Joseph D. Liggans
Farmington Hills,MI
Summary
Results-driven automotive product development professional with extensive experience in capital budgeting and financial analysis. Proven track record of consistently meeting budget objectives while aligning with organizational goals. Expertise in enhancing efficiency and productivity through strategic financial management and process improvements. Committed to delivering innovative solutions that drive business success and foster sustainable growth.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Development – Controller - Electrification Programs
Stellantis (Formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Auburn Hills, Michigan
06.2016 - 10.2024
- Facilitated the development of material and capital tooling budget targets of $260 million to optimize high voltage battery production for STLA vehicle applications.
- Collaborated with cost engineering to enhance financial forecasting through a high voltage battery trend cost model tool.
- Collaborated with platform management to eliminate unrelated and unsubstantiated costs in powertrain segment of PHEV program.
- Analyzed and defined material and capital investment targets for powertrain components, supporting the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
- Directed implementation of three BSG electrification programs to enhance operational efficiency under $85M budget.
- Facilitated collaborative efforts in preparing detailed financial analyses for various studies, focusing on make/buy NPV evaluations and other critical assessments.
- Designed and implemented cost reduction initiatives focused on powertrain electrification, achieving savings of $7 million since 2021.
Product Development – Model Controller V6/ I6 / Electrification Programs
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
Auburn Hills, Michigan
05.2013 - 05.2016
- Formulated and managed $230 million financial budgets for FCA's new internal combustion engine (ICE) programs.
- Achieved effective financial management of powertrain programs by meticulously tracking all spending related to R&D, supplier tooling, and manufacturing, contributing to overall project success.
- Compiled and presented detailed financial reports and funding requests to support strategic decision-making by senior leadership.
- Monitored cost and capital investment for engine programs to ensure budget adherence.
- Directed team in conducting comprehensive financial analyses for diverse studies, including make/buy evaluations and NPV assessments.
- Facilitated cost compilation across multiple operating groups, including engineering, purchasing, volume planning, finance, and marketing.
- Developed and implemented standardized conventions for program financial cost tracking.
Corporate Investment Financial Control – Manager
Chrysler LLC
Auburn Hills, Michigan
08.2007 - 05.2013
- Managed financial allocations to enhance development and performance of powertrain and SRT platforms.
- Established quality control protocols to uphold product standards and minimize defects.
- Designed and implemented training programs for new employees to facilitate effective onboarding.
- Compiled and presented accurate financial information to support decision-making for executive management, board of directors, site personnel, and external auditors.
- Formulated comprehensive $9 billion budget and strategic 10-year working plan to drive corporate success.
- Delivered critical financial insights to enhance decision-making for government fuel economy initiative.
- Led project planning and implementation phases to achieve strategic objectives. Oversaw cost/benefit analysis to inform decision-making. Facilitated training sessions to enhance team capabilities.
- Delivered comprehensive monthly reports for management review. Identified and explained variances between actual results, budget expectations, and forecasts. Enhanced understanding of financial performance through detailed analysis.
- Evaluated and optimized cost management strategies to ensure operational integrity and financial accountability.
- Developed forecast models as templates for annual program spending projections.
- Facilitated collaboration among diverse teams to improve production workflows and enhance overall efficiency.
Corporate Investment Financial Control – Sr. Investment Specialist
DaimlerChrysler
Auburn Hills, Michigan
08.2003 - 08.2007
- Formulated detailed capital spending forecasts to support strategic financial planning for powertrain platform and non-production projects.
- Spearheaded strategic consolidation of DaimlerChrysler's 10-year capital plan valued at $30 billion to optimize financial efficiency.
- Formulated and directed the management of a $112 million annual budget for non-production operating groups.
- Generated and presented detailed monthly reports to inform strategic capital investment decisions.
- Achieved alignment of business objectives through the creation of a comprehensive 3-year operational plan. Drove long-term growth by formulating a strategic 10-year business plan.
- Analyzed data to produce monthly forecasts and variance reports, supporting effective strategic planning.
- Engaged with corporate accounting to ensure adherence to deadlines for month-end closing procedures.
- Supervised daily activities of a five-member information technology team, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and service quality.
- Formulated and implemented strategies to ensure alignment with Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and reinforce system policy compliance.
Truck Platform Team – Senior Cost Analyst
DaimlerChrysler
Auburn Hills, Michigan
01.2001 - 08.2003
- Analyzed market trends to establish investment and variable cost targets for Durango and Dakota trucks.
- Directed financial planning and management of $200 million capital budget for successful execution of new Durango program.
- Maintained comprehensive records of approved alterations from corporate product planning to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
- Analyzed costs and benefits associated with potential truck derivatives to optimize product offerings.
- Conducted in-depth analyses for multiple projects to support the creation of high-quality vehicles within defined program goals.
- Reviewed and analyzed financial audits of cost reduction proposals to guarantee accurate documentation of reduction outcomes.
- Oversaw execution of cost-saving measures that effectively decreased capital investment by 15%.
Vehicle Profit Analysis
Daimler Chrysler
Auburn Hills, MI
06.1999 - 01.2001
- Conducted thorough analysis of supplier cost reduction proposals, ensuring compliance with overarching strategic objectives for North American and international operations.
- Engaged with procurement, supply, engineering, and finance teams to streamline processes and improve overall operations.
- Partnered with continuous improvement team to devise and implement strategies for enhancing operational efficiency.
- Analyzed supplier performance metrics to drive improvements and support attainment of corporate annual score objectives.
- Developed and presented in-depth reports on variable cost reductions to inform senior management's decision-making process.
Logistics / Supply Chain Management
Daimler Chrysler
Auburn Hills, MI
06.1986 - 05.1999
- Managed logistics procurement for transportation services, ensuring timely delivery to diverse manufacturing plants.
- Analyzed logistics requirements and designed cost-effective routes to enhance delivery efficiency.
- Conducted thorough assessments of inventory levels to pinpoint areas for cost reduction and optimize resource allocation.
- Designated as mentor, fostering professional growth within Chrysler Careers.
- Oversaw real-time tracking and updates of freight shipments to optimize logistics for assembly plant.
- Facilitated efficient ground expedite and air-chartered transportation operations to meet client needs.
Education
MBA - Finance
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MISkills
- Effective communicator in both verbal and written formats
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Timeline
Product Development – Controller - Electrification Programs
Stellantis (Formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
06.2016 - 10.2024
Product Development – Model Controller V6/ I6 / Electrification Programs
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
05.2013 - 05.2016
Corporate Investment Financial Control – Manager
Chrysler LLC
08.2007 - 05.2013
Corporate Investment Financial Control – Sr. Investment Specialist
DaimlerChrysler
08.2003 - 08.2007
Truck Platform Team – Senior Cost Analyst
DaimlerChrysler
01.2001 - 08.2003
Vehicle Profit Analysis
Daimler Chrysler
06.1999 - 01.2001
Logistics / Supply Chain Management
Daimler Chrysler
06.1986 - 05.1999
MBA - Finance
University of Detroit Mercy
Core competencies include
- Financial Analysis
- Budgeting
- Problem Solving
- Forecasting
- Cost Reductions
- Regulatory Compliance
- Sarbanes-Oxley
- Technology Integration
- Efficiency Improvements