Bruce Tomalin
ABOUT ME
I am an IT specialist, with development and testing experience with a number of industry clients.
I have experience of team leading, systems analysis, AGILE methodology and web authoring.
I have always been praised for my communication skills and have experience of challenging client-facing roles, as well as experience of retail web site authoring and maintenance.
I have worked across the development and delivery life cycle and project managed.
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
Role Responsibilities
I am employed as part of a team with responsibility for the maintenace of many charitable clients web sites. Built on Drupal I am actively involve in planning and maintenance and customisation of all client sites, implementation of Drupal updates and customisation.
Technologies include Drupal, LEMP (Linux, Nginx, MySQL & PHP) Stack service, Composer, JavaScript, jQuery, Git
SKILLS
Key Skills
- PHP
- Content Management Systems
- Web Development
- Search Engine Optimization
- A proven track record of learning and utilizing new technologies rapidly and effectively.
- Client facing in the consumer market.
Primary Skills
- Drupal
- PHP
- Composer
- GIT
- CSS
- HTML
- MySQL
- jQuery
- Javascript
- Wordpress
- NGINX
Secondary Skills
- Docker
- Apache
- Magento
- Mongo DB
- Photoshop
- Azure
- AWS
- UNIX
- COBOL
- Search Engine Optimization
Current Training Courses
- REACT
- Node JS
QUALIFICATIONS
Higher Qualifications
Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Information Technology & Creative Writing
St Martins College, Lancaster, UK. Graduated in 2006 with a 2:2 degree marking.
BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies
Trowbridge Technical College - Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Diploma gained in 1985
O' Levels
English, Sociology, Economics, History, Geography & French.
Kingdown Comprehensive School, Warminster, Wiltshire. - 1982 - 1983
CSE's
Arithmetic
Kingdown Comprehensive School, Warminster, Wiltshire. - 1982
Other Skills
Full Clean Driving Licence
MIDAS Driving Certified
British sign Language Stage 1
R.S.A. Typing Class 1
WORK HISTORY / PORTFOLIO
Web Developer - Permanent - April 2020 - January 2022
Animal Friends Insurance I was employed as part of a team with responsibility for the main web site. Built on Wordpress I am actively involve in planning and maintenance of the site, implementation of code amends and design updates.
Using agile principles to develop systems with speed, accuracy, stability and scalability in mind.
Recommending and implementing new tech where possible from software to hardware.
Working Environment
- Agile
- Scrums
- Sprints
- Sprint Planning
- Azure Dev Ops
- Microsoft teams
Skills/Technologies
- PHP
- Azure
- AWS
- Composer
- Javascript
- jQuery
- Docker
PHP Developer - Permanent - August 2014 - March 2020
Kondor was a global channel partner and distributor of consumer electronic accessories into high street retail, online, mass merchant and B2C. We do more than just logistics: we offer a comprehensive range of services to partners around the world.
My role was to develop and maintain current websites and all online presence. I was also responsible for the development of new sites and site redesigns.
Skills utilised - HTML - CSS - MySQL - PHP - Server Administration - Google Analytics
Maintenance and development of company web sites:-
Sites
- Click the name to go to the site
- Kitsound
- Three Accessories
CreativeByte,Poole, Dorset, England
Web Developer - Permanent - May 2013 - August 2014
CreativeByte is a leading design agency providing a wide ranging portfolio of professional products for the business community regionally, and nationally.
My role was to develop and maintain current websites and all online presence. I am also responsible for the development of new sites and site redesigns. All sites are either on a Drupal or bespoke CMS platform. There are also a few pure HTML sites.
Skills utilised - Drupal - Wordpress - HTML - CSS - MySQL - PHP - Server - Administration - Google Analytics
Maintenance and development of company web sites:-
Projects
Drupal Web Developer – Contractor
Nov 2012 - May 2013
I worked as a free lance contractor on various short and long term projects building and developing Drupal CMS systems. Main projects since Nov 2012 – an internal Drupal portal migration from Drupal 6 to 7 and a translation to Greek for a Drupal site and a bespoke PHP tool to import XML to Wordpress
Skills Utilised - Web Development – Drupal - HTML - CSS – MySQL – SEO – XML – PHP
Companies
- IDAC Media - Glasgow,
- Unipro Ltd - Chichester
- Voip Unlimited - Poole
- Create Marketing - Bath
- Rocktime Ltd - Poole
Excel Publishing Company Ltd, Manchester, Lancashire, England
Drupal Web Developer - Permanent - November 2010 - November 2012
Excel Publishing Company Limited was a leading business to business publisher providing a wide ranging portfolio of professional products for the business community regionally, nationally and internationally
My role is to develop and maintain current websites and all online presence. I am also responsible for the development of new sites and site redesigns. All sites are either on a Drupal or Joomla platform. There are also a few pure HTML sites.
Skills utilised - Drupal - Joomla - HTML - CSS - MySQL - PHP - Server Administration - Google Analytics and Double Click for Publishers
Maintenance and development of company web sites:-
Accomplishments: Design and build company intranet.
Company websites
- Fleet Times
- Women In Construction Awards
- Builder and Engineer
- Greener Business
- EN for Business
Drupal Web Developer – Contractor
August 2010 - October 2010
I worked as a free lance contractor on various short projects. Maintenance and development of web site
Skills utilised - Search engine optimisation - Keyword analysis - Social Media - Google Adwords - Link building - Content Writing, XML and c#.net
Companies
- Zoosh Media Ltd - Preston, Lancashire
- Web By Numbers Ltd - Kendal, Cumbria
Byrom & Keeley Financial Services, Manchester Lancashire, England
Software Developer - Contractor - April 2010 - August 2010
Byrom are a financial services company specializing in debt management. My role was to maintain existing in house software and implement changes incorporating new software as well as create reporting systems via SQL server reporting system.
Skills utilized - C#.Net - ASP.Net
Maintenance and development of web and desktop applications
Flowers Direct - Morecambe, Lancashire, England
Systems Architect - December 2009 - March 2010
Flowers Direct where one of the major companies in the area of flower distribution. My role was to project manage the various supplier and stake holders to ensure the smooth running of all IT systems and web based applications.
Management of the relationship with key suppliers. Systems analysis and development of core systems. De-commissioning of legacy networks. Development of systems testing techniques. DNS Administration.
Skills utilized - HTML – SQL – ASP - FTP
Maintenance and development of three major web sites:-
- Flowers Direct
- Debenhams Flowers
Farmpharm Ltd, Macmerry, East Lothian, Scotland
IT Manager - Web Developer - February 2009 - November 2009
Farmpharm Ltd is one of the biggest online pharmacies for pet medication. I was the IT manager there responsible for the smooth running of all IT systems as well as maintenance of the three main eCommerce web sites.
Skills utilized - My SQL – SQL - FTP – HTML – CSS – ASP – Dreamweaver – Photoshop – Javascript
Maintain Web site content management systems. Maintain and administer Microsoft SQL Business Server. Maintain MySQL databases. Administer e-Commerce for all three sites. Implement and administer online marketing campaigns. Maintain hardware and software for all on site customers.
Maintenance and development of three major web sites:-
- Bestpet
- Animal Medicines
- Horse and Outdoor
Shin-Etsu Handotai Ltd, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Software Developer (C#.Net) - November 2008 - February 2009
Shin Etsu is the main manufacturer of silicon wafers in the world. These are used in the production of silicon chips.
Skills utilized - MySQL – SQL - FTP – HTML – CSS – Microsoft Visual Studio – Dreamweaver – Photoshop – Paintshop
- Convert and update functionality of legacy Oracle forms to .Net platform.
- Research and gather information on legacy Oracle forms.
- Liaise with end users.
- Propose redesigns.
- Build new C#.Net forms to agreed specifications.
- Test and implement changes and devise user guides.
Accenture - Solutions & Technology
Associate Software Engineer - Permanent - January 2007 to September 2008
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology consulting and technology outsourcing company. I worked on several projects at locations around the UK.
Accenture - Edinburgh, Scotland
Web Developer - May2008 - September 2008
Accenture internal project work
Skills utilized - MySQL – SQL - FTP – HTML – CSS – Microsoft Visual Studio – Dreamweaver – Photoshop – Paintshop – Flash – PHP – C#.Net
Project Details
Princes Trust Million Makers Challenge
- Design and build a Web site (using HTML CSS and PHP) to showcase forth coming fund raising events.
- Consult with external sponsors in relation to branding and appearance.
- Design and build a database to support and online auction and ticket sales.
AOL UK - Hammersmith, London, England. - Accenture project
Technical Tools Tester - March 2008 - April 2008
Project Details
- Analysis and documentation of test scenarios for complex Content Management System functionality.
- Reviewing functional design (user stories) and identification of any gaps that have not been documented.
- Testing of scenarios and bug fixes.
- Technical testing and Database analysis (mySQL)
- Raising issues using the recognized format, processes and documentation.
- Regression testing of pre-existing web pages and content tools to ensure new development has not caused conflicts.
- Ensuring all documentation produced is clear, professionally written and presented, and makes use of Accenture templates and standards where possible and appropriate.
iRed - London, England. - Accenture project
Flash Developer - February 2008 - March 2008
Project Details
- Analyze and document redesign of Web pages to Flash.
- Convert existing web pages to include Flash imagery.
- Test and deploy completed Flash pages to company web site.
Department of Work & Pensions - Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. - Accenture project
C#.Net Developer - December 2007 - February 2008
Project Details
RTPF was in the final phase of bug fix and testing before delivery. My role was fixing bugs and issues against test defects raised by the test team. As well as ensuring accessibility standards are adhered to for the RTPF on Pension forecasting application. This role has given me practical working experience of .Net development as well as some Java scripting experience.
Universal Music Group - Hammersmith, London, England. - Accenture project
Systems Analyst/Support Analyst - September 2007 - December 2007
Project Details
Working on the IT Digital Initiatives Support team, part of the Global IT group within Universal Music. The DI Support team are responsible for providing the UMGI user community with support for the systems that deliver data and digital media content to the internal and external eBusiness Partners.
- Provide incident and problem management to resolve issues.
- Support reporting to management, including data analysis and data extracts.
- Work closely with the development teams to develop solutions to end user issues which require changes to the application.
- Assist the users with their acceptance testing of the system.
- Develop and provide system training to the users where applicable.
- Ensure user requests are continuously tracked to identify common problems that may require a global solution
- Produce a report on delivery issues for the replacement systems to consider and suggested solutions to discuss with client supervisor.
- Produce a report on support team practices and suggest improvements to discuss with client supervisor. Report on status to line manager on a weekly basis, raising issues as necessary to ensure productivity with client manager.
AOL UK - Hammersmith, London, England. - Accenture project
Technical Tools Tester - January 2007 - August 2007
Project Details
- Knowledge transfer to and training of an offshore tools tester in content management tools testing, and specific regression test scenarios based on functional requirements and technical design.
- Analysis and documentation of test scenarios for complex Content Management System functionality, including a web authoring tool, configuration tool, reformatting tool as well as a ratings and comments tool.
- Reviewing functional design (user stories) and identification of any gaps that have not been documented.
- Testing of scenarios and bug fixes.
- Technical testing and Database analysis (mySQL)
- Raising issues using the recognized format, processes and documentation.
- Regression testing of pre-existing web pages and content tools to ensure new development has not caused conflicts.
- Ensuring all documentation produced is clear, professionally written and presented, and makes use of Accenture templates and standards where possible and appropriate.
Legend Communications - Lancaster, Lancashire, England
First Line Support - Temporary Contract - October 2006 - November 2006
Handling customer enquiries regarding broadband connection issues. Skills including Internet, Broadband and Network knowledge and Customer service. Short term temporary contract.
Work Experience: During University
Disc Jockey - Self Employed - May 2004 - January 2006
Various locations across North West England including:
- Liquid
- Brooks/Cuba
- Hustle
- St Martins College
- Lancaster University - Lancaster
- Chicago Rock - Lancaster, Wigan & Oldham
- Envy - Oldham
- The Office - Morecambe
- Norbreck Castle Hotel - Blackpool
- The Longlands Hotel - Tewitfields
- The Dali Bar - Warrington
as well as many weddings and other parties.
Spinning classic dance floor, party tunes from the 90's all the way back to the 50's, a truly professional Superstar DJ.
Connexions Cumbria - Summer Learning & Skills Program
Project Administrator - Temporary Contract - June 2005 - September 2005
General administrative tasks supporting the Project leader, including payment implementation via BACS. Organizing travel for the students with learning difficulties. Summer employment whilst at University short term contract.
Eurocamp - Italy
Campsite Administrator - Temporary Contract - June 2004 - August 2005
General Administrative tasks involved with running and maintaining 15 summer tents. Summer job whilst at University, short term contract.
Civil Service - Ministry of Defence - May 1987 - September 2003
Directorate of Engineering & Inter-operability & Information Solutions - Bath.
Analyst/Programmer - April 2002 - September 2003
Job specs
Skills utilized - SQL - UNIX - COBOL - Filetab
Responsible for the continuing development and maintenance of Onboard Automated data processing Systems in Ships (OASIS) applications. The post involved use of Ingres, SQL, C and UNIX to convert software specification into a program module. Main tasks to analyze design specifications, develop software applications, resolve technical issues, carry out and document Unit testing. Deliver programs to the on board ship teams for User assurance testing. Report on progress made on development tasks, to team leader.
Directorate Information Systems Pay & Personnel Agency - Bath, Avon.
Analyst/Programmer - July 1999 - March 2002
Job specs
Team member responsible for developing new code according to project specs. Maintaining existing modular software. Unit testing prior to delivery to Quality Assurance. Creating Test Scenarios and environments to complete Unit testing. Documenting Unit test for Quality Assurance teams. Writing and maintaining programs in COBOL, SCL & Filetab. The section was responsible for the MOD Civilian Pay system of which there are approximately 120 legacy programs. My individual responsibility was delivering the project software collating all development software created by the section and delivering it to the Quality Assurance section.
Directorate Information Systems Pay & Personnel Agency - Bath, Avon.
Quality Assurance Tester - March 1997 - July 1999
Job specs
Skills utilized - SQL - UNIX - COBOL - Filetab
System & User Testing of Non-Industrial payroll application software. Carry out System & User Assurance Tests in accordance with developer test schedules according to project time-scales and document results. Refer deviations to developers. Create Test Scenarios according to project overview and user requirements. Create test environments for the QA team in order to complete user assurance testing. Represent QA at meetings with the client/business sector. Help/Advise the less experienced staff on the section.
Pay & Personnel Agency - Bath, Avon.
Payroll Administrator - May 1992 - March 1997
Job specs
Responsible for approximately 1900 accounts, data input, resolution of queries and calculation of pay.
Naval Support Agency - Bath, Avon.
Statistics Administrator - March 1991 - May 1992
Job specs
Graphical and statistical data collation, Data input, Resolution of queries, Calculation of statistics
Pay & Personnel Agency - Bath, Avon.
Payroll Administrator - May 1987 - March 1991
Job specs
Responsible for approximately 1900 accounts, data input, resolution of queries and calculation of pay.
Work Experience: Prior to joining the Civil Service
EJ Parrot & Sons - Warminster, Wiltshire, England.
Motor Insurance Administrator - Dec 1985 - Feb 1987
Responsible for administering all documentation regarding motor insurance, quotations and claims.
Church Street Accountants - Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England.
Trainee Accounts Clerk - Sept 1985 - Dec 1985
Responsible for balance sheet and profit and loss preparation.
Connexions Cumbria - Summer Learning & Skills Program
Project Administrator - Temporary Contract - June 2005 - September 2005
General administrative tasks supporting the Project leader, including payment implementation via BACS. Organizing travel for the students with learning difficulties. Summer employment whilst at University short term contract.
Crockerton Country Warehouse, Northern Foods Plc, Crockerton, Wiltshire, England.
Warehouse Assistant - Part-Time) - June 1983 - August 1985
Stock control, rotation and replenishment, fork lift truck operation and general warehouse duties.
Volunteering
National Trust Volunteer
Chyvarloe - Cornwall, England. - July 2007
Clearing country paths, building fences and cleaning beaches.
St Martins College - Students Union, St Martins College, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Entertainments Officer - 2004 - 2005
Responsible for assisting students union president organise student entertainments.
St Martins College - Students Union, St Martins College, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Moorside School - Lancaster - March 2004
Helped create a nature walk for the pupils.
St Martins College - Students Union, St Martins College, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Half Moon Bay - Heysham - Morecambe - October 2003
Beach cleaning.