Profile & Career History

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PROFILE

Highly technical lead developer with extensive team leading experience gained within the Travel and Media sectors, very experienced in using Agile and eXtreme programming techniques and equally comfortable working on solo or large-scale team projects.

KEY SKILLS

• Programming: C#, ASP.NET 3.5, Silveright 2.0, WCF, ASP.NET 2.0, AJAX, Custom Controls, ADO.NET, SQL, Stored Procedures, SQL Server 2000/2005/2008, CSS, XML, XHTML, HTML, DHTML, JavaScript, VB.NET, ASP, Perl, VBScript
• The Rest: Agile Development, TDD using NUnit and TypeMock.Net, Continuous Integration using NAnt and TeamCity / CruiseControl.NET, WiX, System Architecture, Database Design, Visual Studio 2003/2005/2008, IIS 5/6/7, FxCop, StyleCop, NCover, ReSharper, SubVersion, TFS, MSBuild, Windows Server 2003/2008, NLB, UML, Usability, Accessibility, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

CAREER HISTORY

YOUR GOLF TRAVEL LTD. Jul 2007 - Jan 2009

Skills used: C# 3.0, ASP.NET 3.5, Custom Controls, ADO.NET, SilverLight, WCF, AJAX, JavaScript, CSS, DHTML, XHTML, XML, TDD, TeamCity, NUnit, NDBUnit, NCover, NAnt, FxCop, ReSharper, SubVersion, TypeMock, IIS Configuration, SQL Server 2005, SQL, Stored Procedures, Database Design, OO Architecture, Windows Server 2003, NLB, Adobe Illustrator

• Single handedly created a solid framework for all test-driven projects to be built upon (C#, ASP.NET 3.5, TDD, NUnit, TypeMock), and implemented a carefully considered set of coding standards (FxCop, StyleCop, ReSharper) to be followed for all development work within the team, including installation and configuration of apache web server and Subversion source control repository, and TeamCity continuous integration server.
• Scoped, wrote the technical specification for, project managed and developed a sales and account management and reporting system with a SilverLight front end (C#, ASP.NET 3.5, SilverLight, WCF, Custom Controls, ADO.NET, AJAX, CSS, SQL Stored Procedures, Agile, TDD) to centralise and automate the whole of Your Golf Travel's business.
• Created a deployment process (MSI) and undertook the deployment of new features and bug fixes to streamline the maintenance and updating of all Your Golf Travel systems.
• Purchased all network infrastructure, including firewall and servers, and sourced a secure colocation facility to house Your Golf Travel's new public facing website and internal Sales, Accountancy and Venue Management systems.
• Installed and configured a load balanced web farm, using the Network Load Balancing (NLB) service in Windows Server 2003 to increase the robustness and scalability of Your Golf Travel's systems.
• Introduced an Agile development environment and practices (SCRUM), including daily stand-ups and retrospectives, in order to respond more effectively to changing business needs and increase team productivity.
• Employed and managed a small team of developers and oversaw the launch of the new Your Golf Travel website and SOA (ASP.NET 2.0, C#, Web Services).

.NET Developer

Jalipo Media Ltd. Mar 2007 - July 2007

Skills used: C#, ASP.NET 2.0, ADO.NET, XML, JavaScript, XHTML, DHTML, CSS, SQL Server 2005, Stored Procedures, IIS 6, FxCop, NUnit, NCover, NAnt, TypeMock, Resharper, SubVersion, VersionOne, TFS

• Planned, wrote tests for and developed key areas of the Jalipo system (C#, ASP.NET 2.0, ADO.NET, SQL Stored Procedures, CSS), including continual refactoring of the existing code base, in response to the continually changing needs of the business.
• Actively participated in and helped shape the Agile process (SCRUM, Test Driven Development, Pair Programming, Continuous Integration using CruiseControl.NET) for all development within Jalipo to enable the team to deliver core functionality that will provide tangible business benefit within agreed timescales.

Lead Web Developer

DR FOSTER INTELLIGENCE Sep 2005 - Mar 2007

Skills used: C#, ASP.NET 2.0, ASP.NET 1.1, ADO.NET, XML, ASP, JavaScript, HTML, XHTML, DHTML, CSS, SQL, SQL Server, Stored Procedures, IIS 5, IIS 6, NDoc, FxCop, VSS

• Gathered requirements for, wrote the technical specification for, architected and developed an internal timesheet application (ASP.NET 2.0, C#, Custom Controls, ADO.NET, AJAX), enabling Dr Foster Intelligence to begin the process of accurate estimation of the true cost of developing projects, both internally and for external clients.
• Architected and developed a data capture application and data importer (ASP.NET 2.0, C#, ADO.NET, AJAX) for a prominent PCT, providing them with a single web interface for managing their smoker records. The importer had to perform a one-off import of the current data, held in an MS Access database, and ad-hoc imports of QMS Report spreadsheets that would be filled in by local GP practices. The application also provided a mechanism to run quarterly reports on the numbers of quitters for presentation to the Department of Health.
• Developed a data capture application (ASP.NET 2.0, C#, ADO.NET, AJAX) for Dr Foster to enable them to capture and centrally store information from Foundation Trusts about the hospitals within those trusts that provide services included in the Department of Health's National Menu of Choice initiative.
• Architected and developed a Content Management System (ASP.NET 1.1, C#, ADO.NET) for the News & Publications section of the Dr Foster Intelligence website, enabling members of the media team to have complete control over the publishing of press releases and other news articles.
• Redeveloped areas of the new Dr Foster website (ASP.NET 1.1, ADO.NET, SQL Server, Stored Procedures), providing GPs and patients with a definitive source of information about hospitals and GP practices, enabling them to make informed choices about healthcare in the UK.

Senior Web Developer

CITYSPACE Jan 2003 - Sep 2005

Skills used: C#, ASP.NET, ADO.NET, ASP.NET Custom Controls, XML, ASP, JavaScript, VBScript, HTML, DHTML, CSS, SQL, SQL Server, Stored Procedures, IIS 5, IIS 6, NDoc, VSS

• Developed a new version of the iPlus kiosk interface (ASP, JavaScript, CSS) and wrote the technical specification for and developed a network upgrade wizard (C#, ASP.NET, ADO.NET, Custom Controls, Database Design, Stored Procedures), providing an enhanced user experience and allowing for easy upgrading of the entire iPlus network via a tab-based web application running on the corporate intranet.
• Architected, wrote the technical specification for and developed a listings engine application (ASP.NET, C#, SQL Server, Stored Procedures), consisting of a kiosk interface that allows members of the public free access to national venue and event listings and targeted offers relevant to those listings, an XML importer (C#) to parse the data from a third party national feed, and an admin system allowing the sales team to create listings manually, and enhance listings with the addition of images and promotional text for set time periods.
• Developed a suite of ASP.NET custom controls to facilitate the interactions within the listings engine admin system and enable easy reuse of common functionality.
• Designed and developed a web-based project and task management system (ASP, DHTML, SQL Server, Database Design, Stored Procedures) enabling team members and project managers to create and update project information quickly and easily. The system also contained a timesheet application enabling time per individual task and thus time per project to be accurately logged for budgeting purposes.
• Developed content for a variety of channels on the iPlus network, allowing members of the public 24 hour access to a touch screen environment of both council and non-council services. (ASP, VBScript, JavaScript)
• Managed the ISG development team as part of my promotion to Senior Web Developer.
• Organised and chaired weekly inter-departmental MCSD training workshops to promote and further the company knowledge base and mentor the more junior developers.
• Acted as principal technical contact for clients, both at external meetings and via telephone/email in order to help their understanding of the technical issues surrounding development for the iPlus platform.
• Developed key areas of the new Cityspace website, including a client area only accessible via a login page (ASP), which contained important client documents and an FTP area that clients could use to store relevant documents pertaining to their iPlus services.
• Developed an online diary website in partnership with the Royal College of Art, Culture Cloud (ASP, VBScript, DHTML, CSS), allowing local people in the Islington area to publish their own diaries in order to create a cultural map of the area from the viewpoints of the people who live and work in that area so that visitors could build up a detailed picture of life in Islington.

Freelance Web Developer

ELLIZ Dec 2002 - Jan 2003

Skills used: ASP, JavaScript, VBScript, HTML, DHTML, XHTML, CSS, SQL Server 2000, Stored Procedures

• Redeveloped areas of the new golfbreaks.com website, creating a fully CSS2-driven, XHTML-compliant website in order to improve the user experience.
• Developed areas of the in-house content management system to provide non-technical staff with a web-based environment in which to easily input and edit data regarding golfing breaks and courses.
• Wrote stored procedures to improve the response time for users of the website when requesting information about golf breaks, venues and courses.

Internet Development Analyst (Contract)

INGHAMS TRAVEL Apr 2002 - Nov 2002

Skills used: Perl, JavaScript, HTML, DHTML, CSS, SQL, SQL Server 7, IIS 4

• Developed, maintained and updated the Inghams group of brochure websites, ensuring timely delivery of a professional online version of each new holiday brochure (Perl, HTML, JavaScript, DHTML, SQL Server, IIS 4 Administration).
• Developed a chalet search tool (Perl, SQL Server) allowing chalet reps to populate the database and users to search it.
• Adapted the Perl templating system, providing extra functionality to the JavaScript dynamic menu system for new editions of the brochure websites.
• Automated the production of the static Just France website (Perl, SQL Server), allowing site wide changes to be easily implemented by the brochure production staff.
• Developed CGI-based database tools to simplify necessary tasks undertaken by the brochure production staff.
• Performed the role of SEO to improve Inghams search engine rankings.
• Responded to user queries regarding network and PC issues.

Webmaster for Netscape UK

AOL EUROPE Aug 2000 - Oct 2001

Skills used: Perl, JavaScript, HTML, DHTML, XML

• Maintained and updated the Netscape UK Website (Apache), creating HTML templates to integrate live feed content from a variety of third party providers, allowing the user base access to up-to-the-minute news, reviews and information (Ananova, Click Music, Guardian, FT, ZDNet UK).
• Developed Perl tools and scripts to enhance users' enjoyment of the site (Psychometric Test script, Spot the Ball Interactive Game).
• Implemented a Content Management System (Perl) to enable producers to update their own content easily.
• Created an XML parser (Perl) to generate web output from XML content.
• Delegated and managed the technical workload effectively to ensure deadlines were met by the technical team (major site redesign).
• Acted as key technical liaison with other technical departments, in project meetings and during consultation with senior management regarding technical issues.
• Educated the rest of the team as to best technical practice to better aid their understanding of technical pros and cons.
• Managed time effectively to enable the schedule to be easily changed when important ad hoc projects needed implementing (new or recently expired advertising contracts with specific content requirements).

Web Developer

BCN INTRAVIEW Plc Aug 1999 - Aug 2000

Skills used: Perl, JavaScript, HTML, DHTML, SQL, SQL Server 7, IIS 4

• Managed, as part of a team, a network of data-driven (Microsoft Access Database) e-Commerce websites running on Windows NT4, both in-house, and externally using PCAnywhere (Invensys, Rawlinson-Hunter, M & P Motorcycles, Columbus Direct).
• Maintained and updated the BCN DHTML Website, enabling up-to-date content and press releases to be easily available to the client base.
• Implemented a large-scale solo project to develop an international, templated, DHTML Website system for Invensys, ensuring continuity of look and feel for all Invensys company websites.
• Developed a Perl Content Management System to enable clients to update their own content, using their choice of template, whilst maintaining continuity of site look-and-feel (M & P, Sterling International).

FREELANCE PROJECTS

ZOOTRAIN

Skills used: ASP.NET 2.0, C#, XML, XHTML, DHTML, CSS

• Developed a Google Adwords training seminar website, aimed at small business owners, providing them with a resource for learning how to run a successful Adwords campaign. The Zootrain website allowed visitors to register for upcoming seminars, and made use of the Google Maps and Checkout APIs.

WILLING SUSPENSION PRODUCTIONS LTD

Skills used: ASP.NET 2.0, C#, XHTML, CSS, Illustrator, Photoshop

• Designed and developed a brochure website for an aspiring film director to showcase his film P.O.V., providing him with a promotional platform with which to market the film to studios across the country. The Willing Suspension website contained an area where visitors could watch three short clips from the film, viewed using a QuickTime plugin.

BLOOD ARTS

Skills used: PHP, XHTML, CSS

• Developed an art collectors event website using PHP for the first time, providing emerging art collectors with hints and tips to enable them to get the most out of the contemporary art scene.

PEAK TO PEAK

Skills used: ASP, XHTML, CSS, Illustrator, Photoshop

• Designed and developed a promotional website for a Nepali trekking guide, enabling him to reach a wider audience to promote his services. The site includes a contact form so that visitors may provide him with details about the treks they wish to undertake and the number in their party.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

WEBCREDIBLE, London

• 1 day usability course, Web Usability Training (July 2006)
• 1 day accessibility course, Web Accessibility Training (July 2006)

LEARNING TREE INTERNATIONAL, London

• 5 day C# course, C# Programming, Hands On (June 2004)
• 5 day XML course, Building XML Applications, Hands On (March 2000)

KEELE UNIVERSITY, Staffordshire 1994 - 1999

• BSc Dual Hons. Computer Science and Environmental Management 2:2
• Major Project: Java Learning and Teaching Application (Borland JBuilder)
• Skills: Programming (Java, C, C++, Prolog, Modula-2, Standard ML, Assembler), Unix (Sun Solaris), Databases (SQL, Oracle), Software Development Lifecycle, Human-Computer Interaction, Analysis and Report Writing, AI

RAMSEY ABBEY SCHOOL, Cambridgeshire 1990 - 1994

• 3 'A' Levels: Mathematics (C), French (C), Physics (E)
• 8 GCSEs (Grades A-C)