Experience

NLS

• United Kingdom
• Advertising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Technical Director

  • Mar 2020 - Present



DM-Companies

• Head Of Technology

  • Dec 2017 - Sep 2019

  Built and led a successful Technology Department for a global classified ad/marketplace website, resulting in a vast improvement in delivery and a 25% reduction in lead times. Provided strong leadership and management to a department of 27 employees, overseeing the performance and motivation of the team. Responsible for the technology strategy and its implementation across the business. Accountable for the architecture, performance and stability of the platform as the most senior technologist within the Brand. Introduced a strong focus on Agile (Scrum) and an MVP, iterative approach to ensure projects were run efficiently and risks were dealt with promptly.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Overhauled the previous failing department’s structure, focus and staffing and instilled accountability and responsibility throughout the team.- Led the transition away from a legacy PHP monolith to a javascript based microservice architecture - Node.js, Serverless/Lambda APIs, DynamoDB, React - hosted on AWS ecosystem, using a Travis CI/CD pipeline.- Overhauled QA process with a heavy focus on TDD, BDD and automation resulting in 50%+ improvement in efficiency.- Opened additional remote technology office to aid growth and expansion of department.



Canopy

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Technology Officer (Consulting)

  • Sep 2017 - Nov 2017

  Strategic leadership of this startup’s technical offering including digital roadmap and transition process, recruitment and project management. Led the architecture and development of the React frontend and Node.js API microservices.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Migration from an outsourced freelance developer network to an in-house engineering team.- Set out the software engineering team structure to stabilise the platform and prepared the start-up for future growth.- Implemented key security review procedure and recruited 3rd party to conduct a full audit of the platform.



nitrogen Group

• Head Of Development

  • Jun 2011 - Aug 2017

  Delivering digital projects for an award winning healthcare brand communications agency. Provided strong leadership, line management and mentoring to a team of 15 motivated developers and project managers. Oversaw the full SDLC from client pitches, platform architecture and hands-on development, through to delivery and monitoring. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Responsible for a £1m project to deliver over 30 iPad applications in a 6 month period. Designed and delivered the technical architecture for a global healthcare web solution built on AWS and rolled out to over 25 local markets.- Introduction of Node.js and React.js to sit alongside the agency’s existing ASP.NET C# ecosystem, whilst halting development on legacy technologies.- Rolled out Agile methodology agency wide, making improvements to project structure and workflow process. - Scrum and Kanban utilised depending upon project.- Built a collaborative and inclusive environment and culture, significantly improving the communication and efficiency between Technology, Design and Account Handling.



ROCK Insurance Group

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Development Manager

  • Nov 2010 - Jun 2011

  Headhunted for the hands-on role of Development Manager for this leading travel insurance provider. Implemented and standardised ways-of-working within the Digital department. Devised technical strategies for development and release; defining, documenting and validating scalable solutions; oversaw project and product management.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Analysis, architecture, development and rollout of industry leading medical condition travel insurance system.- Improved lead time by 35% through streamlining the engineering process.



Designate

• United Kingdom
• Advertising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Technical Producer & Lead Developer

  • Mar 2008 - Nov 2010

  Leading the technical aspects of all digital development projects for a prominent advertising agency in the financial and travel markets.- Managing the in-house ASP.NET (C# MVC) developers, freelance and offshore contractors.- Creation and maintenance of large promotional and ecommerce websites.- Defining solution architecture of a leading online lender.- Regular liaison with clients and internal management, improved communication and the work process through stronger collaboration between departments.



WPM Internet

• United Kingdom
• Software Development
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Developer & Team Lead

  • Oct 2003 - Mar 2008

  Built numerous ecommerce websites for clients of this digital agency



IBUK

• Developer

  • Mar 2002 - Oct 2003