Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Chris Holden

Birmingham,West Midlands

Summary

Innovative problem-solver with proven ability to translate complex requirements into robust software solutions and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Demonstrates strong proficiency in software development and leadership, leveraging technical expertise and strong communication skills. Committed to driving technological advancements and delivering impactful results.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Senior software engineer / data analyst

Beacon Medical Systems
London
05.2024 - Current
  • Developed large data analysis tools, backend and API development in nodeJS and Python, and UI using React and Vue. PostgreSQL database, Firebase analytics and Google BigQuery for insights.
  • Involved in all stages of the software development life cycle, from initial inception and specification, to development, implementation, code peer review and support and maintenance, ensuring quality control at every step.
  • Worked on both greenfield development and supported existing legacy systems using a mix of distributed micro-services and monolithic architecture.
  • Worked in a fast-pace, often changing environment, with quick turnaround where necessary.
  • Integrated with third-party systems to automate routine tasks.
  • Analysed patterns in large volumes of data, provided key business and user insights, measurements against KPIs and interpreted statistical data findings for publication.
  • Collaborated closely with multiple different stakeholders for further development design and urgent issue resolution.
  • Conducted in-depth software testing for bug identification and rectification including automated unit tests, integration tests and end-to-end testing.
  • Entirely remote using Agile SCRUM methodology, Jira ticketing and Kanban boards.
  • Completed BPSS clearance for working with the NHS and MoD.


Senior developer

Hintsa Performance
Helsinki, Finland
04.2022 - 03.2024
  • Working with a small team of developers, building internal web-based mobile-first applications for recording and analysing personal performance in F1, sports and high-wealth individuals.
  • Mostly working on mobile-first, web-based apps, with Ruby on Rails backend, Typescript, React and Vue, deploying Dockerised development to AWS, via CI/CD methodologies in a fully remote Agile environment. Used MySQL databases in a fully containerised environment.
  • Optimised existing database structures and updated ORM-based methods to improve performance, for surveys written in multiple languages.
  • Integrated with personal fitness devices via third-party APIs.
  • Mentored junior developers and conducted peer code reviews and involved with running SCRUM-style meetings and weekly retrospectives.
  • Drafted detailed technical documentation, for existing legacy and ongoing features, facilitating easier future revisions.
  • Refactored production code base where necessary, leaning heaving on TDD (test driven development) methodologies.

Freelance inventor

Self-employed
Brighton, East Sussex
03.2016 - 03.2022
  • Worked on multiple projects for many different clients, from short-term, quick turn-around projects to long term, fully supported enterprise systems.
  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
  • Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best approaches.
  • Deckchair.com - internet connected HD cameras. I developed the new hardware, PCB layouts, APIs for integration with existing systems, image uploading routines and web-based inventory systems using Python, node.js, Vue, Docker, MySQL.
  • AI image processing using OpenCV and third-party training models.
  • Working from a design brief to create product concepts, such as multi-lingual "perfume balls" for the Paris Perfume Museum and real-world, multi-player "squeezibles" for Candy Crush Saga.
  • Technologies used included Unity(C#) to build native mobile apps and with Blender for 3D VR/AR development, C/C++ for microcontroller firmware, PHP, Laraval, JQuery to build websites and RESTful APIs.
  • Integrating on-site devices with social media APIs, I developed websites that could exchange video and data with physical displays at trade shows, providing multiple points of entry for collecting contact information, using Python, PHP, nodeJS, Ruby on Rails and, where necessary, HTML5, CSS, Bootstrap and JQuery.
  • Managed multiple clients at the same time, including a long-term support contract with my previous employer, Fords of Winsford, for an enterprise DMS system I had developed.

Lead developer

Fords of Winsford
Winsford, Cheshire
03.2006 - 03.2016
  • Large, established multi-site car supermarket with 100+ staff across multiple sites.
  • After initially supporting their Epicor warehousing system, I was asked to lead a development team and design a new dealer management system for FOW.
  • After a short time as lead developer, I worked in a solo developer role, to create the full DMS and accounts system that ran FOW for ten years, using a combination of different technologies, from traditional client/server software in VB/.NET, web-based APIs using ASP and PHP, customer-facing websites using PHP and JQuery to online image manipulation and NPR using Python.
  • Backend APIs to business data for third parties to access was built using PHP, ASP and node.js
  • MySQL and MS SQL relational database management systems were used to allow multiple companies to operate under a single umbrella, and to share data across multiple sites and commercial entities.
  • Custom hardware and firmware and AI image recognition, such as ANPR vehicle identification and job-card OCR was implemented across the Winsford site.
  • Ensured smooth deployment of updates and patches across live production systems, reducing downtime significantly.

Software engineer

Medisec Software
Chester, Cheshire
01.2001 - 01.2006
  • Worked in a small development team, located at the Countess of Chester Hospital, to develop some of the early Medisec products in a time- and life-critical environment.
  • We developed custom encryption and authentication routines, web-based GP referral systems and clinical correspondence management software using C++, VB, ASP and PHP.
  • Oracle and MS SQL databases handled in excess of 12 million patient records across six sites.
  • This also involved integrating with existing GP software providers Emis and Torex, using a variety of methods, such as data extraction, APIs and building OCR screen scraping routines.
  • Worked on the full SDLC from specification and requirements to implementation, systems integration and long-term support.

Trainer

People Energy Limited
Llangollen, Denbighshire
01.1999 - 01.2001
  • In preparation of Y2K and beyond, I developed and delivered training courses to teach groups of 6-10 individuals how to write software and build database applications, using VB/ASP/SQL Server over eight and ten week courses.
  • Devised unique training strategies to suit varied learning styles amongst employees.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills when conveying complex concepts in simple terms.
  • Mentored developers into work for large organisations.

Systems integrator

Deescan
Acrefair, Wrexham
03.1997 - 01.1999
  • Small team of hardware engineers, building automation and control panels.
  • Designing and building control panels and PLC software for factory automation.
  • Developed early web-enabled applications to show realtime metrics and fault reporting.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within set deadlines.
  • Integrated diverse software components into a unified, functional system for increased performance.

Education

A-Levels - Mathematics, Physics

Ysgol Dinas Bran
Llangollen
09.1992 - 06.1994

Skills

  • NodeJS, Vue, React, Python, Laravel, Django
  • C#, Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, MySQL
  • Full software development lifecycle SDLC experience
  • Web applications development
  • Software design expertise
  • Front-End and back-end development
  • DevOps toolchain familiarity
  • Knowledge of agile methodologies
  • Automated unit testing, integration testing, end-to-end testing
  • Innovative mindset
  • Complex problem-solving expertise
  • Full-Stack programming
  • RDBMS Database management
  • Agile development methodologies

Affiliations

  • I am passionate about technology and enjoy inventing IoT-enabled gadgets using electronics and 3d printers, making games with Unity, and websites to bring them all together.
  • I enjoy teaching and learning and helped set up and run the local “hackspace” where people come to share their ideas and crazy inventions.
  • I enjoy playing in a band and attending live music and open mic / jam nights.
  • I love, where possible, messing about on the canals on a narrowboat.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Senior software engineer / data analyst

Beacon Medical Systems
05.2024 - Current

Senior developer

Hintsa Performance
04.2022 - 03.2024

Freelance inventor

Self-employed
03.2016 - 03.2022

Lead developer

Fords of Winsford
03.2006 - 03.2016

Software engineer

Medisec Software
01.2001 - 01.2006

Trainer

People Energy Limited
01.1999 - 01.2001

Systems integrator

Deescan
03.1997 - 01.1999

A-Levels - Mathematics, Physics

Ysgol Dinas Bran
09.1992 - 06.1994

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Chris Holden