Colin Smith

In 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, joined the Toptal freelance network to sustain revenue streams for Goblin Computing in my spare time. During this period, I have successfully executed and concluded five projects for diverse clients based in the United States, all conducted remotely.

These projects, listed starting with the most recent, encompass:

• Engineered and deployed numerous integration workflows and processes for Dermalogica, a renowned skin care cosmetics brand. This global platform project spanned the UK, EU, and US, utilizing technologies such as C# Azure Functions, Azure Logic/Power Apps, Data Gateway, Dynamics Business Central, Dynamics NAV2017, Shopify, and Pepperi to streamline operations across multiple locations.
• Created and implemented an Excel VSTO add-in for a finance trading house, integrating an AI and Python-based financial modelling backend system. This solution employed Azure B2C, WebSocket, and REST-based API connections, coded in C#, with packaging automation facilitated through GitHub and GitHub Actions.
• Working with Sapient Industries, spearheaded the creation of an expansive cross-cloud data processing infrastructure, integrating Azure Logic Apps, Azure Databricks, Python, MSSQL Server, Event Hub, IoT Hub, Azure Stream Analytics, AWS Lambda functions, and AWS S3 storage accounts. This endeavor involved collecting sensor data from smart sockets and panel breakers using MQTT/Azure EventHub, channeling this data through Azure Event Hub and AWS IoT for processing, and applying Stream Analytics and Lambda jobs to cleanse data before its storage in ADLS2/S3. Also established data processing pipelines in Databricks to normalize and store data in delta tables, and to aggregate this data into various time-sliced datasets for efficient API retrieval, covering a vast array of functionalities from data collection to processing and aggregation.
• Architected a job management and financial reporting dashboard system for Goettl, a leading US air conditioning installation company. This system, developed with Angular, C#, and Azure Web Apps and Functions, supported by MSSQL on Azure VM, featured automated deployments via Azure DevOps and Terraform. It also included a mobile application for Android, developed with Flutter, Dart, and Kotlin, enabling engineers to log job data and access performance metrics.
• Designed a departmental contact management system for ExxonMobil, utilizing Angular, C#, Azure Web Apps, and SQL databases. The deployment process was automated using Azure DevOps and Terraform, enhancing departmental communications and data management efficiency.

These projects demonstrate a broad range of technical skills and the ability to deliver complex solutions across various industries and technological environments.

• Goblin Computing Ltd, my proprietary company, serves as a platform for personal development and engagement with the latest IT industry trends, as well as for executing independently commissioned contracts. My experience with Goblin Computing has spanned a diverse range of client projects, demonstrating a comprehensive skill set in both development and architectural design:
  • Collaborated with Greggs on the 'Till (POS) of the Future' project, involving both frontend and backend development. This included creating API management endpoints for a .NET Core/5 based containerised microservice-oriented backend, employing Azure FrontDoor CDN for enhanced scalability and resilience, and developing frontend interfaces for Android tablet-based POS and kiosk systems using Flutter, Dart, and Kotlin.
  • Redesigned and developed a patient records management and appointment booking system for a major national MSK physiotherapy provider, transitioning from a SharePoint 2013-based system to a standalone application utilizing .NET Core 3.1, Angular 8, and an API-driven microservice architecture. The system, built on Azure DevOps with automated deployment pipelines, supports patient management for private occupational health services and NHS trust referrals within an Azure IaaS environment.
  • Engaged by Aqua Consultants from July 2014 to March 2018 to architect and develop a suite of systems including a CRM and commission forecasting system, a project and cost management database system, the ENSCES engineering project modelling and cost estimation tool, a Structural Design tool for the gas, water, and nuclear sectors, and the Gas2Grid Calculator for Northern Gas Networks, all leveraging a unified model calculation engine.
  • In a joint venture with Aqua Consultants and BiZen Limited, developed an industrial IoT device for water treatment plant telemetry, integrating .NET Core, UWP, and Windows 10 Enterprise IoT with Modbus devices to transmit data to Azure Cloud. The project featured a fully automated build and deployment process, microservices/API-driven architecture, and automated IoT device commissioning, culminating in deployment at Southwest Water. However, the project was paused due to COVID-19 related operational challenges.
  • Designed an IoT platform with a dashboard solution for Royal IHC/TI-Geosciences' new offshore drilling system. Following successfully deploying a beta/proof of concept system, the project was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic's movement restrictions.
  • Additionally, I provided ongoing support for systems developed for Nissan, maintaining a retainer relationship for system support and enhancements from November 2015 to August 2017.
  
  These projects highlight my ability to deliver innovative solutions across a range of technologies and industries, maintaining a focus on efficiency, scalability, and the application of modern development practices.

Upon re-entering the contracting market, I engaged in a short-term, project-based role to support AlphaGraphics' software development team. This assignment focused on implementing necessary enhancements to their primary educational initiative, the "Class Fundraising" project (detailed at https://www.classfundraising.co.uk), and the "Control Tower" platforms. The objective was to facilitate the transition to a 24/7 production schedule in anticipation of the Christmas 2023 period.

Responsibilities and achievements during this tenure included:

• Developing new pages and modifying existing functionality within the systems, employing C#, ASP.NET, T-SQL, and making requisite SQL database alterations to meet the immediate requirements of the production and manufacturing staff.
• Initiating a modernisation process for systems reliant on legacy ASP.NET (WebForms and Telerik KendoUI) by segregating presentation, business, and data logic within the codebase, incorporating a repository pattern with Dapper, and transitioning code to backend API projects where feasible.
• Establishing and managing DevOps pipelines to automate the build and release processes within the AlphaGraphics environments. This included traditional build/deploy pipelines as well as pipelines designed to construct and disseminate core system components as packages via the company’s internal DevOps Nuget feed.
• Participating in story refinement and estimation activities as an integral component of the company's established Agile development methodology.
• Commencing an architectural project utilizing Visual Paradigm to generate Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) for the current data platform. This effort was aimed at aiding in the realization of certain development narratives and establishing a foundation for the anticipated redevelopment of the platforms in 2024.

Transitioning from an initial contractor role at Everflow, I embraced a hands-on permanent role as Head of Technical Operations and Architecture amidst the COVID pandemic.

This position entailed a blend of development, management, and strategic leadership, culminating in several key contributions and responsibilities:

• Actively participated in Everflow's senior leadership team, influencing strategic decisions and contributing to the company's growth from approximately 75 to over 200 employees, significantly expanding the technical team from 15 to over 70 members.
• Played a pivotal role in the technological evolution that positioned Everflow 3rd in the FT 1000 – Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies list for 2021.
• Led the development and management of three crucial teams: Group IT (End-User Computing and IT Helpdesk), Technical Operations (including DevOps and production system operations/service management), and Architecture.
• Engaged in hands-on development, architectural design, and platform implementation, transitioning from a monolithic to a microservices-based architecture. This included development with C#, React, Dapper, T-SQL, and Blazor, and the integration of Azure Functions, Logic Apps, Azure Service Bus, KeyVault, and API Management.
• Engaged in performing code reviews, technical sign-offs for release approvals, and technical mentoring across teams, and oversaw the operation and monitoring of DevOps and internal systems, addressing business requests, operational issues, and security incidents.
• Directed the architectural planning and design of the core platform and its next-generation iteration, embracing an API-driven architecture with supporting technologies such as containerisation and Kubernetes.
• Implemented DevOps and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines to support new architectural components, facilitating the transition to a microservices-oriented platform.
• Established and managed site-to-site VPN connections, integrating AzureAD with on-premises Active Directory, and developed a comprehensive data platform with MSSQL, Power Apps, ADLS2, Data Factory, and Databricks.
• Executed consolidation and rationalisation strategies, achieving significant cost reductions and operational improvements by optimising cloud resource usage and architecture.
• Coordinated annual penetration and security testing, employing automated DevOps pipelines for enhanced testing efficiency.

Additionally, I assumed control of the Group IT function, undertaking the following initiatives:

• Assembled an IT team to oversee daily operations and projects, managing the network across all devices and offices with an "always-on" VPN.
• Implemented office/M365 penetration testing procedures, including phishing campaigns, to bolster security.
• Standardised the end-user computing experience and evaluated new telecom providers for a unified communications platform that aligns with business needs.
• Rolled out Mobile Device Management (MDM) for centralized device management, enhancing remote support and security across end-user devices and cloud environments.
• Conducted evaluations and risk analyses of potential suppliers, guiding decisions on technology acquisitions and partnerships.

This comprehensive role demanded a deep engagement with both the technological and operational aspects of Everflow, underpinning the company's rapid growth and technological advancement.

Initially engaged to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Everflow's bespoke Eclipse CRM platform and evaluate the performance of its third-party developers, I played a critical role in the strategic decision to transition platform development in-house.

This pivotal shift involved multiple responsibilities and achievements:

• Championed the strategic decision to transition platform development in-house, directly influencing the trajectory of the project.
• Played a leading role in establishing a new in-house development team, including TechOps, developers, QA, and architects, expanding the technical workforce from three to approximately 15 members.
• Actively involved in the hands-on development of new code for the transitioning monolithic solution, employing C#, React, T-SQL, and Azure technologies such as WebApps, WebJobs, and KeyVault, ensuring a seamless evolution of the platform.
• Conducted a detailed analysis and mapping of the Eclipse platform's existing architecture, crafting a targeted architectural model aligned with the core business objectives.
• Managed multiple facets of the project due to the team's initial size, ensuring continuous development and bi-weekly release updates throughout the transition period without disruption.
• Led the migration of Azure and DevOps subscriptions and environments from third-party management to in-house control, initially executing this transition manually due to limited automation and later enhancing efficiency through scripting with ARM templates, subsequently migrated to Terraform for greater agility.
• Overhauled Azure DevOps pipelines to establish consistent release processes across all environments, including the development of a dedicated database pipeline for GDPR-compliant testing against anonymised "real" data, thereby maintaining data privacy and integrity.

My responsibilities also extended to overseeing the technical operations of the platform, encompassing:

• Continuous monitoring and operational oversight to ensure platform stability and performance.
• Strategic planning and execution of releases across all environments, enhancing the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and refining release processes and procedures to adhere to best practices, ensuring the platform's reliability and scalability.
• This comprehensive role demanded a proactive approach to development, strategic planning, and operational management, significantly contributing to the platform's evolution and operational excellence.

During my tenure at Nissan, I successfully led the delivery of two major projects, with a period of targeted support provided between them. As the primary developer and architect, I was responsible for the comprehensive lifecycle of these projects, including architectural design, development, workflow implementation, testing, deployment, and post-deployment support, adhering to ITIL change management processes.

My role was supported by a project manager and an infrastructure engineer, who facilitated procedural management and environment setup, respectively.

June 2014 – September 2016: Vehicle Coding and Diagnostics Project

• Developed a Windows workflow-based control system for vehicle coding and diagnostics, integrating with international coding and security systems in Japan and Germany, and local engineering data.
• Managed interfaces with vehicle programming devices on the shop floor to program and secure critical vehicle components, translating between XML data formats and distributing diagnostic data across Nissan's global systems.
• Ensured real-time data processing and delivery to maintain production flow, with strict adherence to a five-second maximum turnaround time for data retrieval.

September 2016 – March 2017: External Support Phase

• Provided on-call support to the Service Delivery team, diagnosing and resolving issues in delivered systems and third-party integrations, facilitating system improvements in compliance with ITIL standards.

March 2017 – March 2019: NXAuto Project

• Enhanced and expanded the initial system to manage and distribute critical vehicle data across Nissan Europe's mainframe and third-party systems, significantly improving system capabilities and integration with plant-wide operations.
• Oversaw the management of vehicle build schedule data, tracking data, spec change data, engine build and fit data, and other miscellaneous data, ensuring seamless real-time data flow to support just-in-time production-line assembly.
• The system, deemed production-critical, went live on 6th January 2019, handling over 124k inbound messages and 380k outbound messages daily across multiple protocols, with more than 160k daily workflow executions, marking it essential for uninterrupted production.

This project, instrumental in Nissan's production operations, has been crucial in preventing potential plant-wide stoppages, demonstrating the system's critical role in the company's manufacturing ecosystem.

Responsible for the architecture and design of an engineering job estimating and costing system, initially termed iMODLite, which leveraged existing calculation models from Excel. This foundational work later evolved into a comprehensive system known as ENSCES, developed for Aqua.

Key aspects of my role included

System Architecture and Design:

• Developed the initial framework for iMODLite, setting the groundwork for the advanced ENSCES system.
• Created a SQL Server-based database and schema, extensively utilizing T-SQL and XML DML to process raw XML documents into structured database formats and return datasets in XML, minimizing client-side processing demands.

Agile/Scrum Environment:

• Operated within an Agile/Scrum development framework, crafting SSIS packages to facilitate the integration of XML-based model descriptions into SQL database tables for model definitions.

Leadership and Development Oversight:

• Directed the job estimation system's development, overseeing backend implementation and coordinating frontend development efforts.
• Ensured the system's successful final delivery, installation, and client handover.

Development Environment Implementation:

• Established a Team Foundation Server (TFS)-based environment for comprehensive project management, including source control, work item management, build and test automation, and deployment processes.
• Implemented gated check-ins, automated testing, code reviews, and authorization policies to maintain codebase stability.

Technical Troubleshooting:

• Addressed and resolved issues within Excel VBA macros, integral to the calculation models.
• Developed a WPF-based model test harness for validating model interfaces through desktop interaction prior to web application integration.

Project Delivery:

• Achieved on-time and within-budget project completion, adeptly navigating through evolving project requirements and challenges.
• This role demanded a high level of technical expertise, project management acumen, and the ability to lead a development team through the lifecycle of a complex software project, ensuring both technical and operational excellence.

In my role primarily focused on DevOps, I led a team of six, tasked with managing the Team Foundation Server-based source control and project management platform. This comprehensive responsibility included overseeing build workflows, custom activities, process templates, work item definitions, and management information reporting. Our methodologies aligned with DSDM Atern—a formalized variant of Agile/SCRUM—for project planning and incorporated ITIL standards for change and release management.

Responsibilities included:

• Environment Management: Managed 26 multi-tier environments (test, integration, pre-production, and production) utilized by numerous project teams across seven UK locations, ranging from Glasgow to Tunbridge Wells. This involved supporting developers and teams with build, configuration, and environmental challenges, and collaborating with the Change Management team to ensure all aspects of releases were comprehensively scoped, prepared, and approved before deployment.
• Security and Code Validation: Addressed security concerns and validated code to preempt vulnerabilities, coordinating with testing teams to automate vulnerability checks using Watin and Selenium frameworks. Ensured adherence to OWASP, PCI/DSS and other standards to safeguard personal data and interactions with external services like the payment services, national vehicle insurance database and DVLA, thus maintaining data integrity and minimizing exposure risks.

Key achievements:

• Configuration Management Solution: Developed and deployed a new Configuration Management system that automated configuration across all environments, including production, streamlining the process significantly.
• Process Workflow and Reporting: Collaborated with Project Management teams to standardize process workflows and enhance management information reporting, ensuring consistency and clarity in project tracking.
• Environmental Baseline Automation: Automated the environmental baseline process, enabling the capture of the current environment state and facilitating a fully automated rebuild of any environment based on this baseline within two hours.
• Build, Test, and Deployment Automation: Automated numerous aspects of build, test, configuration, and deployment processes. Introduced a maintenance build template workflow and activities to automate routine maintenance tasks across environments and support systems.
• Post-Deployment Testing Automation: Created an automated post-deployment testing framework using C# based on Watin. This framework captures user journey screengrabs during tests and emails the results to developers, our team, and project management, enhancing quality assurance and feedback mechanisms.

These responsibilities and achievements reflect a commitment to improving operational efficiency, security compliance, and project delivery through innovative DevOps practices.

In a SCRUM-based development environment, I held a pivotal DevOps-oriented role as the Build and Release Manager for the Tesco Entertainment (previously Tesco Digital) site and its associated platform services.

My responsibilities included:

• Release Management: Ensuring timely and quality-aligned releases, adhering to the architectural and project plans.
• Code Quality and Integration: Conducting code analysis, refactoring, and collaborating with testing and development teams to identify and resolve potential issues. This included managing APIs and coordinating with external vendors like MediaNet, DataCash, and Third Man anti-fraud services.
• Automation and Scripting: Developing and maintaining C# and MSBuild scripts for automated build and deployment processes across web, application, and data tiers, including SSIS packages for ETL processes.
• Technical Support: Providing comprehensive technical support, including on-call assistance, and managing all aspects of the production environment.
• Infrastructure Development: Directly responsible for creating the internal and DevOps environments at Silkroute UK following the project's transition from Conchango. This included setting up new systems, maintaining SysPrep images, and scripting for automated server and service deployment.

Key achievements:

• Tesco Entertainment Platform Development: Contributed significantly to launching the new platform, integrating an in-house Warehouse & Order Management system, and migrating existing Tesco Entertainment and Digital platforms to a unified system, all within a stringent four-month deadline.
• Environment Configuration: Managed a .NET and SQL-based environment for the website and a Java (Glassfish)/Oracle environment for the warehouse and fulfillment management system.
• ITIL Implementation: Collaborated with the Operations Manager to introduce ITIL practices and the Beetil service management tool for streamlined change management processes.
• System and Environment Build: Established new internal systems for Silkroute UK, leveraging HA Hyper-V clusters, active-active ISCSI storage, and SCVMM based on a Windows 2008R2 AD structure. Developed system test and development environments on SCVMM systems, integrating TFS2008, MOSS2007 for knowledge sharing, and Visual Studio 2008, ensuring seamless migration from the Tesco development platform without impacting the build and release cycle.
• Automation Scripting: Authored automation scripts for the Silkroute SCVMM-based virtual environment, facilitating the provisioning of new environments, including server creation and the automated setup of application, data, and business services virtual servers using PowerShell with Hyper-V cmdlets, alongside custom cmdlets and MSBuild tasks.
  

This role required a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and a proactive approach to ensuring operational efficiency and system reliability.

In my capacity, I was entrusted with the management of the fortnightly build and release cycle for the London Stock Exchange's corporate website and its related applications and services.

This role entailed:

Release Management:

• Orchestrating the build and release cycle, including the development of deployment and rollback plans to meet ITIL and ISO20000 standards.
• Managed the release lifecycle, which involved coordinating with third-party vendors through the use of release initiation notices (RINs), integrating code updates, and ensuring technical compliance before QA and business stakeholder sign-offs.

Technical Development and Support:

• Developing desktop and web applications, as well as scripts in C#, to enhance platform development beyond third-party contributions.
• Improving the build and deployment framework and conducting both manual and automated testing, including functional and load testing with RadView WebLoad based on real user activity.

Data Analysis and Capacity Planning:

• Conducted data analysis using Teradata and Oracle-based big data analytics and data warehouse platforms to understand historical trading volumes and activities.
• Monitored the platform, and data warehouse content to inform capacity planning, focusing on projecting system growth and ensuring scalability to meet future demands.

Service Delivery Support:

• Supporting the day-to-day operations of the corporate website and its integrations with Exchange systems such as Trading and Regulatory News, along with external feeds like Thomson AFX and S&P world indices.
• Providing a liaison role to facilitate troubleshooting, monitoring, and problem resolution between service delivery, network, infrastructure, system administration, and App/DBA teams for high-priority service incidents.

HR Systems Management:

• Overseeing the HR Systems service line, including Northgate PSEnterprise and MS Dynamics systems, ensuring timely updates, deployments, and effective disaster recovery planning.
• Serving as the 'lifeboat' primary contact for service restoration at the exchanges' alternate site in the event of primary data centre outages due to disaster or security breaches.

This position required a comprehensive understanding of technical development, project management, and operational support to maintain and enhance the functionality and reliability of the London Stock Exchange's digital infrastructure.

Tasked with analysing two of the company's existing legacy products, written using classic ASP and VB6, and designing the architecture for a new project aimed at merging these products into a single, modernized offering using C#, and ASP.NET.

However, following a comprehensive feasibility study, the project was discontinued due to its lack of economic viability at that juncture.

I was tasked with several key responsibilities, encompassing the development, compliance, and management of the company's software and network systems. My duties included:

Specification Writing:

• Drafting architectural, functional, and technical specifications for modifying new and existing software functionalities, ensuring compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley regulations.

Software Development Lifecycle Management:

• Overseeing the complete development lifecycle of work items.
• Developing server-side code using C#, SQL, XML, and XSLT, alongside client-side development for WinForms-based desktop applications.
• Supporting the build, testing, and release processes for new software updates.

Network and Systems Support:

• Collaborating with the Technical Manager to support and manage the corporate network and systems across UK and US offices, covering both Microsoft and UNIX-based systems.
• This role required a comprehensive approach to software development, adherence to compliance standards, and effective collaboration within the technical team to support and enhance corporate IT infrastructure.

As a direct report to the Managing Director, my responsibilities were comprehensive, covering all technical aspects of internal systems and external projects. My duties included:

Technical Leadership and Decision-Making:

• Making all technical decisions related to internal systems and project execution.
• Managing purchasing, budgeting for technical projects, internal company equipment, and licenses.
• Overseeing supplier relationship management.

Technical Staff Management:

• Defining roles within the technical team.
• Conducting interviews, hiring, and evaluating technical staff.
• Leading training initiatives and developing ongoing career plans for team members.

Innovative Project Development:

• Conceptualized and developed the BarBrowser system for the hospitality industry, a pioneering kiosk browser system employing C++ & MFC for the core application, with Internet Explorer as the hosted browser and Macromedia Director for visuals and graphics.
• Deployed BarBrowser units across numerous bars in Newcastle city centre, enabling internet browsing with targeted advertising, an on-screen keyboard, and stringent browser controls to block undesirable sites and prevent unwanted behavior, such as popup windows. This innovation predated the widespread adoption of similar tablet device functionalities.

Project Specification and Development:

• Authored architectural, functional, and technical specifications for various projects.
• Oversaw and participated in project development, adhering to Agile (Scrum) methodology.
• Managed the delivery of projects and provided comprehensive post-deployment support.
  

Systems Architecture and Network Configuration:

• Designed and implemented bespoke environments and network configurations to facilitate project support, ensuring tailored solutions met the specific needs of each initiative.

This role demanded a high level of technical proficiency, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive the successful completion of internal and external technical projects.

In my role, I engaged predominantly with public bodies and career services, undertaking a comprehensive range of responsibilities that included:

• Drafting architectural, functional, and technical specifications for various projects.
• Conducting meetings with project stakeholders to align on objectives and requirements.
• Developing designed solutions and implementing requisite environments and network configurations to support these projects.

Additionally, my duties encompassed:

• Advising the Managing Director on selection and procurement of equipment and licensing.
• Overseeing daily management of the company's network and server infrastructure.
• Providing continuous support for systems that have been deployed, ensuring their optimal performance and reliability.

Held accountability for drafting architectural, functional, and technical specifications for various projects, orchestrating environments and network configurations to bolster project support, and guiding teams of developers and designers through development, deployment, and support of systems, several of which were implemented at client locations.

My contributions included:

• Architecting and developing a wide array of websites and desktop applications tailored to client needs.
• Advising on equipment and licensing options to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and managing daily operations of the company's network and server infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and security.

Held a leadership role, managing a team of three, in the development of the company's Fluorescence Microscopy Medical Software.

My responsibilities encompassed:

• Drafting detailed specifications for the software development process.
• Decomposing the project scope into manageable work items for effective execution.
• Designing and implementing processing and control routines using embedded C and C++ on microcontroller and DSP cards, ensuring robust system performance.
• Overseeing the daily management of the company's network and server infrastructure, maintaining optimal operation and security.

This role required a meticulous approach to both software development and IT infrastructure management, contributing to the successful deployment of medical software in a highly specialized and challenging environment.

This was a part-time role whilst at university, studying for BSc and involved managing and maintaining IT systems within an internet café, and assisting customers.

This was a part-time role whilst at university, studying for BSc and involved managing and maintaining IT systems used within the Contributions Agency.