@trsben

Building applications for the web and beyond

A full stack developer based in the north of the UK.

Recent publications

Website & app development

TriviaChallenge.online

A lockdown side project; an addictive trivia based website built using Cockpit CMS and Next.js. Also available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

April 2020·Side project

Code

gatsby-theme-amplify-cognito

A wrapper theme to achieve simple authentication using Cognito (Amplify AWS) with your Gatsby website.

August 2019·Version 2

Article

A new pharma digital strategy - Headless CMS

Can healthcare ditch the stigma and become a leading industry when it comes to technology?

January 2019·Link available on request

Work Experience

HAVAS LYNX Group

Lead Developer
July 2015 - Present

Provide direction to key projects and ensure smooth delivery by keeping open communication with the cross-discipline team and clients. Leading high-level, broad architectural conversations; by leading technical initiatives.

Ensuring the work of the team demonstrates accuracy and attention to detail through the use of code reviews to encourage adherence to house-style & coding standards. Providing developer support, including technical, process and project management.

Hands on development, using technologies such as; HTML, CSS, JS, React, Node.js, PHP, WordPress and AWS.

ao.com

Senior Frontend Web Developer
April 2014 - July 2015

Working 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; 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 uses 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 2014

Custom development and themeing 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 cooperation 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 hosting creation to deployment solutions.

Meeting with clients on a regular basis to inform of progress and train on various content management systems.

Tiny Rocketship

Web Developer
July 2010 - January 2011

Responsible 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

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.

Build modular HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that supports Sitecore’s presentation engine, the Page Editor, and Sitecore’s marketing features.

Know how to communicate with back-end developers to understand their implementation requirements, and produce a front end that facilitates these needs.

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