Experience

Lowe & Fletcher Group
• United Kingdom
• Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Group IT Manager

  • May 2023 - Present


Unipart Powertrain Applications Limited (Unipart Manufacturing Group)

• IT Manager (Group)

  • Sep 2016 - May 2023

  Management of the IT function, supporting around 250 end users with a team of three direct reports, within UPA and it's associated UMG companies: o HYPERBAT o Samuel James Engineering o Serck Heat Exchange o Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Recent achievements include: o A full reimplementation of our IFS ERP system on a 9 month turnaround o Introduction of new ITIL systems management and monitoring systems o Full replacement of all network switches o Nutanix HCI (Hyper Converged Infrastructure) cluster o Nutanix redundant cluster o HYCU hybrid cloud backup solution o Implementation of Shop Floor Production Data Capture system o Implementation of Lobster for EDI automation o Introduction of Office 365 and Sharepoint o Involved in the implementation and testing of world-first 5G Digital Twin technology (partners included BT, Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, NVIDIA, Masters of Pie and The Grid Factory) Show less



Lawrence Automotive Interiors (VMC) Ltd

• United Kingdom
• Automotive
• 1 - 100 Employee

• ICT Manager

  • Sep 2013 - Sep 2016

  ICT Manager with two direct reports and responsibility for all aspects of IT infrastructure and internal software development. A hands-on role that was as varied as it was challenging. With two direct reports (tech support and development staff), 150 IT users were supported in addition to critical business systems such as ERP, EDI and Tier One track sequencing systems. Working closely with departmental managers and directors, I actively developed and implemented robust business applications, beginning with the initial concept in many cases. Milestones and achievements: o Expanded server virtualisation (P2V and V2V), migrated from VMware to Hyper-V o Introduced server clustering o Improved backups and disaster recovery (D2D2D) o Introduced hardware and software monitoring system (using Zabbix) o Improved file security process (role based permissions) o Introduced WDC/SFDC (Shop Floor Data Capture) for production and inventory control o Introduced SSRS based reporting for scheduled and on-the-fly reporting and KPIs Developed and implemented: o Serialised part barcode labelling and scanning system (integrating non-conformance data capture, despatch management, EDI tier 1 track sequencing, production planning integration etc) o Improved manufacturing planning systems with numerous operational benefits o Enhanced inventory management logic resulting in a 10-15% reduction in WIP o Tier 1 EDI sequencing solution for boxing and delivering parts to the Jaguar XF/XJ/XK production lines o Engineering management system/database for improved knowledge management Show less



E J Bowman Ltd

• United Kingdom
• Mechanical Or Industrial Engineering
• 1 - 100 Employee

• IT Manager

  • Jun 2012 - Dec 2012

  Reporting to the Chief Executive and Operations Manager with hands-on responsibility for all aspects of the IT and communications systems, this role involved the modernisation of the IT infrastructure and the implementation of an MRP system (123Insight). Areas for improvement were quickly identified and included: communications; networking; server hardware; e-mail; anti-virus; desktops; operating systems; security; backup; disaster recovery; procedures; organisation and documentation; patch management; remote access etc., all of which having stagnated for several years. Systems were updated, renewed and upgraded as necessary and proposals drawn up for the introduction of server and desktop virtualisation to aid in the MRP implementation and subsequent access to legacy applications. Unfortunately, the business decided that the possible/proposed modernisation schedule was far too ambitious, preferring much slower progression, rendering the IT Manager position redundant. Milestones and achievements: • Reduced external support spend by 50% • Cumulative IT savings resulted in budget neutral improvements and upgrades • Identified and corrected critical failures in the backup and disaster recovery procedures • Planned and implemented an overhaul of most aspects of the IT infrastructure • Virtualised legacy Windows 2000 and 2003 servers • Planned and built a new virtualised infrastructure (Hyper-V) • Trained in the implementation and operation of the 123Insight MRP system Show less



Emerge-IT

• Project Manager (ERP Development & Implementation)

  • Mar 2012 - Jun 2012

  A history of business management in addition to software and database development experience were ideal characteristics for this customer-facing multi-dimensional ERP development and implementation role. Initial training was completed quickly and project work began within around 4 weeks. This involved the analysis of customer requirements, programming, training, implementation and subsequent support of the Priority ERP system, with full ownership of the entire project lifecycle. This role was considered to be a long term role with good opportunities for progression but an offer to take on a new role as IT Manager of EJ Bowman with even greater prospects was simply too good to turn down. Milestones and achievements: • Trained in the implementation, operation and development of the Priority ERP system and 4G language • Extremely rapid learning capability (4 day training sessions condensed into 1) • Quickly became proficient in the bespoke Priority 4GL development environment • Given a client project within a few weeks with minimal oversight Show less



Applied Cooling Technology Ltd

• Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

• Business Systems / IT Manager

  • Sep 2003 - Jun 2011

  Working closely with the Managing and Finance Directors under the direction of the Chairman, my role was to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the business with hands-on responsibility for all aspects of group IT systems, communications and other operations, both in the UK and USA (the UK business was sold in 2011 and the US business in 2012). A policy of constant review, improvement and evaluation resulted in an extremely reliable, secure, cost effective and efficient IT infrastructure. An innate ability to see beyond the obvious coupled with a belief that there is always a solution to every problem results in excellent troubleshooting and diagnostics. Milestones and achievements: • Planned, installed and commissioned all IT infrastructure, equipment and services at new UK and USA business locations with shared services over VPN. • Introduced new technologies such as CAD/CAM, 3D modelling and parametric CAD assemblies. • 100% data availability maintained through multiple layers of redundant backup and replication. • Virtualised multiple servers resulting in 75% reduction in physical servers and significant savings in energy, licensing, maintenance etc. • Conceptualised and developed Access/SQL clocking and workshop data capture system, leading to a reduced workload in Accounting, enabling real-time reporting and increased data accuracy. • Several old web sites consolidated and new web site developed. Show less



Britannia Heat Transfer Ltd

• Manager (incl IT)

  • Jul 1989 - Sep 2003

  My involvement in implementing the company's IT requirements sparked a long held love of technology, computing and software. This passion led to the inception and successful implementation of many innovative projects, many beyond the normal scope of an average SME engineering business. Additional responsibilities included Communications, Employment, Contracts, Legal and Litigation, Health & Safety, Security, Planning and Analysis, Marketing & Web Design etc. Milestones and achievements: • Introduced and developed all aspects of the organisation’s IT infrastructure and services. • Developed business and departmental web sites from early 90s to present day. • Developed company’s order processing applications used for purchasing, sales, stock control, invoicing etc., initially using a MS Access database, later upgraded to MS SQL Server. • Developed manufacturing control application used in the development and manufacture of bespoke assemblies, recording tooling and production data, generating production drawings etc., allowing managers to analyse productivity and quality data. Show less



The Heatex Group

• United Kingdom
• Retail

• Draughtsman, Thermal & Mechanical Designer

  • 1987 - 1989

  Manual and computer aided design of shell & tube and air-blast heat exchangers for the marine and power generation industries. Manual and computer aided design of shell & tube and air-blast heat exchangers for the marine and power generation industries.



Heat Transfer Specialists Ltd

• Trainee Fitter/Welder

  • 1985 - 1987

  Trained in the manufacture of HVAC coils, encompassing machine operation, gas welding, brazing, assembly etc. Trained in the manufacture of HVAC coils, encompassing machine operation, gas welding, brazing, assembly etc.