Simon Foster

I am an experienced full-stack developer with over twenty years experience in a multitude of languages and environments. I love using technology and working with users to create the right solutions for them with enthusiasm and creativity. My aim is to continually expand my knowledge and to challenge my abilities as an experienced professional in the world of technology.

I am ...

  • passionate about the User Experience when designing new and improving existing systems.
  • a champion of established coding standards, writing and encouraging others to write good quality code.
  • able to quickly learn and adapt to new environments, languages, frameworks and methodologies.
  • well versed in the underlying technologies for the Internet, Linux, and Windows plus advanced use of applications such as the Adobe Creative Suite.

Skills

Programming Languagues
C#
VB6
Frameworks
Tools

Experience

Lead Developer

The Original Cottage Company
  • Leading a team of developers and working closely with product owners, business analysts, and other stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions to a wide range of issues for a myriad of projects across the business in a timely manner.
    Collaborating with the rest of team to ensure their needs are met and good clean code is being delivered consistently and efficiently using established continuous integration and delivery practices.
  • Languages:
    PHP (Symfony), SQL, JS (React), HTML, CSS
  • Environments:
    Linux (NGINX, MySQL), Serverless, Amazon Web Services, Drupal 8/9
September 2021 - Current

Developer

The Original Cottage Company
  • Predominately working on the groups websites, adding features, improving the customer journey and performing maintenance where required. In addition working with the booking system API to ensure the websites work as quickly and efficiently as possible.
  • Languages:
    PHP (Symfony), SQL, JS (React), HTML, CSS
  • Environments:
    Linux (NGINX, MySQL), Serverless, Amazon Web Services, Drupal 8
May 2019 - September 2021

Technical Director/Senior Developer

Cambridge Occupational Analysts
  • Responsible for the IT department, mainly working on new product development which involved transforming a legacy SQL Server/Access based system into a modern web application utilising RESTful APIs.
    In addition, maintaining existing products and infrastructure, and offering guidance and support to colleagues to ensure everything runs smoothly. Working closely with the Managing Directors to ensure their vision is delivered.
  • Languages:
    PHP (Laravel), SQL, JS (Angular5+), HTML, CSS, VB6, VBA (MS Access), C/C++
  • Environments:
    Windows (Visual Studio, SQL Server), Linux (Apache, MySQL), VMWare
August 2010 - May 2019

Lead Developer/Manager

Cambridge Occupational Analysts
  • Part of the IT team responsible for maintaining, developing and supporting new products including both back office and customer facing web applications. Also including the provision and support of server and network infrastructure.
  • Languages:
    PHP, SQL, JS (jQuery), HTML, CSS, C/C++, Java, VB6, VBA, C#
  • Environments:
    Linux (Apache, MySQL), Windows (Server, SQL Server, Exchange)
January 2003 - August 2010

Lead Developer

Cambridge Occupational Analysts
  • Design and implementation of a new integrated database application system for producing careers reports including server and network infrastructure to replace a legacy system built with Acorn RISC-OS systems. Maintenance and development of commercial applications, including technical support.
  • Languages:
    C/C++, SQL,PHP, VB6/VBA
  • Environments:
    Windows (NT4, SQL Server, Exchange), Linux (Apache), RISC-OS
January 1998 - January 2003

Software Developer

Cambridge Occupational Analysts
  • Responsibilities included the maintenance and development of existing internal systems for producing careers reports. I was also responsible for maintaining a number of individual Windows desktops.
  • Languages:
    C/C++, BASIC
  • Environments:
    RISC-OS, Windows
August 1995 - January 1998

Education

University of East Anglia

BSc Honours
Computer Science

2:1

September 1992 - July 1995

Barnsley College

A level

Computer Studies (A), Electronic Systems (A) and Mathematics with Statistics (C)

September 1990 - July 1992

Interests

I am a fully qualified korfball coach to Level II. This qualification allows me to run coaching sessions at training. I also play regularly in the local league.

I also help out with the IT for the Norfolk Korfball Association, including the design and maintenance of the NKA website –


www.norfolkkorfball.co.uk

When I’m not playing korfball and the weather permits I like to either be out cycling around the Norfolk countryside with my camera or chasing Pokemon in Pokemon Go.