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Work Background
AlphaGraphicsSenior Developer/DevOps Engineer
Sep. 2023 - Nov. 2023Stockton-on-Tees, England, United Kingdom · RemoteUpon re-entering the contracting market, I engaged in a short-term, project-based role to support AlphaGraphics' software development team. This assignment focused on implementing necessary enhancements to their primary educational initiative, the "Class Fundraising" project (detailed at https://www.classfundraising.co.uk), and the "Control Tower" platforms. The objective was to facilitate the transition to a 24/7 production schedule in anticipation of the Christmas 2023 period.
Responsibilities and achievements during this tenure included:
• Developing new pages and modifying existing functionality within the systems, employing C#, ASP.NET, T-SQL, and making requisite SQL database alterations to meet the immediate requirements of the production and manufacturing staff.
• Initiating a modernisation process for systems reliant on legacy ASP.NET (WebForms and Telerik KendoUI) by segregating presentation, business, and data logic within the codebase, incorporating a repository pattern with Dapper, and transitioning code to backend API projects where feasible.
• Assist with establishing and managing DevOps pipelines to automate the build and release processes within the AlphaGraphics environments. This included traditional build/deploy pipelines as well as pipelines designed to construct and disseminate core system components as packages via the company's internal DevOps Nuget feed.
• Participating in story refinement and estimation activities as an integral component of the company's established Agile development methodology.
• Commenced an architectural project utilising Visual Paradigm to generate Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) for the current data platform. This effort was aimed at aiding at anticipated redevelopment work of the platforms in 2024.
EverflowHead Of Technical Operations and Architecture
Nov. 2020 - Sep. 2023HybridIn my transition to a permanent role as Head of Technical Operations and Architecture at Everflow during the COVID pandemic, I contributed to development, management, and strategic leadership, significantly impacting the company's evolution: • As a key member of the senior leadership team, I played a vital role in strategic decisions that propelled the company's growth to over 200 employees, with the technical team expanding from 15 to over 70.
• Our collective efforts led to Everflow being recognised as 3rd in the FT 1000 – Europe's Fastest Growing Companies list for 2021, a testament to the hard work of the entire company and leadership team.
• Managed Group IT, Technical Operations, and Architecture teams, leading a shift towards a microservices-based architecture with technologies like C#, React, and Azure Functions.
• Conducted code reviews, technical sign-offs, mentored teams, and managed DevOps operations, addressing business, operational, and security concerns.
• Directed core platform architectural planning and design, implementing DevOps, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines, and established site-to-site VPN connections for AzureAD integration.
• Led consolidation strategies, optimising cloud resource usage for cost reduction and operational efficiency, and coordinated annual penetration and security testing.
• Oversaw Group IT, enhancing daily operations, network management, security through penetration testing, standardising end-user computing, and rolling out Mobile Device Management (MDM).
• Evaluated potential suppliers, influencing technology acquisitions and partnerships. This role underscored my integral involvement in driving Everflow’s growth, technological advancement, and operational efficiency through strategic leadership and team collaboration.
EverflowPrincipal Architect / DevOps / .NET Developer
Oct. 2019 - Nov. 2020RemoteInitially hired to analyse Everflow's bespoke Eclipse CRM platform and assess third-party developer performance, I significantly contributed to the strategic decision to bring platform development in-house, marking a pivotal shift in project trajectory. Key responsibilities and achievements included:
• Championed in-house platform development transition, reshaping the project's direction.
• As a key member of the senior leadership team, I contributed to establishing a new in-house development team, collectively growing our technical staff from three to 15, encompassing TechOps, development, QA, and architecture.
• Led elements of the hands-on code development for the platform's evolution from a monolithic to a more dynamic solution, using C#, React, T-SQL, and Azure technologies (WebApps, WebJobs, KeyVault).
• Conducted comprehensive analysis and mapping of the Eclipse platform's architecture, designing a model to align with business goals.
• Managed the project's multifaceted demands, ensuring uninterrupted development and bi-weekly releases during the transition from the third-party.
• Directed Azure and DevOps subscriptions and environment migrations from third-party to in-house control, initially manually, then automated with ARM templates and Terraform.
• Revamped Azure DevOps pipelines for consistent releases and developed a GDPR-compliant database pipeline for testing with anonymised data. My role also encompassed technical operations oversight, including:
• Continuous platform monitoring and operational management to ensure stability and performance.
• Leading strategic release planning across all environments, refining the SDLC and release processes to uphold best practices, assuring platform reliability and scalability. This role demanded proactive development, strategic oversight, and operational management, significantly enhancing the platform's evolution and operational excellence.
Nissan Motor Corporation [Contracted via Goblin Computing Ltd]MQ Developer / Architect
Jul. 2014 - Aug. 2018Sunderland, United KingdomArchitected and designed a workflow based message broker system for providing real time communication between the vehicle coding and diagnostics systems on the manufacturing shop floor systems, vehicle coding generation systems in Japan, and key-part/security data from the supplier's data broker systems in Germany. Singularly responsible for developing the architected solution and productionising the systems ready for new model launch of the Infinity Q30/QX30 range of vehicles. This system allows the vehicle coding, diagnostics, traceability and security coding data to be processed enabling the new Infinity range of vehicles to be programmed at final line prior to entering the testing facilities. System is live and processing over 800k transactions/messages per day, with realtime (0.016 - 0.4 sec) turnaround times of local data, and sub second turnaround with realtime requests over Websphere MQ to Daimler systems in Germany. Also included development of a web portal (MVC5, Bootstrap, jQuery, Angular, Entity Framework, SignalR) to allow realtime monitoring and configuration of the system. Project was delivered early and under budget. Supported the solution alongside other work commissions between post-launch period in November 2015 and August 2017. Returned in August 2017 to architect and implement extensions to the system to integrate existing manufacturing shop floor systems with a new Vehicle Tracking system, and legacy mainframe system. Project is complete and due for implementation into during Summer shutdown in last week of July 2018.
Northumbria Water [Contracted via Goblin Computing Ltd]Consultant
Jan. 2013 - Jul. 2013Durham, United KingdomWorked within an Agile/Scrum development environment Architected and designed an engineering job estimating and costing system (iMODLite), based around existing calculation models that existed in Excel format (this system formed the basis of a system that was later completely redeveloped on commission from Aqua as ENSCES) Architected and designed SQL server based database and schema, with heavy use of T-SQL, and XML DML to process raw xml documents into database structures, and returning datasets as XML to reduce client side processing. Wrote SSIS packages to handle processing XML based model description files into the SQL database model definition tables. Led the development of the job estimation system, with responsibility for implementing the backend of the system and managing resources developing the frontend. Responsible for final delivery, installation and handover. Implemented a Team Foundation Server based development environment for source control, work item/scrum iteration planning, and build automation. Assisted with diagnosis and fixing of errors in the Excel VBA macros contained within the Excel calculation models used by the calculation engine. Developed and delivered the system on time and within budget, despite constantly evolving and changing requirements.
AXA InsuranceRelease/Configuration Manager (Hands-on)
Jan. 2011 - Dec. 2012Cobham, Greater London and Middlesbrough, Teeside, United KingdomWorked with a team of 6 people responsible for the Team Foundation Server based source control and project management platform including: build workflows, custom activities, process templates, work-item definitions and management information reporting - implemented against an Agile/DSDM Atern methodology. Responsible for management of a large number of multi-tier test, integration, pre-production and two production environments, used by multiple project teams spread over 7 locations across the UK - from Glasgow to Tunbridge Wells. Assist developers and support teams with build, configuration and environmental issues across all environments. Assisted the deployment team with issues during deployments to non-developer environments. Worked with the Change Management team to ensure environmental and configuration aspects of releases were scoped, fully prepared and signed off, prior to the scheduled release dates. Key achievements:
Designed and implemented a complete new Configuration Management solution that automated the generation of configuration over every environment, including pre-production and both production environments. (Written in C#.NET4, with MVC and Windows Workflow aspects, and integrated directly into the TFS 2010 API.) Worked with Project Management teams to produce consistent process workflows and MI reporting across all teams. Automated and scripted many areas of build, configuration and deployment. Introduced a maintenance build template workflow and activities to automate many of the day-to-day maintenance activities across the environments and supporting systems.
Tesco Entertainment [Contracted via Goblin Computing Ltd]Build & Release Manager (Hands-on)
Jan. 2009 - Dec. 2010London, United KingdomResponsible for the Build and Release cycle for the Tesco Entertainment site (formerly Tesco Digital) and associated platform services. Additionally responsible for the initial set-up and migration of the internal systems to SIlkroute UK in Dec 2009, following the outsourcing of the project to them, and assisted in their day-to-day running. Responsible for writing and maintaining build and automation scripts (using C# and MSBuild) for the automated build and deployment of web, application and data tiers of the Tesco Entertainment platform. Responsible for the creation and maintenance of SysPrep images, and for writing machine provisioning scripts for the automated deployment of servers and services, within the SIlkroute environment. Responsible for performing code analysis and review; working with the testing and development teams to highlight potential issues and to resolve problems. Participated within an AGILE (Scrum) based development methodology to keep track of work progression and assist in managing release expectations with the business. Worked as part of a team to bring the new Tesco Entertainment Platform online within budget, and to a very tight 4-month timescale. Also, to migrate the old Tesco Entertainment and Tesco Digital platforms to the new unified platform, with key responsibilities for the architectural, hardware and software changes and deployments. Built complete new internal systems for Silkroute UK based on HA Hyper-V clusters, active-active (Sanbolic MelioFS based) ISCSI storage and SCVMM utilising a Windows 2008R2 based domain structure. Built complete new system test and development environments on the SCVMM systems, based on TFS2008, MOSS2007 (for knowledge sharing) and Visual Studio 2008 for Silkroute, and migrated everything from the Tesco development platform to the new platform, without affecting the fortnightly build and release cycle - or delaying any work to be delivered during the transition.
London Stock Exchange [Contracted via Goblin Computing Ltd]Technical Expert & Build Team Lead (Hands-on)
Aug. 2006 - Dec. 2008London, United KingdomManaged the fortnightly build and release cycle of the old London Stock Exchange corporate website and its associated applications and services. Co-ordinated Release Initiation Notices (RINs) with the third party vendors and assigned RINs to releases according to the required schedule for each item and the overall platform release plan. Performed code analysis/review, technical testing and load testing on new code, and highlighted any problems with the vendors. Co-ordinated fixes and rewrites of unacceptable code, as part of the release. Wrote small applications (desktop and web) and scripts (using C#) to assist in the overall development of the platform, and outside of the scope of work given to the third party vendors (usually related to internal systems). Responsible for signing off or pulling RINs from the build from a technical perspective, before turning over the release to the business stake holders for QA and business sign-off. Creation and submission of deployment and rollback plans, compliant with the Exchange’s ITIL and ISO 20000 requirements for each release. Performed the deployment of each release and any data migration pieces as part of the deployment, and for resolving or rolling back any deployment issues found. Assisted in the daily running of the corporate website, its associated applications and its numerous integration points with Exchange systems including: Trading, Regulatory News, and external feeds (eg. Thomson AFX and S&P World Indices). Managed the HR Systems service line, their systems, systems updates and deployments (with similar roles to the CWS Build Team lead on that aspect). This included the role of lifeboat contact (primary contact responsible for restoring service in the event of Disaster Recovery - resulting from issues ranging from server problems through to loss of the primary data-centre).
SEKO Worldwide Ltd / Indigina Ltd [Contracted via Goblin Computing Ltd]Technical Architect
May. 2006 - Jul. 2006Slough, United KingdomResponsible for performing analysis of two of the company’s existing products and designing the architecture of a new project to possibly combine both products into a single new modernised product. After analysis, the new product was deemed unfeasible at the time, and funding was withdrawn.
ClusterSeven Services LtdSenior Developer
Oct. 2005 - May. 2006London, United KingdomWrote architectural, functional and technical specifications for new and existing functionality to be changed, ensuring the changes outlined maintained Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Development of code for the software application, primarily on the server side aspects of the system, using C#, SQL, and XML/XSLT.
Managed items of work through the full development lifecycle. Assisted the Technical Manager in managing and supporting the corporate network and systems, including both UK and US offices, and involving both Microsoft and UNIX based systems.
Goblin Computing LtdOwner
Dec. 2004HybridGoblin Computing Ltd, my venture, is a hub for personal and professional development in IT, undertaking independently commissioned contracts. My work demonstrates a breadth of skills across diverse projects:
• Contributed to the 'Till (POS) of the Future' project, implementing full-stack development with .NET Core/5, Azure FrontDoor CDN, and front-end development with Flutter, Dart, and Kotlin.
• Revamped a patient records and booking system for a national MSK physiotherapy provider, upgrading to a standalone .NET Core 3.1 and Angular 8 application, supported by Azure DevOps within an Azure IaaS setup.
• Collaborated with Aqua Consultants on multiple systems, including CRM, project management databases, engineering project estimation tools, structural design tools, and the Gas2Grid Calculator, utilizing a shared calculation engine.
• In partnership with Aqua Consultants and BiZen Limited, developed an industrial IoT device for water treatment plant telemetry, integrating .NET Core, UWP, and Windows 10 Enterprise IoT, deployed at Southwest Water but paused due to COVID-19.
• Engineered an IoT platform for Royal IHC/TI-Geosciences' offshore drilling system, halted owing to the pandemic.
• Maintained systems for Nissan, providing support and enhancements under a retainer from November 2015 to August 2017.
• Own and manage a private cloud environment in a Tier IV datacentre, serving various clients with Dell PowerEdge Servers, PowerVault SAN, QNAP Backup NAS, Brocade and Dell networking, SonicWall firewalls, and a mix of Windows and RHEL platforms, streamlined through SPLA Enterprise Agreement and Ansible for automation. These projects exhibit my ability to innovate and adapt across technologies and industries, prioritizing efficiency and advanced development practices.
Ridge Media LtdChief Technical Officer
Apr. 2002 - Sep. 2005Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomReported directly to the company’s Managing Director. Responsibilities: Made all of the technical decisions, for both internal systems and projects.
Wrote architectural, functional and technical specifications for projects and for overseeing and participating in their development; including meetings with clients and project stakeholders in order to ascertain their requirements.
Architecting and implemented environments and network configurations, to support projects, using AGILE (Scrum) methodology during development.
Managed the technical staff, including: definition of roles, interviewing, hiring, evaluation, training and ongoing career plans. Included, managing students who were on graduate placements.
Purchased and budgeted technical projects, internal company equipment, licenses and managing supplier relationships.
Post-deployment support, including both on and off site support. Key projects and achievements: Architected, designed and implemented a touch screen web browser for the pub and hospitality industry, initially as an in-house project, the entire solution was bought by a company in the bar trade.
Developed an extension to the bar browser to include a music streaming system, multicast delivery system for radio-like delivery to end units, and a publication system for local bands to promote themselves.
A plasma screen information and newsfeed system, now in use at SwissRe (30st Mary Axe) and Komatsu. Included a system for unifying multiple feeds and information systems into a single standardised format.
Led the implementation of multiple systems for a One Northeast (government backed) project known as “NERD-Word” (North East Really Delivers) and Aspire-Today
Architected and designed the development of an FM/Tenant management solution installed at SwissRe (30st Mary Axe) and later re-implemented for Barclays (One Churchill Place).
Multimedia Internet SolutionsLead Developer / Systems Administrator
Aug. 2000 - Mar. 2002Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomWrote architectural, functional and technical specifications for projects, including meetings with clients and project stakeholders to ascertain their requirements.
Led a team of developers during implementation of the specifications.
Architected and implemented environments and network configurations to support projects. Deployment and ongoing support of systems, most of which were installed at client sites.
Recommended equipment and license licensing to the company CTO.
Maintenance and the day-to-day running of the company network and server infrastructure. Key projects and achievements: Architected, designed and implemented touchscreen kiosk software, which was used in the receptions of both GSK in Brentwood, and Tower42.
VisiTech International LtdDeveloper / Server Administrator
Jul. 1999 - Feb. 2000Sunderland, United KingdomLed a team of 3 people during the development of the company’s Fluorescence Microscopy Medical Software, including the writing of specifications and breaking down the work to be done into work items. Implemented processing and control routines in embedded C and C++ on micro-controller and DSP cards. This software is now installed on a system which is on-board the International Space Station. Maintenance and the day-to-day running of the company network and server infrastructure.
Hexcentric LtdLead Developer / Server Administrator
Jan. 1999 - Apr. 2002Hutton Village, Scottish Borders, United KingdomWrote architectural, functional and technical specifications for projects, including meetings with clients and project stakeholders (the majority of whom were public bodies and careers services) and ascertained their requirements. Architected and implemented environments and network configurations to support projects. Deployment and ongoing support of systems, most of which were installed at client sites.
Recommended equipment and license licensing to the Managing Director.
Maintenance and the day-to-day running of the company network and server infrastructure. Key achievements and projects:
Developed the electronic information portal (touch screen) and associated website, & job management (“Portico”) system for Careers Central (Sterling, Scotland) and ALIGS (Adult Learning)
Developed the content management websites and job management systems for Careers Bradford, ICG (Institute of Career Guidance) and other careers services.
McNulty's Internet CafeTechnical Support Assistant
Oct. 1998 - Jan. 1999Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomLooked after computer systems for an internet cafe in Newcastle city centre. Diagnosed computer and network issues. Customer facing role including dealing with customers, taking payment from users for computer time, assisting customers with using computers. Managed and maintained company servers including MS Exchange and Windows NT file and web servers.
HM Revenue & CustomsComputer Technician
Jun. 1995 - Oct. 1998Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomThis was a casual/part-time job whilst at University, and was responsible for performing various data and IT management roles during my tenure.
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