Who I Am
About Me
With over 20 years experience in technology companies and start-ups, I have worked as a Technical Business Analyst, Project Manager, IT Business Partner, Systems Specialist, Web Developer, Software Developer, Graphic Designer and Security Consultant. I provide Hybrid Technical Business Analysis & Project Management consulting to organisations throughout the UK.
I enjoy working with businesses who are driven to use technology to their advantage and to those chasing growth, using technology to help them compete more effectively and grow without chaos and bottlenecks.
I take a business first approach to everything I do and will help you use technology to your advantage.
What I Do
Technical Business Analysis
I use business analyst methodologies to determine existing processes, model these using BPMN 2.0, analyse data flows, intra-department or stakeholder data and process exchanges, document inputs & outputs, reporting requirements, KPI datapoints and commercial objectives.
My latest Hybrid BA / PM project involved leading on technical elements for the divestment of the largest payroll service provider for UK Police Forces to XPS Group plc, divested in late 2018. As the lead point of contact under the Transitional Services Agreement between the buyer and KBS, I planned and co-ordinated all activities to carve out IT infrastructure and assisted the buyer in on-boarding the service.
Project Management
I'm a Technical Project Manager, typically handling technical projects or at least those where a strong, varied or deep technical understanding is highly useful. I've managed divestments, infrastructure, hardware roll outs, office moves and business analysis projects using PRINCE2 methodology.
For software development projects, I prefer Agile. I have significant experience running workshops, process analysis, process improvement and user story creation for use in software development. I build milestones, populate and run sprints using Scrum with tools such as Atlassian Jira, Confluence and Hipchat. I've ran projects creating full blown CRM systems and almost completely automated payroll and accounting systems.
Software & API Development
Need to create a MVP (minimal viable product) for your start-up? Need help managing a team of developers, analysts and testers? I can interface between you as the business owner and your outsourced software team to ensure that you get what you asked for.
The use of multiple specialised SaaS systems often result in data 'silo effects' where your systems need to 'talk' to each other but can't. I can provide process design and build APIs if they don't exist already or help you interconnect existing APIs for systems to communicate with each other and exchange data.
My preferred languages are PHP, Python, JavaScript, Ruby and SQL. I can design and code APIs for directly accessing SQL databases and I'm comfortable using JSON, XML and SOAP along with OAuth.
Whether you need a bespoke system built from the ground up or the connectors to link multiple systems to exchange data flows, I can make this happen.
Arduino, Process Flows & IOT
More and more businesses are beginning to utilise sensors connected to Arduino, Raspberry Pi or other micro-controller platforms to allow them to automate or control.
I can work with vendors to source electronics and sensors to match your requirements. In addition to sensors and actuators data, I can code systems to listen and respond to data flows from other connected systems (like a Twitter feed or API endpoint) allowing for advanced GUI based process flow management and control.
For most projects of this nature, I use Node-Red or NoFlo. I can also build custom APIs using the Laravel PHP frameworks or code Python for direct hardware access to further extend functionality.
IT Business Partnering
With experience in Business Partnering in large blue chip environments, I effectively strengthen relationships between operational teams and group IT functions ensuring the two work together for the benefit of the company at large.
My latest IT Business Partner role involved partnering with a recently acquired pensions and payroll services business, developing relationships between the business and group IT and working to improve systems process understanding.
I have provided IT Management Consultancy and support for a start-up which began with a single owner and personal assistant, mushrooming to 300+ employees with a £8.5m turnover.
Having seen the challenges first hand of rapid growth with start-ups and rapid change in established business, I really enjoy helping businesses grow and flourish.
Rates
Rates on request depending on length of engagement, location and terms.
If you are a start-up and are looking to take the first steps, I can provide a few initial sessions to help you find your feet free of charge.
Discounts for the Not For Profit sector possible on a case by case basis.
Agencies welcome, please contact me for CV / Resume in your preferred format.
