Stuart Blackwood
Glasgow
Summary
Experienced professional with extensive expertise in MSSQL scripting, SQL database management. AWS administration including Auto-Scaling configuration, disaster recovery, and EC2 instance management.
Deep familiarity with OMS, trading platforms, FIX protocols (FIX and FIXML) and end-to-end order management and execution processes.
Comprehensive knowledge of trading diverse financial instruments across markets and counterparties. Alongside proficiency in Linux shell scripting, Windows server and AppDynamics for performance monitoring and optimisation.
Skilled in incident management, change implementation, SLA adherence, and capacity planning to ensure operational excellence.
Career focus includes using a wide skillset to optimise trading systems in an environment based upon seamless integration across platforms.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Applications Support Analyst
Barclays Wealth
Glasgow
2004.10 - 2025.07
Front Line Application Support across the following technologies:
MS SQL Server
ORACLE
Amazon AWS infrastructure
Linux
Microsoft Windows Server
- Customer focussed attitude to maintain business continuity.
- Provided timely responses to user queries for improved customer satisfaction.
- Investigated reported issues, leading to prompt resolution times.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance team's knowledge and skills.
- Prioritised tasks effectively under high-pressure situations, maintaining service levels consistently.
- Maintained accurate records of application errors with detailed documentation.
- Managed critical application updates, ensuring minimal disruption during peak hours.
- Assisted in software implementation, resulting in smoother transitions during upgrades.
- Collaborated with development teams for successful software enhancements.
- Conducted thorough analysis of incident reports, aiding in future prevention strategies.
- Created and maintained System Documentation and facilitated colleague training.
MSSQL DBA (contract)
Barclays Stockbrokers
Glasgow
2003.10 - 2004.09
- Delivered prompt troubleshooting services during incidents of system downtime or failures, minimising disruption to operations.
- Led initiatives for capacity planning whilst managing storage resources efficiently.
- Managed and monitored system backup procedures for enhanced data security.
DBA (MSSQL)
Alba Life Limited
Glasgow
1994.07 - 2002.12
MSSQL database administration, IBM DASD, JCL, COBOL and SUPRA database
- Implemented disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity during unforeseen events.
- Improved database performance by implementing efficient indexing strategies.
- Managed and monitored system backup procedures for enhanced data security.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Computing
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow 1992.09 - 1993.06
Master of Arts - Economics / Philosophy
University of Glasgow
Glasgow 1987.09 - 1991.06
Skills
- Strong MSSQL language and scripting Skills
- Maintenance and report scripting and scheduling (eg Autosys)
- Incident management and Change management
- Deep familiarity with OMS, trading platforms, FIX and FIXML
- Strong End to end Order management and execution skills
- Excellent knowledge of FIX routing, translation and Bridge functionality
- Extensive knowledge of trading a wide variety of Financial instruments, across markets and Counterparties
- Strong SQLdatabase understanding
- AWS management and Administration
- AWS Auto-Scaling configuration, Disaster Recovery, Change management, Lambda functions, capacity management
- AWS Management of ec2 instances
- AWS change implementation
- Linux command line and shell Scripting
- AppDynamics
- SLA orientated
Timeline
Applications Support Analyst
Barclays Wealth
2004.10 - 2025.07
MSSQL DBA (contract)
Barclays Stockbrokers
2003.10 - 2004.09
DBA (MSSQL)
Alba Life Limited
1994.07 - 2002.12
Postgraduate Diploma - Computing
Glasgow Caledonian University
1992.09 - 1993.06
Master of Arts - Economics / Philosophy
University of Glasgow
1987.09 - 1991.06