Alan Cole

Alan Cole

Chief Architect & Engineering Leader

Engineering leader, with over 20 years of experience, specializing in building and scaling high-performing technical teams. Expert in architecting complex systems and ensuring successful delivery through mentorship and technical excellence.

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Core Competencies

Team Leadership
System Architecture
DevOps (AWS, CGP, Digital Ocean)
TypeScript
React
Next.js
PHP
Laravel
AWS
Postgres
Kafka

Work Experience

Chief Architect & TypeScript Engineer
Grow Walkies · Jul 2024 - Present
  • Led the development of a new tech platform including online shop, advanced back office, and hardware integration
  • Developed the entire platform using TypeScript, React, and PHP technologies
  • Implemented payment processing and gate control systems using Stripe and GSM technology
Senior Software Engineer (Election Staff)
The Labour Party · May 2024 - July 2024
  • Assisted in developing campaign tools for the election period at The Labour Party.
  • Enhanced integrated voter calling functionality with new features.
  • Contributed to creating an election dashboard to monitor Get Out The Vote activities using Next.js and Kafka.
Senior Solutions Architect (Contract)
CV Library · Oct 2023 - Apr 2024
  • Led MVP development as team lead and engineering manager
  • Managed migration from monolith to microservices using Next.js
  • Implemented Kafka-based eventing backbone for enhanced data reporting
  • Engineered AI tools with Mistral 7b LLMs to elevate user interactions
  • Developed microservices with Laravel, Symfony, and Go frameworks.
Chief Architect
Chequp · Oct 2021 - Feb 2023
  • Designed and developed a home blood testing platform with healthcare partner integrations
  • Created a virtual GP service with audio and video capabilities using Websockets, Laravel and React.
  • Developed an at-home and in-person COVID travel testing platform, incorporating clinic and customer portals and integrating with Government Agencies for reporting and travel authorization.
  • Built an web shop frontend using Shopify Liquid and a custom Shopify backend app to integrate with our clinic and shipping portals.
  • Managed a small team of contractors as team lead.
CTO
Fanzo · July 2020 - Oct 2021
  • Led scaling of engineering team at MatchPint (now Fanzo) to facilitate company growth
  • Designed and implemented a progression framework for engineers with learning incentives
  • Cultivated a collaborative engineering culture within the team
  • Acted as the lead developer and architect in transitioning to a Next.js stack
VP of Engineering
Chip · Jan 2019 - Sept 2019
  • Transformed a directionless remote team into a high-performing, delivery-focused engineering unit at Chip
  • Revolutionized the release cycle from stagnation to weekly releases
  • Expanded the engineering team from 4 to 24 members across three countries
  • Implemented Agile methodologies to enhance productivity and eciency
  • Led the shift from monolithic architecture to a microservices infrastructure as the lead architect
  • Served as the technical authority in board meetings and high-level discussions
  • Represented Chip at conferences and roundtables, setting the overall technical direction for the engineering team
Engineering Lead
The Labour Party · Jan 2018 - Dec 2018
  • Designed and developed Labour member mobilisation platform using Laravel.
  • Created Labour member calling platform capable of handling tens of thousands of calls daily. Using Twilio Voice, Laravel and React
  • Led a team of engineers in developing Labour's election tools and data systems
Contractor
Various · Dec 2005 - Apr 2017
  • Developed websites for top-tier clients such as Fenwick, Nestle, Cath Kidston, Ecotricity, Oliver Bonas, Habitat, and more.
  • Specialized in Laravel and React with 12 years of experience as a PHP, NodeJS & Engineering Manager.
  • Served as Architect, Team Lead, and Engineering Manager for globally recognized brands.
  • Led the architecture and development of a video system for Mercedes.
  • Managed the development of Australia's largest pharmacy online store.
  • Acted as Lead Architect and Engineer for TimeOut Magazine's infrastructure upgrade.

More About Me

Interests & Achievements

Song of the Week

Interests

Formula 1
Horse Racing
Quizzing
Poker
Pool
Darts
Music

Open Source & Achievements

  • Core contributor to the Laravel Framework
  • Two-time winner of PayPal's Charity Hack