About me
Hi, I'm Dan. Developer, team builder, and curious problem solver.
With 15 years of experience in software engineering and leadership, I’ve worked across teams, tech stacks, and time zones to build scalable systems and high-performing engineering cultures.
"My leader throughout much change. The best people manager I have worked with bar none. A talented man with a heart of gold. Technically talented and full of wisdom. Destined for the top."
Roles
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Engineering Director
July 2020 - PresentLeading an org of ~150 software engineers across Java, mobile (iOS/Android), and web technologies in multiple countries, providing revenue generating software in Search, Product Discovery, Retail Media, and Content for a global platform-as-a-service provider (B2B2C).
In the role...
- Scaled search and discovery services to support millions of daily requests, ensuring low-latency and high availability at global scale.
- Drove adoption of engineering practices with deep focus on reliability, observability, performance, and security.
- Delivered ML-powered recommendations and predictive features that improved user engagement and relevance across search and discovery journeys.
- Led end-to-end development of a targeted advertising engine and key third-party integrations, generating millions in recurring revenue, expanding partner ecosystem, and increasing campaign ROI.
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Senior Engineering Manager
Dec 2017 - July 2020Hands-on role leading a dedicated team of ~30 Java, mobile (iOS/Android), and web software engineers through feature delivery, major technology upgrades, and process improvements to an end-to-end e-commerce platform; always focusing on collaboration, building trust, and delivering a profitable platform for our partners.
In the role...
- Led the migration from a legacy technology stack to a modern platform using React and Node.js
- Implemented robust CI/CD pipelines for all new applications and services, accelerating release cycles and improving deployment reliability
- Improved customer-facing performance by partnering with stakeholders to perform deep-dives into frontend and backend systems.
- Organised engineering teams and revised processes, reducing cycle time by 40% and nearly doubling feature throughput within a year.
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Engineering Manager
Apr 2016 - Dec 2017A hands-on role leading a team of eight software engineers developing a web e-commerce platform-as-a-service, using Java, React, and Node.js.
In the role...
- Led a migration of the OSP e-commerce platform to React, and Node.js.
- Setup build pipelines using continuous delivery principles.
- Fostered collaboration between development and design teams.
- Worked with public web experts to help improve CSS expertise within our department.
- Mentored Java and web software engineers
- Led efforts to reduce lead time by improving collaboration between teams across the business.
- Organised developer events such as Code in the Dark.
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Senior Software Engineer
Nov 2014 - Apr 2016Architected and developed a leading general merchandise white-label e-commerce platform, launching new customer propositions with global brands like Marie Claire.
In the role...
- Architected the platforms front end solutions from the ground up.
- Led a rewrite of the platform to AngularJS.
- Built innovative dashboard and monitoring applications.
- Mentored developers as the team grew and introduced best practices to the front end.
- Designed and implemented the technical interview process.
- Consultant to teams across the business in building and architecting front end applications.
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Software Engineer
Aug 2008 - Nov 2014Software Engineer working with Javascript, Java, PHP across e-commerce, communications, marine, and health services.
In the role...
- Developed a complete rework, and modernisation, of the user interface.
- Introduced SASS, and CSS principles to the department.
- Integrated BackboneJS and unit-testing frameworks to the platform.
- Championed web accessibility putting Ocado firmly ahead of competitors.
- Developed and launched complete web solutions for a number of clients in various sectors including retail, marine, and health and wellbeing.
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Verification Engineer
Apr 2007 - Jun 2008Focused on ensuring software stability and reliability while introducing software automation across the department—ultimately sparking my passion for software engineering.
In the role...
- Ensured the ongoing stability and reliability of software solutions.
- Automated verification tasks through software.
- Built and maintained asset tracking applications.
Volunteer
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Teaching Children to Code
Welwyn Garden City, United KingdomVolunteering at a local primary school, where I introduced children to the basics of coding through fun, hands-on activities. Using simple programming tools like Scratch, I helped students build confidence in problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking.
Education
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University of Bedfordshire
Luton, United Kingdom -
Barnfield College
Luton, United Kingdom
Developing for
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Ocado
Hatfield, United KingdomThe UKs largest pure-play online grocer, known for its cutting-edge automation and delivery from high-tech fulfilment centres.
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ICA Gruppen
Solna, SwedenOne of Sweden’s largest retail companies, operating thousands of grocery stores and pharmacies, uniquely combining local ownership with national scale.
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Telenor
Fornebu, NorwayNorway’s largest telecom provider, operating across the Nordics and Asia, and uniquely known for its global reach combined with strong local trust.
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Morrisons
Bradford, United KingdomOne of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains, owning much of its food supply chain—from farm to shelf.
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Marie Claire
London, United KingdomMarie Claire is a globally recognized fashion and lifestyle brand, uniquely blending Parisian elegance with empowering content across media and retail.
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Lotte
Seoul, South KoreaOne of South Korea’s largest conglomerates, spanning retail, food, and entertainment, and is uniquely known for blending consumer lifestyle brands with sprawling urban developments.
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Auchan Polska
Warsaw, PolandAuchan Polska is a major hypermarket chain in Poland, offering wide-format retail with a French touch and a strong focus on price and private-label value.
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Groupe Casino
Saint-Étienne, FranceMajor French retail group, operating diverse supermarket brands and pioneering data-driven retail through its tech-driven subsidiary, Cdiscount.
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Sobeys
Stellarton, CanadaOne of Canada’s largest food retailers, known for its coast-to-coast presence and unique family-owned heritage within the Empire Company group.
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Bon Preu
Barcelona, SpainA leading Catalan supermarket chain in Spain, uniquely focused on local products and sustainability across its growing network of stores.
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Alcampo
Madrid, SpainOne of Spain’s major hypermarket chains, combining large-format retail with a strong commitment to affordable quality and French-rooted ownership through Auchan.
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Aeon
Chiba, JapanJapan’s largest retail group, operating thousands of stores and uniquely integrating shopping, finance, and community services under one corporate umbrella.
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Panda Retail Company
Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaOne of Saudi Arabia’s largest grocery chains, uniquely blending modern retail formats with deep local market reach across the Kingdom.