narrative: Use a clear structure (e.g., STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell compelling stories about your achievements. * Highlight Leadership: If discussing team management, focus on your approach to mentoring, developing talent, and driving team performance. * Tailor to the Role: Emphasize examples that directly relate to sales forecasting, pricing optimization, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. * Conciseness is Key: Be prepared to present your portfolio effectively within a given timeframe, highlighting the most relevant and impactful aspects. **Challenge Preparation:** * If a live case study is given, focus on understanding the business context, clearly defining the problem, outlining your analytical approach, making reasonable assumptions, and presenting actionable recommendations. * Be ready to discuss your thought process, how you would gather data, what analytical tools you might use, and how you would measure success. * Practice articulating your solutions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to senior leadership. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The interview process is likely to be rigorous, assessing both technical acumen and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate the impact of your work are critical for success. ### 🛠 Tools & Technology Stack **Primary Tools:** * Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency is a must for data manipulation, analysis, modeling, and reporting. This includes complex formulas, pivot tables, data validation, and possibly VBA for automation. * Data Visualization Tools: Experience with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker is essential for creating insightful dashboards and reports that communicate trends and KPIs effectively. * CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Familiarity with CRM data structures and reporting capabilities for extracting and analyzing sales-related information. * ERP Systems: Understanding of how data flows from ERP systems for financial and operational reporting. **Analytics & Reporting:** * Business Intelligence Platforms: Experience with BI tools for creating self-service analytics and interactive dashboards. * Statistical Software/Languages (Preferred): Proficiency in R, Python, or SPSS for more advanced statistical analysis, modeling, and predictive analytics. * Database Querying (SQL): Ability to write SQL queries to extract and manipulate data from various databases. **CRM & Automation:** * Salesforce: Likely the primary CRM, used for managing customer relationships and sales pipelines. * Forecasting Software: Potential use of specialized forecasting software or modules within ERP/CRM systems. * Data Integration Tools: Understanding of how data is integrated from various sources into analytical platforms. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** A strong command of Excel and a leading data visualization tool is non-negotiable. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with SQL and potentially statistical programming languages like R or Python would be highly advantageous for advanced analysis and modeling, positioning candidates strongly for this role. ### 👥 Team Culture & Values **Operations Values:** * Data-Driven Excellence: A commitment to using data as the foundation for all strategic decisions and operational improvements. * Customer Focus: Understanding that operational efficiency and product strategy ultimately serve the end customer and drive business growth. * Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where information is shared openly, and teams work together effectively across departments. * Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, adapting to market changes, and continuously seeking ways to improve processes and outcomes. * Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and delivering on commitments. **Collaboration Style:** * Cross-Functional Partnership: Proactive engagement with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to gather insights, share data, and align strategies. * Insight Sharing: Regularly presenting findings, recommendations, and performance updates to various stakeholder groups. * Process Improvement Feedback Loops: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback on analytical processes and reporting from internal users. * Team Support: Providing guidance and support to direct reports, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** The company values emphasize innovation and data-driven approaches, which are central to effective operations management. The collaborative style is crucial for a role that bridges multiple departments to achieve revenue and product strategy goals. ### ⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities **Challenges:** * Data Complexity & Integration: Managing and integrating data from disparate systems across various product lines and business units can be challenging. Ensuring data integrity and consistency is paramount. * Influencing Without Direct Authority: The role requires influencing senior stakeholders and cross-functional partners who may not report directly to the Manager, necessitating strong communication and persuasion skills. * Balancing Strategic Vision with Tactical Execution: Effectively leading a team while also diving deep into data analysis and ensuring timely delivery of insights and forecasts. * Adapting to Market Dynamics: Staying ahead of rapidly changing market conditions, competitive actions, and consumer trends to ensure forecasts and strategies remain relevant and accurate. * Team Development: Continuously developing the skills of the analyst team to keep pace with evolving analytical tools and methodologies. **Learning & Development Opportunities:** * Advanced Analytics Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in areas like predictive modeling, machine learning, and advanced statistical techniques. * Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing professional certifications in analytics, operations, or product management. * Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external training programs focused on leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management. * Exposure to Diverse Product Lines: Gaining broad experience across Fortune Brands' portfolio of companies and product categories. * Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders within the organization. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** Highlighting potential challenges demonstrates a realistic understanding of the role's demands, while emphasizing growth opportunities showcases the potential for professional development and career advancement. ### 💡 Interview Preparation **Strategy Questions:** * "Describe a time you significantly improved the accuracy of a sales forecast. What was your methodology, and what was the impact?" (Focus on data sources, modeling techniques, validation, and measurable results.) * "How do you approach pricing optimization in a dynamic market? Walk me through a successful pricing strategy you influenced." (Emphasize market analysis, competitive benchmarking, elasticity, and impact on revenue/margin.) * "How do you translate complex data into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders, particularly senior leadership?" (Prepare examples of clear, concise presentations and effective storytelling with data.) * "How would you structure and manage a team of analysts to ensure high performance and continuous development?" (Discuss your leadership philosophy, mentoring approach, and performance management strategies.) * "Describe a challenging cross-functional project you led or contributed to. How did you ensure alignment and overcome obstacles?" (Highlight collaboration skills, communication strategies, and conflict resolution.) **Company & Culture Questions:** * "What do you know about Fortune Brands Innovations and our strategic focus?" (Research the company's brands, mission, recent news, and financial performance.) * "How does your analytical approach align with our company values of innovation and data-driven decision-making?" (Connect your experience and philosophy to the company's stated values.) * "How do you stay current with industry trends and best practices in sales forecasting and pricing analysis?" (Showcase a commitment to continuous learning.) **Portfolio Presentation Strategy:** * **Craft a compelling narrative:** For each case study, start with the business context and problem, detail your specific actions and analytical approach, and conclude with the measurable outcomes and business impact. * Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the tangible value you delivered (e.g., percentage improvements, dollar amounts saved or generated). * Be prepared for deep dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, data sources, assumptions, and decision-making process. * Focus on leadership: If presenting team management examples, highlight your role in enabling the team's success. * Practice your delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows well, is concise, and stays within the allotted time. > **📝 Enhancement Note:** Preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical depth in analytics and strategic leadership. Candidates need to articulate not just *what* they did, but *why* and *how* it impacted the business, with measurable results. ### 📌 Application Steps To apply for this operations position: * Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform. * **Tailor your resume:** Highlight leadership experience, specific achievements in sales forecasting, pricing analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "sales forecasting," "pricing optimization," "market analysis," "data-driven insights," "team leadership"). * **Prepare your portfolio:** Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that showcase your analytical skills, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities, specifically focusing on sales forecasting and pricing strategy. Be ready to present these in detail. * **Research Fortune Brands:** Understand the company's brands, mission, recent performance, and strategic priorities to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest. * **Practice your interview answers:** Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership, analytical problem-solving, and strategic thinking, using specific examples from your experience. > **⚠️ Important Notice:** This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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Manager, Product Strategy & Insights