CV - Patrick Kimber

Hatherleigh, Okehampton, Devon
United Kingdom

mobile 07840 538 357

Employment History

KB Software Ltd, Director

March 2014 until today

https://www.kbsoftware.co.uk/

Cloud based workflow and document management systems.

Database and API for health tracking software.

Continued work on a web site which manages membership, purchase and management of on-line courses and a jobs board.

Various web sites written using Django, Linux and Postgres databases.

Freelance

Aug 2012 - March 2014

Web site to membership, purchase and management of on-line courses and a jobs board.

DataCapture Ltd, Web Developer

http://datacap.co.uk/

Nov 2010 - Aug 2012

Development of nuclear waste tracking and management software.

Initial development of mobile web software for tracking sheep using electronic identification tags.

EigenLabs - MIS Developer

http://www.eigenlabs.com/

Jan 2010 - Nov 2010
  • Responsible for maintenance and development of the company web site and eCommerce system.

    • The site is built in python using the Django web framework.

    • Satchmo is used for the shopping cart and allows the user to configure products before purchase.

    • Other sections of the site provide an integrated CMS, Wiki and Forum.

    • A search facility based on SOLR is provided so our users can quickly access articles on the Wiki and forum.

  • ERP developer for the python based, Open Source http://www.openerp.com/ system.

  • Basic system administration Deployment of web applications, backups, cloud services, user management.

Digital Jigsaw - Technical Architect

http://www.digitaljigsaw.com/

Jan 2008 - Jan 2010
  • Delivered integrated mobile (web and SMS) solutions for customers including Walkers, Nestle, Honda and Tropicana.

  • Introduced release management, version control, issue tracking and change management procedures helping to improve the quality of deployed applications.

  • Built modules (including web services) to support reporting, monitoring and maintenance requirements.

  • Out of hours support.

Goss Interactive - Senior Developer

http://www.gossinteractive.com/

June 2005 - Dec 2007
  • Developed a text search engine using Java, C# and open source components. This is being delivered to clients as an alternative to a commercial search engine.

  • Built a messaging system to improve response times in the web based user interface. This solution was developed in Java using an open source enterprise service bus.

  • Created a document classification service, which will be sold to clients in the public sector. This web service will be used to automatically tag documents with the correct meta data from a taxonomy (e.g. IPSV).

  • Integration projects, database scripting, quality monitoring and internal administration sites using python and Django.

Cognito Software - Developer, Team Leader

http://www.cognitosoftware.co.uk/

Contract Development - June 2005 - Dec 2007
Developer, Team Leader - 1995 - June 2005
  • Over 10 years experience building commercial software solutions.

  • The work has been primarily in the areas of work-flow, accounts and general business applications. As an example, the document production and work-flow system is used by solicitors to fill forms, submit legal aid claims and monitor workload.

  • Over 10 years commercial experience writing object oriented rich client applications using C++ and SQL databases. I have built and maintained other applications written in Basic and python.

  • Over 6 years experience managing a team of developers and support staff. My responsibilities included mentoring junior developers, software code reviews and building operational procedures. I also carried out informal product update briefings for the technical and sales teams and reported directly to the senior management team

  • Design and development of projects, which are successfully deployed in over 100 multi-user sites. These installations have been carefully managed to minimise upgrade issues and to smooth the path to new operating systems and databases.

Experience

Domain Knowledge

I have been involved in gathering user requirements, designing and implementing various systems including:

  • Workflow

  • eCommerce/on-line shopping.

  • Content Management

  • Text Search Engine and Classification Systems.

  • Marketing and Customer Relationship Management.

  • Legal and Commercial Accounts Systems.

  • Document Production and Management.

  • Property Development Management Systems

  • Stock Control

Product Design

  • Cloud Architecture (Linode, Digital Ocean, Amazon, Rackspace, CDN).

  • Multi-user, client server, web and mobile systems.

  • Reporting

  • Third party product and API integration.

  • Software upgrades, change management and deployment.

Development

I will design, build and document efficient, reliable and easy to maintain products, which meet customer requirements.

I use agile processes including unit testing and refactoring. I utilise design patterns and reuse existing components.

I am always looking for new ways to improve quality and procedures at all stages of the product lifecycle.

  • Languages: python, Java

  • Framework: Django, ElasticSearch, SOLR and Lucene, Spring.

  • Libraries: Django REST Framework, Activiti Workflow

  • Database: SQL, JDBC, Python DB-API, ODBC.

  • Secondary Language: JavaScript, CSS, C++, C#, ASP.NET, C, XML, Basic

Environment

My experience has enabled me to make significant improvements to software quality. To achieve this I have used various tools including configuration management, unit testing, logging and continuous integration.

  • Operating System: Linux, Windows, Solaris, Mac.

  • Servers: Rackspace, CDN, CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu.

  • memcached, Apache, nginx, python WSGI.

  • Compiler: Eclipse, Microsoft Visual Studio, Borland, gcc

  • Database: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Pervasive.SQL

  • Document Production: Capsoft HotDocs

  • Installation: InstallShield, python pip, virtualenv.

  • Lifecycle: Maven, Continuum, Cruise Control, Hudson

  • Unit Testing: py.test, nose, junit, nunit, boost test.

  • Logging: log4j, log4net, commons logging

  • Performance Testing: JMeter, Netbeans, Grinder

  • Version Control: GIT, Mercurial, Subversion, CVS, StarTeam.

Communication

I am most satisfied when working as part of a team. I believe it is crucial to understand customer requirements and build solutions which are appropriate for them.

I will increase the chance of success on a project by building successful and constructive relationships with all members of the team including:

  • Clients

  • Domain experts

  • Management team

  • Sales and support

  • Third party suppliers

Management Experience

I believe I am a co-operative manager who will encourage and listen to all members of the team.

I am very interested in agile methodologies and have achieved significant success using collaborative processes.

  • Department and Team leader

  • Project planning, estimation and measurement of progress

  • Devised standard procedures to improve quality and teamwork.

  • Remote workers

  • Agile development methodologies

  • Mentoring and support of junior developers and those new to the team.

Work Ethic

  • Client focused

  • Agree and hit deadlines

  • Committed, reliable, flexible and honest

  • Aiming for continuous improvement

Previous Career

  • Computer Manager, Manor Merchants Ltd, 1990 - 1995

  • Dairy Farmer, 1981 - 1990

Education

  • Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton, 1976 - 1981.

  • GCE A: English Language, Mathematics and Commerce.

  • GCE B: Craft, Design & Technology, Geography, Literature and Music.

  • GCE C: Biology and Physics.

Personal

  • Age 52. Married.

  • Full clean driving licence.

  • Interests: Cycling, friends, community, programming and open source software.