Experience
Senior Software Engineer, QVC, London, June 2013 - October 2024
Sitting within a global development team, the role involved developing front-end code to deliver new content and functionality for QVC's digital platforms.
- Designed scalable and maintainable front-end architectures across a global codebase, making key decisions on frameworks, libraries, and tools with developers based in the US, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
- Conducted thorough code reviews, enforced coding standards, and ensured best practices were followed.
- Mentored junior developers, provided technical guidance, and supported continuous learning within the team.
- Worked closely with UX/UI designers, back-end developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into functional, user-friendly interfaces.
- Identified and implemented strategies to optimize web application performance, including improving load times, responsiveness, and accessibility.
- Stayed up-to-date with the latest front-end technologies, frameworks, and best practices, incorporating them into the development process where applicable.
- Developed and maintained automated testing and deployment pipelines to ensure continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) for front-end components.
- Ensured that web applications were compatible with a wide range of browsers and devices, providing a consistent user experience across platforms.
- Implemented front-end security best practices, including protecting against XSS, CSRF, and other vulnerabilities.
- Created and maintained comprehensive documentation for front-end codebases, architecture, and best practices.
- Participated in Agile ceremonies, contributed to sprint planning, and ensured the front-end team delivered on sprint goals.
- Evaluated and integrated new tools and workflows to improve the efficiency of the development process.
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.
- 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 and semantic markup
- Advanced CSS3, SASS, and LESS; proficiency with modern CSS frameworks (e.g. Tailwind)
- JavaScript/TypeScript expertise; advanced knowledge of frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Angular, Vue, Node.js)
- Proficient in JavaScript testing frameworks (e.g., Jest, Mocha, Cypress)
- React Native for cross-platform mobile development (iOS and Android)
- Microservice architectures, REST and GraphQL APIs
- Experience with modern automation and build tools (e.g. Webpack) and CI/CD pipelines
- Deep understanding of cross-browser compatibility and CORS
- Responsive web design and mobile-first development
- Search engine optimization (SEO) best practices
- Web accessibility (WCAG compliance) and inclusive design
- 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 and LeetCode 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.