Hi! I'm Ian Developer Project Manager Problem Solver
- About Me
-
A work-in progress, self-taught, back-end developer
With a background in system and database administration, back-end development felt like a natural extension to be able to build the rest of the back-end environment that I was interacting with.
- Located
- London, United Kingdom
Connect with me on my social profiles:
What I'm working with
These are the technology stacks that I’m currently and have previously worked with. Check out the Portfolio page to see how I put them into practice.
Node.js
Node.js is a cross-platform back-end JavaScript environment and allows JavaScript to be used outside a browser. Being able to build a whole web app with ready made packages such as Express gives you a powerful set of tools.
HTML / CSS
Core technologies of creating pages on the web, HTML and CSS build the structure and style of your web pages. Although a back-end developer, I can build simple sites to test functionality and display outputs of web apps.
SQL
Ranging from the industry standard MS SQL server to PostgreSQL, digging into relational databases and their design to best suit the requirements of the project.
Work Experience
Currently, I’ve held a number of non-development roles on my journey to be a full-time back-end developer. These roles are:
Project Manager
Institution of Mechanical Engineers - Charity
Delivering a range of projects across the IMechE, with a strong focus on working with the IT Team to deliver the digital transformation program.
Delivering projects to a variation of the Prince2 standard and working with the IT teams agile methodology.
HR Systems & MI Adviser
Slaughter and May - Law Firm
Designated as the subject matter expert on the HR, Learning and Recruitment systems for the firm, I was in charge of the day-to-day running of the systems and the development of their functionality in line with the firms’ requirements.
This involved the specification, development, and release of SQL database changes and updates to functionality in a structured manner.
Additionally using tools such as PowerBI, Crystal Reports and Business Objects to develop and deliver a suite of reports.
Head of Operations
Jes Rose Ltd - Retail Business
Joining Jes Rose as the first external employee, I’d taken on the operational side of the business to help build a solid foundation after the previous 15 months of strong growth.
My role was spread across a number of areas including Technology, HR and Legal while maintaining the customer service functions.
After I delivered a number of significant projects including new product launches, redesign of the eCommerce system and implementing a number of foundations for the business, I resumed my role as an Operations Consultant as my services were no longer required on a full-time basis.
Support Operations Manager
Engage ATS - SAAS Provider
Stationed between the Development and Client Teams, I helped turn client requirements into development specifications that the developers would then deliver for our customers.
I developed and implemented a project management structure for new client onboarding and carried a number of large (up to £1m) projects to completion.
Additionally, I was in charge of the ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 27001 (Information Security) accreditations for the company.
Education
With a degree in Business Management, I moved into more technical roles including roles requiring SQL and database management and it’s from there that I started the journey into a back-end developer.
Back-End Developer Course
Codecademy
The back-end development career path covers a range of topics such as:
Javascript / Node.JS, APIs (Rest/GraphQL), Test Driven Development, PostgreSQL / MongoDB, Security and Architecture best practices, scalability and DevOps.
HND Business Administration
Grade A Pass - Carnegie College
Units in this course included:
Advanced Databases, Advanced Spreadsheets, Advanced Word Processing, Project Management, Presentation Skills, Research Skills, Business Culture and Strategy
BA Business Management
Distinction - Edinburgh Napier University
The BA Business Management course included units such as International Business, Strategic Business Management (in a Global Context), Organisational Change Management and also included a 6 month Work-Based Project.
HNC Business Administration
Grade A Pass - Carnegie College
Units in the course included:
Databases, Financial Accounting Software (SAGE), Office Administration, Spreadsheets, Word Processing, Recording Financial Transactions
Got an opportunity?
If you’ve got an opportunity to discuss, or want to chat about a project that I’ve featured, please do get in touch!