Preston, England, United Kingdom
With over 10 years of experience in EPoS and retail tech, I currently serve as Lead Application Specialist at James Hall & Co. Ltd., where I develop, maintain, and support software used across 300+ stores. I work closely with third-party suppliers, ensuring our solutions not only meet technical standards but also align with real-world needs. My background blends both software development and business analysis—I hold diplomas in both fields and bring a dual lens to every project.
Responsibilities Include: - Change and Release Management of software updates and patches. - Requirements gathering and analysis for customers and share holders. - Identifying development opportunities. - Developing solutions to meet business requirements. - Software testing, bug finding and writing test scripts. - 3rd line incident and problem management. - Analysis of the root cause of problems to find permanent solutions to reduce incident numbers. - Managing relationships with 3rd party software suppliers. Key Achievements - Completed a 2 Year Diploma in Software Development - Completed a 2 Yeah Diploma in Business Analysis -I have managed to streamline several process' building and implementing tools to promote collaborative working and increase process automation, in conjunction with business change through the implementation of the ITIL Framework across the IT Department, focusing on Service Delivery improvements such as Change Management and Incident Management. - Delivered a range of projects such as developing and implementing a new Staff Discount System, managing the implementation of an Epos solution for a Butcher and Deli concession and the recently the development and implementation of a new online ordering portal. - I was a key part of the recovery phase following a Cyber-attack on the company in December 2021, leading a team focusing on the analysis and safe recovery of EPoS services, working to a safe reopening for the stores that had been unable to trade on the EPOS system following the cyber-attack.
Responsible for handling IT and customer service related queries for our 300+ retail sites and IT related queries for all 4 Company Manufacturing Sites. Responsibilities included, problem solving incidents, providing prompt updates and speedy resolutions. Where required, I managed incidents that had been escalated internally and externally and liaise with all relevant parties. Other duties included: To provide remote support for the point-of-sale systems in use across our retail division Use problem solving skills to attempt to resolve incidents where possible Communicate with customers and internal teams using Email, Microsoft Teams, Telephone and Face to Face Accurately record and manage incidents, including liaising with internal and 3rd party teams and providing prompt updates to users
I have a qualification from Aluminium Access Products Limited for working at height. This includes the use of a Tallescope, rigging lights and set which is recognized by the Association of British Theatre Technicians. I have also taken training sessions in lighting and sound design provided by the university. - I have volunteered as an assistant technician for the Axis Arts Centre, Crewe. I gained invaluable hands-on experience included helping professional theatre companies set up and set down sets and rigs, rigging lights in the theatre based on a lighting plan and helping to arrange any other technical aspect a company may need .
- Volunteered for Flare International Theatre Festival 2011 and 2012 - Front of House team, learnt the necessary skills for FOH work such as money handling, ushering, information and marketing. - Worked as part of a three person catering team that had to make meals and food for up to 150 people.