Professional Summary
A Principal Software Engineer with over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, I thrive on tackling complex challenges with cutting-edge technologies. I've consistently delivered world-class solutions, leading development teams and architecting scalable platforms in high-stakes environments. My passion lies in innovative problem-solving and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.
With three decades of technical experience and currently a Principal Software Engineer, I specialize in architecting and delivering scalable, world-class software solutions for high-stakes environments. I'm adept at leading diverse development teams and leveraging innovative technologies to solve complex analytical problems. My approach is characterized by clear communication and a results-driven focus on cutting-edge solutions.
I am a lively, enthusiastic, professional, friendly, communicative and expressive Principal Software Engineer. I have proven analytical problem-solving skills and enjoy working with cutting-edge, innovative technologies and solutions. With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, I have successfully led development teams, architected scalable platforms, and delivered world-class solutions for high-stakes environments.
With three decades of technical experience and currently a Principal Software Engineer, I specialize in architecting and delivering scalable, world-class software solutions for high-stakes environments. I'm adept at leading diverse development teams and leveraging innovative technologies to solve complex analytical problems. My approach is characterized by clear communication and a results-driven focus on cutting-edge solutions.
Skills & Expertise
Professional Experience
Principal Software Development Engineer
Collecting Cars
4 years 9 months
Leading development teams to deliver world-class bespoke auction platforms for luxury cars and watches. Driving technical excellence and innovation in high-stakes online auction environments.
Key Responsibilities
- • Lead cross-functional development teams
- • Architect scalable auction platforms
- • Implement real-time bidding systems
- • Optimize performance for high-traffic events
Technologies
Senior Web Developer & Dev Team Lead
Collecting Cars
4 years 9 months
Built and led the development team while architecting robust auction platforms. Implemented full-stack solutions using modern technologies and cloud infrastructure.
Key Achievements
- • Scaled platform to handle millions in auction volume
- • Implemented CI/CD pipelines reducing deployment time by 80%
- • Led team through major platform migration
- • Established coding standards and best practices
Technologies
Senior Web Developer
Collecting Cars
4 years 9 months
Full-stack development role focusing on auction platform development using modern web technologies and AWS infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- • PHP, HTML5, JavaScript, CSS3, SQL
- • Laravel, Eloquent ORM
- • React, Redux, Node.js
- • AWS (S3, EC2, Elastic Beanstalk)
Technologies
Lead PHP Developer
The Communications Group
6 years 1 month
Led full-stack development projects, specializing in Laravel applications and WordPress solutions. Managed technical architecture and mentored junior developers.
Core Skills
- • Laravel Development
- • WordPress Core/Plugins
- • MVC/OOP Architecture
- • Database Design
Technologies
IT Director
IT Sparks (Self-employed)
2 years 6 months
Small business network management, strategic & technical consulting, network design and implementation, full stack web development, SEO campaign management, data migration, business plan & sales strategy development.
Services
- • Strategic & Technical Consulting
- • Network Design & Implementation
- • Full Stack Web Development
- • SEO Campaign Management
Technologies
Senior Web Developer
DV247 / Digital Village
6 years 4 months
Developed and maintained PHP/MySQL price competitiveness applications, maintained Linux and Windows web servers, and provided price intelligence reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- • PHP/MySQL application development
- • Linux & Windows server maintenance
- • Price intelligence reporting
- • WordPress & Drupal development
Technologies
Senior IT System Infrastructure Engineer
LGC Forensics
4 years 10 months
Local Area Network & Wide Area Network management, 3rd line technical support, server maintenance, and web development for forensic services.
Key Responsibilities
- • LAN/WAN management
- • 3rd line technical support
- • Server maintenance & backup
- • Web development
Technologies
IT Infrastructure Project Engineer
Steria Ltd (AEA Technology IT Services)
1 year
Technical projects and customer network engineering for AEA Technology IT Services.
Key Responsibilities
- • Technical project delivery
- • Customer network engineering
- • Infrastructure implementation
- • Client support services
Senior IT Administrator
Soha Housing
3 years 5 months
Senior IT administration role managing housing association technology infrastructure and supporting business operations.
Key Responsibilities
- • IT infrastructure management
- • Windows server administration
- • User support & training
- • System maintenance & upgrades
Technologies
IT Administrator
South Oxfordshire District Council
4 years 2 months
Early IT career role providing technical support and system administration for local government operations.
Key Responsibilities
- • System administration
- • User support & training
- • Hardware maintenance
- • Software installation & updates
Apprentice CAD Design Technician
Rover Group
3 years
Engineering apprenticeship learning core engineering processes appropriate to the automotive industry. Foundation training that developed problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Core Skills
- • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- • Technical drawing (Drafting)
- • Gas, Arc and Spot Welding
- • Production line assembly
Technologies
Key Achievements
World-Class Auction Platform
Continuous delivery of a bespoke auction platforms handling millions in transaction volume with 99.9% uptime
Tech Migration Leadership
Successfully led team through major platform migration from PHP/XSLT Frontend to NextJS/React and our PHP 7 Backend to PHP 8
Team Development
Built and mentored high-performing development teams using Agile methodologies
Retail Price Competitivity
Development of a bespoke retail price competitivity web app. Analysing 62 competitors and 1000s of products to dynamically update Microsoft Dynamics pricing.
31+ Years Experience
Continuous evolution from automotive CAD and engineering to IT Ops to cutting-edge web technologies
Full-Stack Expertise
Complete ownership from infrastructure and DevOps to frontend user experiences
Education & Certifications
Education
Actively Learning Rust
2025
Learning Rust, building a backend platform to help manage my personal finances.
NextJS and Typescript
2023
NextJS and TypeScript online courses to improve my web development skill range.
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
2004
IT Service Management, Strategic Technology Infrastructure, ITIL 4 Foundation training course
Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)
2000
Advanced network infrastructure and system administration
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Oxford Brookes • 1990-1993
Personal
31+ Years in Technology
Continuously learning and adapting, AI advocate
Happily Married
21.2 years of marriage to my wife Katie
Proud Father
Three wonderful daughters • Family-focused
Automotive Enthusiast
Classic & Performance Cars, Motorsport, Lotus Owner
3D Modelling
3D Printing, 3D CAD and Parametric Modelling
Portfolio
Collecting Cars
collectingcars.com
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World-class bespoke auction platform for luxury cars. Architecting scalable real-time bidding systems handling millions in transaction volume.
Watch Collecting
watchcollecting.com
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Premium watch auction platform featuring luxury timepieces. Developed using modern web technologies with real-time bidding capabilities.
The Fat Duck Recipes
thefatduck.co.uk
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Website for the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. Elegant design showcasing the restaurant's unique culinary experience.
FreeParks
freeparks.co.uk
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Bespoke web app for finding free children's play areas. Built using modern web technologies with dynamic mapping capabilities.
Eurocarb Ltd
www.dellorto.co.uk
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E-commerce platform for motorcycle carburetor specialist. Custom product catalog with technical specifications and parts lookup.
Artworks Buckingham
www.artworks-buckingham.co.uk
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Gallery website showcasing a local artist. Clean, modern design with landscapes and still life image galleries and artist portfolio pieces.