Experience
Senior Software Engineer, QVC, London, June 2013 - Present
Sitting within a global development team, the role involves developing front-end code to deliver new content and functionality for QVC's digital platforms.
My current responsibilities include:
- Working with developers based in the US, Germany, Italy and Japan on a global codebase.
- Mentoring junior team members locally and managing the project tasks assigned to contractors.
- Delivering 'mobile first' code within an Agile journey team, and participating in code reviews to enforce agreed standards.
- Educating team members to ensure their work does not adversely affect site performance or scalability.
- Communicating with third parties to integrate tags and other features onto the QVC websites and apps.
For additional information please see my portfolio and skills.
Front End Developer, Holiday Extras, Newingreen, June 2009 - June 2013
The role involved construction and maintenance of sites within the company's short breaks division, such as Play and Stay and Show and Stay. Through late 2009 I formed a key part of the team responsible for setting up Legoland Holidays in Germany. I was promoted from 'Junior Template Builder' and in 2010 I led the development of the Thorpe Park Breaks redesign, and created Eden Project Breaks. In 2011 I launched a redesign for Paultons Breaks and continued to deliver improvements for the portfolio of major UK theme park ticket and hotel package sites daily.
- Expected to deliver elegant and sophisticated interfaces using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, handling bookings from a variety of browsers and mobile devices.
- Developed expert knowledge of cross browser compatibility issues and resolutions.
- Consistently demonstrate problem solving and initiative across a range of technical projects within a highly focused team.
- Perform research into new tools and technologies for both existing and future products.
- Developed an excellent working knowledge of the web development process within a commercial environment, including Kanban scheduling.
Study Manager, Pfizer, Sandwich, September 2007 - August 2008
The position of Study Manager involved two key areas. The core role, study management, can be broadly defined as including any task in order to move a clinical trial forward. These tasks can involve writing protocols, arranging investigator meetings, ordering drug supplies, and collating study results amongst many others. In addition, I became involved in a number of technical roles during the year. There was a strong emphasis on personal development throughout the placement.
- Gained experience of working within a corporate environment, displaying a professional attitude and adaptability.
- Developed formal presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated initiative, decision making and problem solving skills within a number of different teams.
Campus Tour Guide, University of Kent, Canterbury, September 2006 - June 2009
The role involved directing visitors around the university campus and outlining the facilities available on site. I worked on a number of Open Days and was a professional, approachable ambassador for the organisation.
- Developed public speaking and group organisational skills.
- Worked with other guides as a team member.
Education
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with a Year in Industry, University of Kent, Canterbury, 2005-2009
- Awarded Upper Second Class Honours and attended degree congregation at Canterbury Cathedral on 16th July 2009.
- Gained academic credit through a placement at Pfizer during 2007/2008.
Pent Valley Technology College, Folkestone, 1998-2005
- Achieved five A levels, including three at 'A' grade, for a total of 460 UCAS points.
- Achieved ten GCSEs, including five at 'A' grade'.
Skills and interests
- Strong knowledge of modern front end web and mobile technologies and development techniques, including:
- HTML5
- CSS3 and CSS frameworks such as SASS and LESS
- JavaScript/TypeScript and JavaScript frameworks such as jQuery, React and Node.js
- JavaScript testing frameworks such as Jest
- React Native mobile development for iOS and Android
- Querying and manipulating data with GraphQL
- Automation tools including Grunt
- Cross browser compatibility, especially cross domain AJAX with CORS
- Responsive design
- SEO
- Accessibility
- I have experience programming in a number of other languages including Java, C, C++, Python, Occam, Haskell and Prolog. Through my solid understanding of programming concepts I have a demonstrated ability to pick up new languages quickly. I frequently take coding challenges on Codewars to strengthen my coding skills.
- I enjoy installing, upgrading and maintaining computer hardware, and have a keen enthusiasm for staying up to date with the latest tech news.
- I have a strong interest in history and architecture and I'm able to combine this with an interest in photography and travel.
- I hold a full manual UK driving licence, and own a car.