Janice K. Smith

• Pioneered the development and launch of the all-new Ford Protect Off-Road Coverage Extended Service Plan (ESP), marking an industry-first achievement for the OEM
• Increased Ford Protect Extended Service Plan sales by 22%
• Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends and recommend actionable improvements
• Collaborated with stakeholders to align service plan offerings with market demands and customer expectations
• Leveraged user data to drive stakeholder decision-making

Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE | TVM / VCAT)

• Facilitated structured VA/VE (Total Value Management) initiatives through cross‑functional cost workshops to analyze vehicle systems, establish business case cost targets and improve overall product value across the lifecycle
• Conducted systematic, data‑driven cost assessments using internal cost tools to support design‑to‑cost decisions, ensure competitive vehicle pricing and enable successful Job 1 / SOP execution
• Directed Vehicle Cost Attack Team (VCAT) activities for Explorer and Mustang programs, driving disciplined execution of cost‑reduction initiatives aligned to program financials and launch readiness
• Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to optimize cost workflow management.
• Delivered $100K+ in incremental cost savings, exceeding North America VCAT targets by identifying and implementing high‑impact VA/VE opportunities without compromising quality, performance or customer requirements
• Championed cross‑functional collaboration across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and finance to evaluate design alternatives, supplier strategies, and process improvements focused on function‑to‑cost optimization
• Integrated VA/VE outcomes into program governance, risk mitigation, and leadership reviews, improving transparency, decision‑making rigor and financial performance throughout program execution

• Directed two commercial heavy truck programs, H567 & VN127, as program manager and launch leader. Drove new product introduction deliverables and promoted effective teamwork. Led a launch team of 40 cross-functional members located at the Ohio Assembly Plant to achieve program goals.
• Lincoln MKX PM: Achieved 100% quality of financials at PA milestone through effective management of the sourcing process for 81 CPA packages. Authored key milestone and senior management papers to influence program direction and feature sourcing.
• Global Change Management Team Leader for North America: Developed and executed seven process improvements to streamline implementation of complex cross-carline engineering changes, reducing change "aging" by 20 days.
• International Service: Assigned to Europe for a two-year term to support global vehicle initiatives.
• Collaborated on a total 22 vehicle programs and supported the successful launch of nine to enhance product offerings at Ford Motor Company.