experience
Cambridgeshire County Council, Web Project Manager
I have been successfully managing small, medium and large projects in a PRINCE2 environment and have also played an instrumental role in the adoption of the Scrum framework at Cambs CC.
Project: Highways Reporting
I am managing this large integration project, aiming to deliver more efficient processes, more satisfied customers, and enabling the Contact Centre staff to handle all communications with customers. It will offer a web-based fault reporting system, integrated with the CRM and works management system via middleware.
Project: Local Elections 2009
This project required a solution that could receive the results from count locations and publish them on the web in the form of an interactive Flash map (and accessible version) as quickly as possible. The map also had an autopilot mode for presentation in Shire Hall, where elected members and candidates gathered on count day. A dedicated Twitter profile also published results as they came in. Rigid protocol, political sensitivity and the need for speed made designing the information flow, and managing the technical delivery an exciting challenge.
Other responsibilities
Aside from the usual Prince2 management duties, I have also been responsible for liaising with significant stakeholders and elected councillors, commissioning 3rd parties and managing supplier relationships, conducting options appraisals, mapping and redesigning business processes, customer research activity, planning, co-ordinating and facilitating prototype user testing, user-centred design, exploring the use of social media and assisting with the creation of online communities.
Popcorn Web design, Creative Project Director
Working very closely with the Managing Director, I was responsible for leading the team and managing multiple concurrent web projects.
A typical week involved documenting a client’s business processes, refining project objectives, producing requirements specs, compiling estimates, planning, user-centred design activities, prototyping, managing internal staff and liaising with external suppliers, QAing work, reporting on progress, change requests, co-ordinating user testing, conducting reviews and producing recommendations.
Projects ranged from design-led marketing websites, to bespoke online applications with various permission levels, content management systems and e-commerce functionality.
I designed and introduced a bespoke project management and time monitoring system and oversaw its successful adoption. I optimised offerings from third party suppliers, such as email marketing systems and financial transaction services. I led successful marketing campaigns for the company via the web, email, and print.
I was responsible for building the team environment and was involved in staff appraisals, mentoring, career development and candidate interviews.
Digital Design Contracts
Janus Home Systems Ltd, Contract Interface Designer
I designed the Flash-based user interface for a multi-room, home audio control system for Naim Audio, running on wall-mounted and server PSP-style touch screen panels.
Figleaves.com, Contract Web Designer
I was responsible for weekly design updates for the website homepage and email newsletters.
Inchcape UK, Contract Web Designer
I redesigned their flagship website (Autobytel) and provided design material for other web and email based campaigns.
Webzone Ltd., Senior Designer/Project Manager
As Senior Designer and PM, I created the house brand and user interfaces for Carzone.ie, the main product. I coordinated the design team, managed projects, and introduced efficient methods for producing creative work. Webzone are now the leading provider of online solutions to the motor trade in Ireland, and were sold to AutoTrader in 2006.
IBM Ireland Limited, New Media Designer
I joined IBM when they opened a new media department in response to demand. I designed interfaces for data driven sites using HTML and Flash. I took IBM project management methodology training. My major project was designing and coding a Flash viral game to raise awareness of the incoming Euro currency.
Ware Anthony Rust, New Media Designer
My work involved design and development of Flash and data driven web sites, CD ROMs, and presentations. I enjoyed being part of an integrated team and, for periods, managing the department, controlling workflow, and successfully coordinating other creatives.
Krazy Boyz, New Media Designer
A desire to travel led me to arrange a contract with this high profile Cape Town-based new media design company, where I produced Director and Flash design work.
Skooba Productions, Director
I formed this partnership to produce digital design and music for CD ROMs, web sites, and games, including work for Maynard Malone, Dark Matter Design, UUNET, WorldCom and Frontier Developments.
Cloudscan, New Media Designer
This highly successful multimedia company produced video and interactive work for BBC, Mars inc., Bates Dorland, Apple Europe, Royal Mail, Middle East Consultants, Leo Pharmaceuticals, Phillips and Reed. I was a BIMA award nominee (Craft Digital Video and Educational categories) for my work on Japan 2000, a CD ROM produced for the BBC for use in schools, adapted from an educational TV series. I was responsible for content editing, video production (throughout off-line, digitisation from tape, editing, dubbing and compression), screen layout, audio digitisation and editing.