Ben Ely
A passionate developer based in the north west of England. Currently working as the Head of Development at HAVAS LYNX Group, with brands such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sanofi, Astellas and Roche.
Work Experience
HAVAS LYNX Group
Head of Development
July 2015 - PresentLeading the development of a multi-discipline team; working with internal and external parties to create and manage product/project roadmaps by facilitating and attending client workshops, defining and creating statements of work, leading architectural conversations, managing the day to day to ensure projects are delivered against their commitments and reporting the team’s progress.
Ensuring a consistent technical approach and environment by introducing and leading initiatives for the development team to adopt. Examples include the establishment of a technology radar, ensuring a consistent use of AWS utilising Pulumi and establishing training opportunities for the team.
Line management responsibility for multiple members of the development team. Conducting regular 1-to-1s, creating and aligning PDPs and wellness check-ins. Fostering an inclusive team culture geared towards success.
Hands on development, using technologies such as; React, Node.js, PHP and AWS.
ao.com
Senior Frontend Web Developer
April 2014 - July 2015Working in an agile environment to develop and maintain the ao.com web experience, including; ao.com, ao.com/life, client websites and internal projects. Working along side a multi-discupline team consisting of; UI, design, SEO and QA teams.
Architecting and building new website functionality as part of the web stream team while ensuring a seamless experience across multiple platforms/devices and browsers.
Keeping abreast of the latest trends and technologies to ensure the best performance is achieved for all users of the ao.com website.
Working with Angular.js to power the mobile website in a test-driven solution which utilising Jasmine.
Achievements while working at ao.com include; achieving Sitecore XP 7 Certification, creating and integrating a responsive framework with the existing website and integrating a gulp build agent to the website.
Fluid Creativity
Backend Developer
June 2011 - April 2014Custom development and theming for open source software such as Magento, Joomla and Wordpress. As well as using a Zend framework based platform to create custom solutions.
Working in co-operation with creative and SEO teams to translate PSD designs to semantic and optimised HTML and CSS which is compatible with all major browsers on both Mac/PC, tablets and mobile devices.
Working in a team of developers and independently to provide full service from requirement gathering to deployment solutions.
Meeting with clients on a regular basis to inform of progress and also to complete training on various content management systems.
Tiny Rocketship
Web Developer
July 2010 - January 2011Responsible for developing websites from a layered PSD utilising HTML, CSS and jQuery combined with an in-house developed CMS.
Maintaining and creating new functionality on the in-house CMS as well as training and advising new and existing clients.
ASDA
Checkout Operator
November 2008 - December 2010 (Part-time)Interacting with customers while following strict guidelines to ensure excellent custom service. Working as part of the Asda team to meet store targets.
Co-operative Financial Services
Checkout Operator
Octover 2005 (Work experience)Working in various departments undertaking different departmental tasks while working on my own initiative. Following instructions accurately while sticking to strict deadlines.
Certificates
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), from Scrum Alliance
November 2022
Demonstration of competency in Scrum project management principles.
Sitecore XP 7 Certified Front-End Developer
August 2014
Work as an effective front-end developer on a Sitecore project by adapting existing skills and practices to suit a content managed environment.
Education
Manchester Metropolitan University
2009 - 2013
- Bachelor of Science (BSc), Software Engineering (First Class Honours)
Wigan and Leigh College
2007 - 2009
- BTEC National Diploma: Software Development (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction)
- Key Skills: Communication Level 3 (Pass)
- Key Skills: Application of Number (Pass)
Deanery High School
2001 - 2007
- HP IT Essentials 1 Certificate (Pass)
- Business Studies AS Level
- Geography AS Level
- 10 GCSEs at A* - C including English, Science and Mathematics
Volunteer Work
Manchester Metropolitan University Gamers Society
August 2010 - June 2011
- Managing any transaction within the society account, including the budget
- Running and organising events
- Creating and maintaining communication streams with members and the university
- Liaising with university and media on behalf of the society
- Working as a part of the committee