Gary Beer
Castle Donington,Leicestershire
Summary
I am a Technical Product Manager with a strong background in the Microsoft Power Platform, combining hands-on development experience with product ownership and platform governance. I have a proven track record of delivering scalable, business-focused solutions that improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, and replace legacy systems with cost-effective alternatives.
I work closely with stakeholders across the business to understand requirements, define product direction, and ensure solutions deliver real value to end users. My experience spans the full product lifecycle, from discovery and requirements gathering through to delivery, adoption, and continuous improvement.
Alongside this, I have contributed to establishing governance frameworks including ALM, environment strategy, and security standards to ensure sustainable platform growth.
What sets me apart is my progression from a hands-on technical background into product leadership, giving me the ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technical delivery.
My earlier experience in a safety-critical airport environment has shaped my ability to remain calm under pressure, make informed decisions, and operate effectively in complex, high-stakes situations.
I am passionate about using the Power Platform to drive innovation and deliver meaningful business outcomes, and I am motivated by creating solutions that have a tangible impact across the organisation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Technical Product Owner - Power Platform
Manchester Airports Group
Manchester, Greater Manchester
2026.01 - Current
- Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the organisation on Microsoft Power Platform.
- Lead and manage a team of developers and Systems Analysts delivering solutions across multiple departments.
- Collaborate with Project Managers and Business Analysts to define requirements, produce documentation, and support business change initiatives.
- Oversaw group-wide projects across three airports, ensuring timely and successful product delivery.
- Govern the Power Platform estate, including environment strategy, Application Lifecycle Management (ALM), Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, pipelines, security and access, database usage, and licensing.
- Partner with Cyber Security and Branding teams to establish standards and processes for Power Apps development across the business.
- Support and guide citizen developers, ensuring solutions align with organisational standards for coding, branding, and security.
- Designed and implemented a full audit framework for Power Apps, ensuring all applications are registered, assigned to product owners, and transitioned into service with a clear end-user pathway.
Lead Power Platform Developer
Manchester Airports Group
Manchester, Greater Manchester
2024.09 - 2026.01
- Led the design, development, and deployment of enterprise solutions using Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI).
- Managed and mentored a team of developers, providing technical guidance, code reviews, and best practice standards.
- Architected scalable solutions, integrating Power Platform with enterprise systems (e.g. APIs, SharePoint, Dataverse).
- Established and enforced governance frameworks, including ALM, environment strategy, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions, improving operational efficiency.
- Delivered multiple end-to-end solutions, from requirements gathering through to deployment and support.
- Acted as a key escalation point for complex technical issues and solution design decisions.
- Promoted adoption of Power Platform across the organisation by supporting and enabling citizen developers.
Power Platform Developer
Manchester Airports Group
Manchester, Greater Manchester
2023.07 - 2024.10
- Designed and developed Power Platform solutions (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI) to support business operations across three airports.
- Delivered end-to-end applications, from requirements gathering through to deployment and ongoing support.
- Replaced legacy and third-party software solutions and paper processes with Power Platform applications, reducing licensing costs and improving system integration.
- Built automated workflows to streamline business processes, reducing manual effort and increasing operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with Business Analysts and stakeholders to translate business needs into effective technical solutions.
- Integrated Power Platform solutions with existing systems, including SharePoint, Dataverse, and external APIs.
- Ensured solutions followed best practices for security, performance, and usability.
- Provided user support, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement for deployed applications.
Aviation Fire Fighter
East Midlands Airport (MAG)
Derby, Leicestershire
2014.11 - 2023.07
- Responded to a wide range of emergency incidents, including aircraft fires, structural fires, medical emergencies, and environmental incidents, operating effectively in high-pressure situations.
- Conducted routine fire safety inspections, including tenant compliance checks and terminal fire alarm testing, ensuring adherence to safety regulations.
- Held full airside clearance with permits for apron, manoeuvring area, and runway driving.
- Worked collaboratively within a team environment, maintaining composure and clear decision-making during critical incidents.
- Contributed to the procurement of four new fire engines, working closely with manufacturers to define specifications in line with regulatory and operational requirements.
- Led the design and delivery of a new practical training facility for breathing apparatus (BA) search and rescue exercises.
- Designed and repurposed a decommissioned Sicard vehicle to simulate external firefighting scenarios, enhancing training capability.
- Recognised with organisational awards for innovation and contribution to training improvements.
- Self-taught in Microsoft Power Apps, developing digital solutions alongside operational duties.
- Developed a Building and Aircraft Information App used by the Airport Fire Service, providing critical information to crews during emergency response.
- Invited to present the application to Satya Nadella at Microsoft Store Oxford Street, following organisational recognition of its impact.
Motor Transport Mechanic
East Midlands Airport (MAG)
Derby, Leicestershire
2007.11 - 2014.11
- Maintained and serviced a diverse airport fleet, including fire engines, snow clearing equipment, plant machinery, tractors, and light vehicles.
- Carried out preventative maintenance and repairs to ensure high vehicle availability and operational readiness across the airport.
- Diagnosed and resolved mechanical faults efficiently, minimising downtime and disruption to airport operations.
- Participated in an on-call rota, responding to critical breakdowns that could impact airside and operational activities.
- Supported the reliability of emergency response vehicles, ensuring fire appliances remained fully operational at all times.
- Worked collaboratively within a team to deliver maintenance activities in a safety-critical environment.
Apprentice Mechanic
Castle Donington Service Centre
Derby, Leicestershire
2004.09 - 2007.11
- Assisted in the maintenance and repair of a range of vehicles, gaining hands-on experience in a busy workshop environment.
- Carried out routine servicing tasks, including oil changes, brake inspections, and tyre replacements.
- Supported senior mechanics with diagnostics and mechanical repairs, developing technical knowledge and practical skills.
- Learned to use workshop tools and equipment safely and effectively, following health and safety procedures.
- Maintained a clean and organised workspace, ensuring efficiency and compliance with workshop standards.
- Developed strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail when identifying mechanical issues.
- Delivered good customer service by supporting team members and contributing to a positive workshop environment.
Education
SAFE Product Owner/Product Manager
ManchesterCertificate of Higher Education - Fire Fighting
Fire Fighter Initial
Darlington 2015.01 - 2015.02
Certificate of Higher Education - Fire Crew Commander
Fire Crew Commander Initial
Darlington 2022.06 - 2022.06
NVQ Level 3 - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Remit
Derby 2004.09 - 2006.09
GCSEs -
Hind Leys Community College
Shepshed, Leicestershire 2002.09 - 2004.09
Skills
- Power Platform development understanding
- Power Platform administration
- Product knowledge
Accomplishments
Invited to present a Power Apps solution to Satya Nadella at Microsoft London Office following recognition for innovation and impact.
Timeline
Technical Product Owner - Power Platform
Manchester Airports Group
2026.01 - Current
Lead Power Platform Developer
Manchester Airports Group
2024.09 - 2026.01
Power Platform Developer
Manchester Airports Group
2023.07 - 2024.10
Certificate of Higher Education - Fire Crew Commander
Fire Crew Commander Initial
2022.06 - 2022.06
Certificate of Higher Education - Fire Fighting
Fire Fighter Initial
2015.01 - 2015.02
Aviation Fire Fighter
East Midlands Airport (MAG)
2014.11 - 2023.07
Motor Transport Mechanic
East Midlands Airport (MAG)
2007.11 - 2014.11
Apprentice Mechanic
Castle Donington Service Centre
2004.09 - 2007.11
NVQ Level 3 - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Remit
2004.09 - 2006.09
GCSEs -
Hind Leys Community College
2002.09 - 2004.09
SAFE Product Owner/Product Manager