Full-Time
Director – IT
Manufacturing & Quality
Posted on 11/28/2025
Fortune Brands
1,001-5,000 employees
Markets branded water, outdoor, security solutions
No salary listed
Highland Park, IL, USA
Hybrid
 Operations & Logistics (2) |
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- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Technology, or related field.
- Deep understanding of both discrete manufacturing processes and process manufacturing processes.
- 10+ years of experience transforming or simplifying business processes and capabilities for manufacturing and quality organization using on-premises and cloud-based SAP and Oracle ERP.
- Experience in leading 2+ complete life cycle deployments of SAP or Oracle ERP solutions across large global manufacturing businesses.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud) and Manufacturing Execution Systems platforms.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 enablers such as IIoT, edge computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, robotic process automation, and digital twins.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and quality leadership team member and act as a trusted technology advisor.
- Own the business-IT relationship for global manufacturing and quality organizations.
- Own system enablement of end-to-end business processes in line with industry leading practices.
- Collaborate with IT and come up with pragmatic IT solutions to meet the strategic objectives and address operational challenges through strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Develop Technology strategy and 3 Year roadmaps for Manufacturing and Quality, aligned with business strategy, impact and value.
- In close collaboration with key manufacturing and IT stakeholders, execute and own IT enabled transformation for manufacturing and quality processes and capabilities in line with enterprise Supply Chain and manufacturing goals and broader Supply Chain IT strategy.
- Execute and own transformational initiative to digitize and optimize end-to-end manufacturing quality processes and capabilities using cloud based ERP (SAP, Oracle), MES, IIoT, digital twins, predictive maintenance, agentic AI, and smart factory technology solutions tailored for both discrete and process manufacturing environments.
- Own change management and project management for IT enabled transformational and continuous improvement initiatives for Manufacturing and Quality.
- Drive effective implementation of IT-enabled change, using structured project management and change management methodologies to ensure user adoption, process integration, and sustained business value.
- Deliver key transformational initiatives in the agreed upon time and budget.
- Own the initiatives for business to realizes the value from these transformation initiatives. Drive user adoption and refine business operating system.
- Define, measure, and own key metrics and work with Manufacturing and quality organization and enable organization to realize the improvement in performance and value through these key metrics.
- Collaborate with business and IT and drive continuous improvements.
- Evaluate and prioritize business IT requests based on strategic impact, ROI, and operational urgency. Facilitate demand governance processes to manage IT capacity and resource alignment.
- Ensure regulatory requirements across diverse manufacturing models.
- Champion the use of real-time data, KPIs, and analytics to improve yield, reduce variability, increase throughput, and ensure consistent quality in both batch and discrete production environments.
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Technology, or related field is preferred.
- PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.
Fortune Brands Innovations (FBIN) focuses on water, outdoors, and security solutions for homes, commercial buildings, and security-conscious consumers. It sells branded products through retail stores, online platforms, and direct sales to builders, relying on its portfolio of trusted brands and a disciplined channel strategy to reach a broad audience. The company operates using the Fortune Brands Advantage, a business model that emphasizes brand leadership, continuous product improvement, and expanding distribution to drive long‑term growth. FBIN differentiates itself from competitors by leveraging its strong brand recognition, a diversified product mix across water, outdoor, and security categories, and an active approach to channel management to reach both consumers and professional builders. Its goal is to achieve sustained growth and market share gains by maintaining brand leadership, expanding distribution, and meeting evolving customer needs with practical, reliable products.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Deerfield, Illinois
Founded
2012
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Amit Banati's May 13, 2026 CEO appointment brings 35 years consumer expertise.
- $1.25B credit facility extended to 2031 enables innovation investments.
- Z-Wave Alliance membership expands Yale smart lock interoperability.
What critics are saying
- Housing slump cuts Moen and Therma-Tru demand through 2027.
- Interim CEO Dave Barry's execution fails shrink margins to 11.1%.
- Ed Garden's 3% stake triggers Cabinets spin-off proxy fight by 2027.
What makes Fortune Brands unique
- Fortune Brands leads with Moen faucets, Therma-Tru doors, and Master Lock security.
- Fortune Brands Advantage model drives brand innovation in water and outdoors.
- Acquired Emtek, Schaub, Yale, and August in June 2023 for connected home security.
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Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Company News
Fortune Brands reported Q4 revenues of $1.08 billion, down 2.4% year-on-year and missing analysts' expectations by 5.5%. The company, which manufactures plumbing, security and outdoor living products, delivered a disappointing quarter with full-year earnings per share guidance falling short of expectations. CEO Nicholas Fink acknowledged the challenging external environment whilst highlighting progress on strategic initiatives. The stock has fallen 38.3% since the results and currently trades at $38.44. Among 12 tracked home construction materials stocks, the sector showed mixed Q4 results. Revenues collectively beat consensus estimates by 1%, though next quarter's guidance was in line. Share prices have averaged a 19.7% decline since earnings announcements. Trex performed best in the sector, beating revenue expectations by 11.3%.
Fortune Brands Innovation has fallen nearly 30% year to date and over 50% from 2021 highs, significantly underperforming the S&P 500. The home products company, which owns brands including Moen faucets, Therma-Tru doors and Master Lock, has been heavily impacted by a sluggish housing market since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in 2022. The company currently holds a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), with earnings estimates revised lower by 10.3% for this year and 14.6% for next year. Over the past five years, earnings have declined nearly 40% whilst annual sales have dropped more than 22% from their 2019 peak. With interest rates remaining elevated and affordability constrained, analysts see limited near-term catalysts for recovery in this cyclical business.
Fortune Brands shareholders have endured a difficult six months, with the stock dropping 26.4% to $38.10, partly due to softer quarterly results. Despite the cheaper valuation, concerns remain about the company's fundamentals. Fortune Brands failed to grow organic revenue over the past two years, suggesting potential issues with its products, pricing or go-to-market strategy. Its operating margin decreased by 9.8 percentage points over five years, whilst earnings per share declined 8.9% annually during the same period, even as revenue grew 4.3%. The stock currently trades at 10.6× forward price-to-earnings ratio. Whilst the valuation appears reasonable, the company's weakening fundamentals present significant downside risk for investors.
Fortune Brands Innovations experienced a major leadership shakeup this week after activist investor Ed Garden struck a cooperation agreement to join the board. Amit Banati, who was announced as incoming CEO in February with a mid-May start date, stepped down before officially beginning, receiving $18.4 million in cash including an $8 million sign-on bonus and $6 million in accelerated stock vesting. The upheaval followed Garden's firm building a 3% stake after the initial CEO announcement. CFO Jonathan Baksht also departed after less than a year. Former CFO David Barry will serve as interim CEO whilst the board searches for a permanent replacement. Garden joined Fortune Brands' compensation and nominating committees and agreed to cap his stake below 9.9%. Separately, Pictet Asset Management disclosed a 7.6% stake worth $493 million.
Fortune Brands Innovations names Amit Banati as CEO to accelerate growth. * February 13, 2026 Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. appointed Amit Banati as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 13, 2026. He will succeed Nicholas Fink, who will step down on April 1, 2026. Fink will leave to pursue a professional opportunity outside the Company. Susan Kilsby will serve as Executive Chair beginning February 12, 2026. She will manage CEO duties during the short transition period. Afterward, she will return as Non-executive Chair of the Board. Fink reflects on leadership journey. "It has been my enormous privilege to serve as CEO of Fortune Brands for the last six years. I've been offered a new and unique professional opportunity that comes at a natural turning point for both me and Fortune Brands," said Fink. "I am deeply grateful to all our associates and proud of what we've accomplished - transforming our Company to leverage our unique strengths in branding, innovation, and complex channels, while making important structural changes to support future growth. Now that the foundations of this transformation are in place, Fortune Brands is moving into a new chapter centered on disciplined execution, further optimization, and capitalizing on the substantial upside ahead. I am confident that Amit is the right person to lead Fortune Brands forward," continued Fink. Banati's experience and vision. Banati brings extensive experience across leading global consumer products companies. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Kenvue. Previously, he held senior roles at Kellanova and Kellogg Company. He also worked with Mondelez, Cadbury Schweppes, and Procter & Gamble. Banati has served on the Fortune Brands Board for nearly six years. He chairs the Audit Committee and will remain on the Board. "Amit has a proven ability to drive results and bring strategic clarity, operational rigor, and a brand- and customer-first mindset," said Kilsby. "Amit's appointment is the result of a comprehensive succession planning process conducted by the Board. His experience as a Board member and Audit Committee chair, combined with his expertise in managing renowned brands and guiding complex organizations with discipline and precision, makes him highly qualified to lead Fortune Brands. We are confident that Amit will advance the Company's strategic priorities and leverage Fortune Brands Advantage Capabilities to create outstanding opportunities for all stakeholders." Banati commented, "I am truly excited to lead this exceptional Company at such a pivotal moment in its evolution. Fortune Brands has a powerful portfolio of brands, a strong foundation of innovation, and a talented team that is deeply committed to excellence. I look forward to working more closely with our associates, customers, partners, and shareholders to continue growing our brands, advancing our work in innovative, industry-leading products, and creating long term, sustainable shareholder value. With a clear strategy in place, my focus will be on disciplined execution and driving the next phase of performance and growth for the Company." Kilsby continued, "On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deep gratitude to Nick for his exceptional leadership as CEO over the past six years - a period marked by significant external volatility. Through it all, he provided a visionary approach that transformed the business in meaningful and lasting ways. His commitment to leveraging the Company's strengths, modernizing our capabilities, and positioning us for long-term growth has left a powerful and positive imprint on the organization. We are profoundly grateful for his dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in the potential of our people and our strategy." For more stories on executive leadership and business innovations, explore its CXO Insiders for the latest updates. CXO Insiders. * February 13, 2026 * February 12, 2026