Curriculum Vitae

Peter JOHNSON

 

Personal Details

Age: 45
Nationality: British
Marital Status: Single
Based at Ashford, Middlesex & Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, UK

Email

Full driving licence & business Class 1 insurance
Non-smoker

• Over 20 years broad experience in managing, developing, maintaining & controlling IT network infrastructures involving back office systems & supporting a wide range of desktop applications.

• Experienced in managing IT Support Desks, Engineering Application Support & Helpdesk Management.

• Demonstrated skills in the Engineering, Interior Design, Office Furniture, Facilities Management & Travel industries.

• Problem solver, able to work under pressure & to tight deadlines, willing to learn new skills & explore new avenues.

• Working knowledge of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) techniques based on a variety of Intergraph, Bentley & Autodesk tools. Experienced in customisation & development of CAD packages, licensing & upgrading.

• Good communication skills & team player.

• Broad range of education including nine years at College culminating in receiving a Higher National Diploma award in Engineering together with various specialist CAD & IT related training. 

Career Aims Statement

To further develop my expertise within IT, FM, Engineering or CAD Management environments, to fully utilise my background, knowledge & experience within IT infrastructure management, Engineering support, Technical support & Helpdesk management, Strategy planning, Project Lifecycle Management, System development, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) customisation & development, Network administration; Supporting key business areas, working within a diverse cross section of businesses, departmental areas & regions. 

Career Summary

Career commenced in the early 1980's within the Engineering Industry working as a Design Draftsman/Engineer for a Ministry of Defence contractor based in Watford, Hertfordshire, during which time studied Mechanical/Production Engineering at West Herts College. This was where first introduced to computers with CAD & Manufacturing techniques including the use of AutoCAD.

In 1988 moved into the Office Furniture industry, working as a CAD Space Planner before moving into an IT Support role of Pre Sales Systems Co-ordinator. In 1998 joined another Office Furniture manufacturer in the role of Studio CAD Supervisor followed by an IT Manager role with an Office Furniture Dealer & Interior Design company based in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

Following redundancy in 2004, career moved into the Travel Industry working as an ICT Manager for a Business Travel company based in Woking, Surrey, & this role being on a contract basis with the contract ending in March 2006 due to the IT infrastructure being re-located to the Group HQ in Rochdale, UK.

In May 2006, returned to the Engineering Industry on a contract basis in the role of CAD Analyst within the Global IT CAD Support group of Air Products plc supporting Computer-Aided Design applications. During July 2008 joined as a permanent employee in the role of CAD Systems Specialist within the Global Engineering group supporting Project Collaboration tools, Project Lifecycle Management & Engineering software applications. 

Career History

• May 2006 - March 2010: CAD Systems Specialist at Air Products plc based in Hersham, Surrey. Providers of Gas & Chemical Solutions worldwide, Industrial Gas Plant Design.

• April 2005 - March 2006: ICT Manager at Business Travel Management based in Woking, Surrey. Specialists in providing bespoke Travel packages to suit a clients Business needs.

• March 1999 - November 2004: IT Manager at MJF Group based in Uxbridge, Middlesex. Interior Design, Design & Build, Business Services & Data Management.

• April 1998 - March 1999: Studio CAD Supervisor at Paragon Business Furniture plc. based in Wembley, Middlesex. Systems Furniture Manufacturers.

• July 1988 - April 1998: Pre Sales Systems Co-ordinator at Flexiform Business Furniture Ltd. based in Islington, London. A leading British manufacturer of high quality Office Systems Furniture with contracts throughout both Public & Private sectors of industry.

• July 1981 - July 1988: Design Engineer at Aircraft Materials Ltd. based in Watford, Hertfordshire. Specialists in the field of Airborne delivery systems, Man carrying parachute fittings & small mechanisms.

Qualifications 

• Day release & Evening courses - studied at West Herts College (Watford, Hertfordshire).

  • 1987-1993: BTEC Higher National Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical/Manufacture).

  • 1986-1987: City & Guilds Course 230, Certificate in Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD-CAM, CNC).

  • 1985-1987: BTEC Higher National Certificate in Engineering.

  • 1981-1985: B/TEC National Certificate in Mechanical & Production Engineering.

• Vocational courses - studied via distance learning with Learndirect & Staffordshire Virtual Learning Centre.

  • 2010: Microsoft Excel 2007 Introductory & Intermediate - Spreadsheet Management.

    • Excel 2007 Introductory Course Content - Introduction to organising & analysing business data using Excel 2007. How to create a new workbook, how to enter text & numbers & how to use a range of formulae & functions to make worksheet calculations; Identify Excel’s screen components, Open, save & close workbooks, Move & copy data, Work with simple formulae, functions & ranges, Change the appearance of a worksheet using formatting features, Print single worksheets & entire workbooks.

    • Excel 2007 Intermediate Course Content - Perform complex calculations, how to create & work with large spreadsheets, how to use charts to highlight trends & how to publish data on the web; Understand the differences between relative & absolute cell referencing, Use a range of formulae to complete complex calculations, Work with advanced commands on the format menu, Use multiple workbooks & create 3D formulae, Split windows, freeze frames & hide columns when working with large spreadsheets, Create & format charts to highlight trends, Publish workbooks as web pages for viewing or collaboration.

  • 2006: Supporting Microsoft Windows 2000 - Level 3 (Server & Workstation Support).

    • Course content: Installation of Windows 2000 Professional & Windows 2000 Server, troubleshooting installations, storage devices, file systems, Network Protocols & adaptors, TCP/IP & NetBEUI installation, DHCP, DNS & WINS, Network Security, use of the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Connection Sharing, Active Directory, Terminal Services, Server Recovery techniques, Remote Access Service (RAS), Virtual Private Networking (VPN) configuration & troubleshooting.

  • 2005: Microsoft Windows 2000 Administration - Level 3 - Windows 2000 Server Management.

    • Course content: Key features of Network administration, use of Active Directory to manage accounts, PC security & user authenticity, controlling user permissions, set-up user accounts, NTFS management of files & folders, manage printing processes, effectively manage files & folders, manage & store data, use of event logs, back-up & restore data.

  • 2005: Using Microsoft Project - Level 3 - Project Management.

    • Course content: Create Project schedule, customised Microsoft Project, estimate costs & apply work contours when assigning resources to tasks, using cost factors, format project styles, plan installation of Microsoft Project & identify common set-up problems.

  • 2005: Electronic Communication using Microsoft Outlook - Level 2 (Microsoft Outlook 2002)

    • Course content: Navigate the application, communicate with outlook messages, schedule with Calendar, arrange meetings & contacts, notes & customise Outlook.

  • 2005: Databases - Level 2 (Microsoft Access 2000) - Database Management.

    • Course content: Create databases, tables, forms, sort & filter data, relational databases, format & print reports.

• Short courses - studied at the Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education & CADline in Staines.

  • 2010: AutoCAD 2010 2D Intermediate

  • 2009: Learning AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010

  • 2007: Bentley MicroStation J Essentials

  • 1995: 3D Environment Module, 3D Construction & Modelling Module.

  • 1989: Customising AutoCAD.

Personal Profile

• Self motivated, reliable & trustworthy member of staff with management experience.

• A professional attitude projected at all times, coupled with a responsible & mature approach to all aspects of business.

• Smart, reliable & enthusiastic with a flexible attitude to all areas of work.

• Experience supporting a wide range of back office & end user applications, working to resolve user’s issues to the full & within Service Level Agreements (SLA’s).

• Proven career record within diverse areas of business, working in both a team environment & in managing own particular field working closely with Directors, Managers & end users in order to provide the best solutions within Company guidelines & Financial budgetary considerations. 

Institution/Society Membership & Interests

• Facilities Management User Group web site management - design & development (using Microsoft FrontPage 2003 & Microsoft Expression Web 3).

• The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) (Associate Member).

• BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT (Affiliate Member).

• Carer, Gardening & DIY.

• Member of the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club (SIDC).

Career Experience May 2006 - March 2010

Air Products plc - based at the European Headquarters in Hersham, Surrey.
We are Air Products (PDF file)

July 2008 - March 2010: CAD Systems Specialist

Due to global restructuring, this role is due to be eliminated resulting in redundancy at the end of March 2010. The technical support functions being centralised at the Air Products Corporate Head Office within the US.

May 2006 - July 2008: CAD Analyst

Working within the ACES CAD Systems team, part of the Global IT organisation in a contract position providing support for Engineering development projects, CAD support (Intergraph tools incl. PDS, Isogen, Bentley MicroStation/PowerDraft Computer-Aided Design applications, AutoPIPE & Alias Piping Solutions) together with Helpdesk Management & reporting.

Overview of the CAD Analyst role:

• Providing CAD Support (Level 2) through supporting Bentley MicroStation & Bentley PowerDraft users within Europe, together with support for regional Autodesk AutoCAD installations & network licencing.

• CAD Support Hotline Troubleshooting.

• Engineering Application Support including MathCAD (Engineering Calculations) & RIPAC (Estimating & Cost Planning) applications. Installing PDMISO & Oracle Client applications. Creating ISOIndexes for Project Estimating.

• Helpdesk system management (using BMC Software's Remedy IT Service Management AR System technology), Producing weekly Remedy Review Reports for senior management & uploading to AP Shared location for Team viewing.

• Intergraph PDS (Plant Design System) Project Set-ups, collaboration projects, liaising with Project Managers & third party design houses.

• PDS Support (Level 1) & assigning tickets to Level 3 support teams in the UK or US where applicable.

• Installation of software for new starters/PC's including RIS, plotting etc.

• Supporting Intergraph ISOGEN client/server application. Re-extraction of ISO's for Projects, updating Excel documentation.

• Supporting Alias Piping Solutions applications including I-Data Estimator installations/bug fixes etc.

• Liaising with colleagues based in the UK, US & China.

• Updating of ACES CAD Systems Intranet pages (using Microsoft Content Management Server - CMS) together with adding to Air Products Online Share documentation (using Microsoft SharePoint).

• File Conversion of MicroStation <> AutoCAD formats, installation/tracking of Bentley View application.

• Software Installations/Licencing including Bentley PowerDraft requests/tracking.

• Asset tracking of CAD Workstations, maintaining up to date building floorplans of CAD users within the UK & Europe (MicroStation).

• Importing of Valve Data from overnight SmartPlant Materials (SPMat) (MARIAN) (Integrated Material Management System) uploads.

• Supporting Transoft Solutions AutoTURN - Roadway & Vehicular flow for Plant Design (setting up Client/Server installation in the UK & working with team in Shanghai, China). Working with Transoft support personnel based in Canada.

• Project Collaboration & FTP Site Transfer of Project Data with third parties, Excel documentation tracking of collaboration activity.

• Project Archiving & Retrieval (DVD/CD media, indexing & arranging off-site storage/retrievals).

• Supporting Dual Monitor installations on both Desktop & Laptop workstations together with Matrox Graphics DualHead2Go technology & DELL docking station hardware.

• Citrix Networking Solutions including client support & New starter set-ups, Member of STAC testing team for server/version upgrades.

• Supporting/monitoring overnight Design Review creation process to ensure the latest models created for viewing the next day.

• Using Microsoft Office 2003 & 2007 Suites with Microsoft Outlook 2003 & 2007 Email, Tasks & Diary Scheduling.

• Working within a busy Engineering IT Support environment with teams supporting Frameworks, SmartSketch, SmartPlant P&ID applications running on DELL Hardware & Microsoft Windows XP Pro/VISTA Operating Systems. Working closely with Level 3 Support teams based within the UK & US.

• Monitoring SmartPlant Review session creation.

• Transferring application between systems, creation of Adobe PDF Distiller application queues for shared network access.

• Attending In-house Health & Safety Training sessions.

• Engineering Application Support. First point of contact for users (via CAD Hotline, CAD Systems Email or Personal visits), providing Level 1 & Level 2 Support dependant on application & escalating tickets to Level 3 where appropriate.

• Member of the STAC (Product Lifecycle Management - Document Management application) helpdesk team - monitoring global emails (UK, US & ASIA) & Level 1 tickets received from the IT Service Centre. Providing Level 2 Support, logging user requests &/or escalating trouble tickets to Level 3 STAC support Teams.

• Monitoring Phoenix Helpdesk mailbox & raising trouble tickets (Level 1) in the UK & escalating to Level 2 Global support teams.

• Answer "day to day" issues, investigate problems & escalate issues to Level 3 support teams (within the UK & US). 

Projects:

• Development of BMC Software's Remedy IT Service Management system to provide statistical management data of trouble tickets, extracting data into Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet in order to manipulate data.

• Setting up Xerox Network Printers for MicroStation & PowerDraft CAD plotting use.

• Upgrades to Autodesk AutoCAD including setting up network licence for client/server access.

• Compiling spreadsheet of globally located Autodesk applications AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Mechanical Desktop/Inventor: User ID, location, versions & installation paths.

• Compiling spreadsheet of European based Bentley PowerDraft licence installations & user allocations.

• Installation of MathCAD v12 upgrades.

• Member of the STAC IT Global team testing "STAC Integ" (testing new versions/bug fixes prior to user rollout server via Citrix & local).

• Setting up SmartSketch application within training suite environment via Citrix Client.

• Introduction of AutoTURN Client/Server application (UK & China).

• Network installation of RIPAC (Estimating & Cost Planning) application.

• Creating & applying auto-reply & rules (Outlook 2003/2007) to all user email messages sent to group distribution list. 

Air Products Dual Screen CAD Workstation (Laptop based version) - 2009 format

(click thumbnail to enlarge)

Career Experience April 2005 - March 2006

Business Travel Management - at the time part of the MyTravel Group which included Going Places & Airtours, later owned by Thomas Cook Group plc and subsequently part of Forward Travel Management owned by Midlands Co-operative Society Ltd.
Supporting 90+ users, 130+ PC's & 14 back office servers

ICT Manager based at BTM's head office in Woking, Surrey.

• Supporting Rack based Compaq/HP & Fujitsu-Siemens Server technology. Server Operating Systems including Windows NT4 Server/Advanced Server, Windows 2000 Server & Windows Server 2003.

• Supporting Dell desktop systems together with Toshiba & Samsung laptop technology. Desktop Operating Systems including Windows 2000 Professional & Windows XP Professional running Microsoft Office'97/Outlook'98, Office 2000 & Office XP. Software installation & hardware upgrades including installing new drivers, network cards, memory etc.

• Training & Management of one direct report - ICT Systems Administrator, day to day work allocation, project assignments, reviews & appraisals.

• Carry out daily checks from off-site (via RAS/Cisco Systems VPN) prior to commencement of the business working day – comprising of all primarily server status & Oracle database checks to ensure all systems fully functioning, "ping" test of all BTM BTC CISCO Systems Routers to ensure all responding/online. During Business hours all primary servers & routers continually "pinged" to ensure responding using "FREEping" technology from tools4ever.

• Supporting Network Printing via HP JetDirect & HP Web JetAdmin IP printing technology. Network drives creation & mapping on users workstations, creation of "home" folders & departmental "drives".

• Creating new user accounts via BTM's NT Domain & Managing BTM entry's within MyTravel's Rochdale Data Centre's Microsoft Exchange email server, distribution lists & user contact details. Creating Public Folders & additional mailboxes for users & managers alike. Spam controls provided by MyTravel's Barracuda Networks technology.

• Working closely with MyTravel Group plc support services, iSupport Help Desk on-line booking system via Terminal Services client to MyTravel Group IT.

• Supporting bespoke database applications running Oracle 8i Enterprise technology (including ODBC & Oracle Client installs). Travel industry packages including Galileo, Focalpoint & Amadeus travel booking systems together with Elgar Rail Ticketing System. TIMES 3 "Management Information Solutions" supported by NextGen Computing, Net Trans Services, RailPlanner technology provided & supported by Travel InfoSystems (monthly updating of RailPlanner Application via CD supplied). RADIUS with Radius Wheel Technology (promotional price tool). Support given with updating & supporting as necessary.

• Business Solutions provided & supported by ProCon Solution based in Denmark including Pro:TAS, Pro:BSP & Pro:TAS Finance applications. Working with ProCon engineers & developers to ensure smooth running of applications. Reports produced using Crystal Reports 8.5 & Adobe Acrobat (PDF). Daily monitoring of "Pro:PJC - Print Server" to ensure smooth running of PDF "Copy" Invoice creation.

• Maintaining BTM IT Support "Help Desk" Intranet site including monitoring urgent & non-urgent requests, deciding on best course of action, assigning support personal, updating/notifying users.

• Supporting Woking Head Office Avaya "SDX" INDeX Phone Systems & Programming, liaising with support company Central Telecom. Patching in new extensions/programming.

• Support of Web filtering tools using customised SurfControl application (running on a Windows 2003 Server/ISA Server 2004 platform), daily authorisation following user requests where appropriate or resulting from misclassification of site category listing.

• Use of Veritas Backup Exec software application in conjunction with Compaq SDLT internal tape drives, providing daily, weekly & monthly scheduled security backups with off-site storage of archived tapes.

• Providing daily McAfee Virus Protection Management & Distribution (in conjunction with System Scheduler/PsExec from Splinterware & Sysinternals).

• Internet access provided by Microsoft ISA Server & network connection via CISCO Systems routers working closely with MyTravel Group's Comms Teams. Supporting Bay Networks 10/100Mbit Switches & Comms Cabinet Equipment together with UPS devices.

• Troubleshooting where required using Remote support techniques via VNC, DameWare "Mini Remote Control" & Cisco Systems VPN applications including Out of hours support when required: Supporting users, monitoring WAN (Wide Area Network) connections, power failures, web site/intranet uploading, Virtual Private Network (VPN) & dial-up (RAS) connection issues.

• Supporting/Maintaining Nat West "Bank Line" dial-up connection for uploading financial data together with Streamline Point of Sales machines (connectivity support).

• Supporting/Configuring of Blackberry handheld (Model 7230) devices via Vodafone Network in conjunction with the MyTravel Group IT Support Team.

• Regular PC Hardware & Software Troubleshooting utilising Norton Utilities & Norton Ghost, GetDataBack, Lavasoft Ad-aware, CCleaner & Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware technologies.

• Installation, support & updating of Adobe Reader, WinZip & other standard utilities & viewers.

• Providing reproduction service to users based on HP ScanJet A4 Scanner for scanning documents & CD-R’s using NERO CD Creator software & carried out by ICT Systems Administrator.

• To ensure trouble free execution of automated starting of “Focalpoint Print Manager” using System Scheduler via all BTM BTC’s "Document Print Servers" & via the Woking Comms Room “Data Collector”. Monitoring of "MIR" traffic from regional offices though to execution on the Woking based Oracle Servers.

• Working closely with BTM Human Resources Executive, instigating results from Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Risk Assessment/Questionnaires providing replacement (or advice on adjusting) VDU, keyboard & mouse systems as required.

• Updating & Patching of Microsoft Office Suites.

• Maintaining hardware support maintenance contracts, including HP Servers, HP mono & colour LaserJet printers.

• Regular updating of asset management records, "knowledge transfer document", user access permissions/passwords, IP address allocation, machine name formatting & domain user listings. Updating of "HOST" & .BAT files reflecting changes to server & workstation IP's &/or machine names.

• Head Office Key holder.

• Working out of hours in order to minimise disruption to users & business.

• Phasing out of superseded Compaq laptop technology, upgrading Windows NT4 Workstation Operating Systems to Windows 2000 Professional. Phasing out of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 upgrade to 6.0.

• Installation/Configuration of Microsoft's Windows Server Update Services providing automated Security updates.

• Customisation of SurfControl Web Filtering application throughout the BTM network for filtering web site access during specific time periods & blocking of certain sites for network security & user protection. Designed custom HTML based "deny" pages, groups classifications & access schedules.

• Phasing out of Microsoft Proxy Server & replacing with Microsoft ISA Server in conjunction with the Rochdale Data Centre Comms Team, updating "Proxy exceptions" within Internet browser to facilitate connection to Travel applications/intranet.

• Introducing Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Software Download (Microsoft Remote Desktop) technology within Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Workstations for connection to MyTravel Intranet via Terminal Services.

• Working with Marketing Manager & Business Support Executive to develop enhanced BTM web presence & micro sites. www.btmonline.co.uk, www.manxair.com & BTM Internet site(s) updating using Macromedia Dreamweaver MX together with integrated databases.

• Introduction/updating of "RADIUS Wheel" (travel discounting technology) provided by RADIUS throughout all BTM BTC's.

• Updating of MyTravel Group Global Address List & Email Distribution Lists by removing/adding former & new BTM users contact details to listings in conjunction with MyTravel iSupport System.

• Working with Business Support Executive on BTM Staff Discussion Board introduction.

• Successful project completion at all BTM regional BTC's consisting of the replacement of Oki 10i/12i Mono Laser Printers (via shared line extenders/parallel connection) with new Hewlett Packard 1320tn Mono Laser Printing technology & introduction of HP Color LaserJet 4550dtn Printer at Head Office via Network IP Printing using HP JetDirect & HP Web JetAdmin.

• Introduction of Microsoft Optical Scroll Wheel Mice to BTM Head Office for enhanced productively using Office based applications & increased reliability.

• Software Licence Compliance - Microsoft Licensing & Disaster Recovery/Contingency Planning Project in conjunction with the Director of IT & Customer Solutions & MyTravel Group IT Commercial Director.

• Updating of Microsoft Office’97 Standard & Professional licences within Woking Head Office with Microsoft Office 2000/Outlook 2000 licences & installing associated Service Packs.

• Updating all BTM BTC's with the latest Crystal Report templates, uploaded remotely to shared directories on each "Pro:PJC" workstation in order to facilitate Invoice Printing.

• Enhancing Telephone System Speed Dial configurations & creating complete listing of all phone extensions, data & fax connections within the Woking Head Office.

• Managing the customisation of Toolbars within Galileo/Focalpoint Travel Booking Systems. Working with Business Support Executive to upload amended “Scripts” for travel booking for associated companies.

• Hardware & Consumable purchasing in conjunction with the Director of IT & Customer Solutions.

• Supporting Data Management Executive's AMEX & Diners Club transactions via Dial-up Modem.

• Analysis of Woking Comms Room power backup infrastructure, review of existing Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) equipment working with UPS Systems.

• Replacement Dell desktop PC for Sales Support Executive from EuroPC including wireless ergonomic keyboard/mouse.

• Relocation of Wokingham BTC users & IT equipment integration with Woking BTC, provision PC's, telephones & desking.

Projects/Development Work:

• Upgrading remaining BTM Head Office Workstations from Microsoft Office'97 to Microsoft Office 2000 with Outlook 2000 email clients, upgrading of existing McAfee VirusScan 4.5 version to later v8.x technology on all workstations & servers working in conjunction with Licensing compliance project though MyTravel Group IT Commercial Director.

• Proposal to upgrade existing Compaq Proliant 3000 NT4 Servers with replacement HP Proliant DL380, Microsoft Windows 2003 Servers & transfer of Oracle Databases in conjunction with contract BTM Oracle DBA from Download Software Ltd. (DLSW), MyTravel Oracle DBA’s, Giant Computers & BTM Director of IT & Customer Solutions - upgrading Oracle to MyTravel Group standard Oracle 9i. Eventual aim to replace existing Oracle database with Oracle Financials. Project to review consolidation of existing Windows 2000 RAS Server & File/Print Servers & upgrade to latest version of Symantec/Veritas Backup Exec (version 10d) & Maxell SDLT tapes.

• Preparing test workstations for evaluating/testing/debugging of new database applications prior to roll-out throughout BTM BTC's. Installing Travel booking applications & Oracle clients onto laptops for Operation Manager & Business Support Exec.

• Consolidation of Email & Web Site Domain names working in conjunction with web management company. Redirecting of .com addresses to allow misaddressed email to be delivered to intended recipients & registering of .eu domain name(s).

• Investigating "Safe Disposal" of "end of life" IT Hardware (Monitors, PC's etc) in conjunction with the Sales Support Executive & obtaining information from local council & London Facilities Ltd.

• Evaluating hardware upgrades including replacement laptop technology & flat screen displays to replace redundant CRT technology within BTM regional offices from a specification & investment prospective for budget planning & authorisation.

• Planning introduction of "ACT! from SAGE" for workgroups - Contact Management application within BTM, working in conjunction with Sales Support Executive, Head of Sales & Account Management & consultants Inta-Act Ltd.

• Planning of replacement Group Finance Package based on "Oracle Financials" in conjunction with the Finance Director & Director of IT & Customer Solutions. 

BTM IT Relocation Project - March 2006:

• Planning in conjunction with the Senior Desktop Support Manager based at MyTravel Group IT in Rochdale the relocation of the existing Woking based IT Infrastructure in order to centralise within the Group HQ in Rochdale with effect of the IT function ceasing within the BTM Woking Head Office location with the completion date of March 31st 2006. "Knowledge Transfer" documentation produced; Server management details, fault finding information & logon/password authorisation.

• Liaising with Business Support Executive in order to integrate existing contents of BTM IT Support site into the BTM Intranet in order to phase out in-house support system & replacing with MyTravel Group “iSupport helpdesk” system. Adding desktop shortcuts to all BTM user profile to enable access to replacement support facilities. Ensuring all workstations have Terminal Services client installed (Windows 2000 Professional). Monitoring/Processing MyTravel Oracle Web iSupport IT Support Helpdesk System.

• Installation & configuration of Intranet based RailPlanner application added to "new" Windows 2000 Server using IIS, update windows desktop shortcuts, MyTravel Money & IP/WINS addresses updated for all BTC users pointing to Group IT.

• Consolidation of user directories/folders from numerous BTM servers onto a centralised data server ready for relocation to Rochdale. Remapping of user network drives & associated personal/departmental security permissions.

• Ghosting of new drives to External USB Freecom 160Gb Hard Drive, Removal & transfer of all file servers to Group IT, Rochdale. 

BTM Woking Comms Room - Server Racks & Patch Panels

(click thumbnail to enlarge)

Career Experience March 1999 - November 2004

MJF Group of Companies
Supporting 70+ users with 15 back office servers

IT Manager based at MJF Group offices in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

Providing Support, Management & Development of IT Infrastructure & Services within the group (five operating companies) at offices in Uxbridge & Central London with Operation Centre’s located near Henley-on-Thames & Newbury, Berkshire.

Made redundant from the MJF Group in November 2004. 

Achievements whilst at MJF:

• Operating System Consolation – Server: Novell Netware removal prior to “Year 2000”, including Y2K compliance management programme – December 1999. Microsoft Windows NT4 Servers upgraded to Windows 2000 Server/Active Directory & then continuing through to 2004 with the introduction of latest version Windows Server 2003. Desktop: Microsoft Windows NT4 Workstation & Windows’98 Desktop/Laptops upgraded to Windows XP Pro. Email: Microsoft Exchange v5.5 to 2000/2003.

• Negotiating & setting up of “Hotline” Support contracts for numerous hardware & software applications.

• Software licensing including OEM (original equipment manufacturer) licences & the introduction of subscription licensing.

• Design Studio “state of art” software & hardware introduction, CADstations, large format plotters, colour printers. All Design Studio software licences either on Subscription renewal or on Volume licensing agreements in order to stay at the forefront of design technologies.

• Liaising with ISP’s for Leased lines/ADSL/SDSL/Broadband client service provision for tenants.

• Successful Planning & implementation of staff relocation within the Uxbridge site including major Design Studio (CADstations) & BSL relocations within the building including all IT & Voice relocation. MJF City office relocation from Paul Street to Leonard Street, Old Street London offices including Sales, Admin & Design (CADstations) department facilities & IT equipment.

• Intranet development consisting of both a general site incorporating a wide range of company information, together with extensive on-line “IT Support & Advice” section plus numerous specialist “web portals” & sites including a comprehensive “authorised access” Group IT Support site comprising details of user passwords, support contracts, licensing renewal dates & cover, equipment allocation/serial numbers/asset management & network infrastructure information.

• Software & Hardware replacement for reliability by introduction of new technologies: e.g. Monitor enhancements 15” > 17” flat screen CRT to 19” flat screen CRT to new 17”/19” flat screen LCD technologies within several departments, Design Studio monitors upgraded to 22” flat screen CRT multimedia monitors. Mouse consolidation from original Logitech/Microsoft Mice through to Microsoft Wheel Ball Mouse to latest Microsoft Optical Wheel mice. Laptop consolation….phasing out of older models & specifications….standardisation & memory enhancements to allow greater performance & ability to run latest software packages such as Microsoft Office 2003. Pocket PC handheld devices from Palm devices.

• Providing stable secure Intranet services for web based applications such as RS-WEB, working closely with the supplier’s development team.

• Introduction of replacement technologies for “back office” such as Microsoft Exchange (including remote access technology) & “desktop applications” such as Microsoft Project replacing non-standard or pragmatic software applications (ASTA & MAIL).

• Introduction of new “back office” technologies including SurfControl web & email filtering techniques comprising of a heavily customised version introduced for the various group companies. Introduction of email disclaimer “footers” to all outgoing emails…including web site address “marketing”….setting up of web site address aliases to personal email address matched against associated company name.

• Holiday Cover availability support in place covering virtually all aspects of the IT infrastructure. Emergency call-out available remotely.

• Refurbishment of the Uxbridge Comms Room following major flood, working with “Redd Projects” Project Management team & support companies in order to minimise downtime to business critical IT services.

• Uxbridge Comms Room development from a single “storeroom” area to a complete fully functioning high tech Comms Room facility.

• Design & development of a dedicated client web site for MJF Business Relocation.

• Enhancement/modifications made to Redd Projects web site.

• Introduction of numerous web based applications to enable users to work off-site/from home such as Outlook Web Access, Citrix Web Interface, Intranet sites for company information/contact details. All set-up with unique URL’s (web addresses for ease of access).

• Launch of Citrix Metaframe Server for remote site interconnectivity, installation of Citrix clients with the aim of replacing multiple local site servers & their related support issues.

• Working with Computer Aid International for recycling "End of life IT Equipment" for refurbish charity use.

• Working out of hours in order to minimise disruption to users & business.
   

Projects underway at time of redundancy:

• Mobile technology project: GPRS Mobile/Bluetooth laptops connectivity, Blackberry handheld technology for mobile email, iPAQ/GSM/GPRS, Orange SPV/Smart Phone with Microsoft Outlook Mobile Access in place & evaluating.

• On-going upgrade of existing Servers to Windows Server 2003 from Windows 2000 Server & developing plan for the eventual replacement of Windows NT Server (investigating MS Virtual Server technology).

• Wargrave Portacabin Project: Replacement Windows XP “dumb” terminals & monitors, transfer of existing printer, UPS (uninterruptible power supply), Citrix reconfiguration & Security service packs.

• Microsoft Office 2003 introduction upgrading from existing Office XP Pro licences (subscription).

• Evaluating Windows XP Pro Service Pack 2.

• Investigation into the EU – European Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment Directive.

• ACT! Database consolidation & investigating new upgrade of the ACT! CRM application offering greater compatibility & integration with Outlook.

• Managing the introduction of Microsoft ISA 2004 (Firewall) installed on replacement server (existing server re-utilisation/rotation).

• Thatcham Warehouse Project – SDSL interconnectivity, consolidation of MS SQL/O’Neil’s replication server.

• Investigating possible introduction of “ruggedised” portable with wireless connection for the remote Data Management Warehouse site(s) for data logging/asset tracking throughout the warehouse site.

MJF Group - Comms Room (Uxbridge)

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Career Experience April 1998 - March 1999

Paragon Business Furniture plc. (subsequently part of the Logic Office Group)
Supporting 8 users & 4 users respectively + 2 servers

Studio CAD Supervisor based at Paragon's office in Wembley, Middlesex.

Managing, supporting & developing the Studio’s IT infrastructure within Wembley (team of 8) & Leeds (team of 4) offices based on Microsoft Windows NT Workstation + NT Server environments involving MS Office, Cyco (Drawing Management Database), Corel, VISIO, Adobe, Autodesk & Kinetix applications.

Overview:

• Setting up Procedures & Maintaining systems to ensure the efficient running of the Paragon Studio IT Infrastructure (CADstations, servers & large format plotters/colour printers): “System Housekeeping”, Anti-Virus procedures, Security back-ups.

• Investigating new hardware & software packages in order to improve the services offered by the Studio, creating a “CAD Strategy” for Board Approval.

• Creating Word templates for Work Schedules, Request forms, Fault call log sheets, Fax & Memo headers.

• Member of the Paragon Web Site Steering committee.

• Creating Visio documents for Organisation charts, Network Diagrams.

• Training of staff, discussing their existing IT requirements & needs for the future.

• Liaison with Paragon Group IT support personnel, arranging Engineer visits, technical support contracts with IT suppliers & developers.

• Assisting re-cabling Wembley & Leeds Studio environments with CAT 5 standard cabling.

• Investigating the introduction of SmoothMove Panoramic Viewers for customer presentations.

• Participating in regular departmental meetings to feedback both existing & future developments within the Studio IT infrastructure & explain new services or facilities available to users. Together with feedback reports from User Group meetings attended.

• Customisation of AutoCAD Menu’s for selection of Paragon Product Range Planning Symbols.

• Investigation into Telecommuting for Project Management Team.

• Producing PowerPoint Presentations for National Sales Meeting/Conference.
   

Career Experience July 1988 - April 1998

Flexiform Business Furniture Ltd.
Supporting 12+ & 8 users respectively + 2 servers

Pre-Sales Systems Co-ordinator based at Flexiform's offices located within the Business Design Centre in Islington, London N1

Systems Co-ordinator for Pre-Sales Operations based at their London & Bradford offices - Monthly travelling between sites to perform installations, technical support, troubleshooting, customisation & maintaining systems, together with meetings with Managers & Directors to discuss progress of Development Projects & System Proposals. Previously to moving into IT Management managed the Space Planning department as CAD Space Planning Manager based within the London Sales Centre.

Overview:

• Responsible for installation & administration of Windows for Workgroups & Novell Netware Local Area Network (LAN) installations at London & Bradford sites, installation & configuration of network hardware & software, together with associated LAN facilities including Electronic mail (Email), Fax & group Scheduling facilities using Novell GroupWise. Proposal put forward to introduce Windows NT Server to replace Peer to Peer LAN for the Bradford Sales & Marketing LAN.

• Word Processing applications (Microsoft Word) for Sales/Marketing, Service/Installation & Direct Marketing Operations. Production of report to board level on the introduction of Windows based WP system.

• Development of Planning & Survey departments within the Sales Support departments at Flexiform involving the customisation of standard applications to meet company requirements; Customisation of AutoCAD software using AutoCAD development selection “Menus” for all Flexiform product ranges.

• Employment of contract & permanent Planning staff, selection of & liaison with Drafting bureau.

• Upgrading of old PC systems to extend their usable working lives, Intel Overdrive Chips, Memory etc.

• Contact Management Software for Direct Marketing operations incl. 4^th Dimension (Apple Mac based), Tracker (Windows based). - plus limited experience of Goldmine software (Windows based).

• Installation of Hardware: Memory (SIMM’s), Ethernet Cards, I/O Cards & Graphics Cards to IBM Compatible Personal Computers together with Installation & configuration of New PC’s to existing Local Area Networks.

• Installation & Configuration of DOS, Windows (various flavours), Novell Netware, Operating Systems.

• Responsible for the programming & day to day operations of the BT Meridian Norstar Telephone System, Private Circuits via shared speech/data through BT Kilostream MUX connections between sites.

• Provide Technical support & Computer Training to all departmental members (eight users in Bradford & five directly responsible for in London together with associated Sales department personnel from time to time).

• Product evaluation, Product demonstrations/presentations of reports & proposals to board members & users.

• Software/Hardware specifying & purchasing (within agreed annual budgetary constraints).

• Negotiating & maintaining maintenance contracts for hardware & software.

• Responsible for the smooth running of various departmental systems.

• Working out of hours in order to minimise disruption to users & business.

• Providing back-up service to the Planning department in Flexiform London office, including on-site visits to clients premises in order to take detailed briefs furniture/planning requirements.

• CAD Space Planning (Designing Office Furniture layouts for clients) using Autodesk’s AutoCAD through to Release 14.

Summary of Flexiform Projects:

• Project Manager for the Design & Implementation of the Flexiform “Project Compiler” system, working as a team with users, suppliers & programmers (development based on Microsoft Access v2.0). Subsequent training of eleven staff using new system, (including transition from MS-DOS to Microsoft Windows platform).

• Proposal put forward to board level concerning recommendations for the replacement of an existing UNIX based Sun SparcStation Design Office Computer System (seven operators) with a new high performance Windows NT PC based system in order to dramatically reduce investment in maintenance, new hardware, training costs. Providing commonality/sharing of three dimensional data between Design & Marketing teams.

• Additional module produced for Service department utilising common features of the “Project Compiler” system produced for the Pre-Sales department (project shelved).

• Relocation of the Flexiform London Sales Centre from existing location into new offices. Involving the planning & costing for relocating PC’s & VDU’s, IT & Network cabling, Telecoms, Fax & Modem links.

• “Project Compiler” System designed to extract all product details automatically from an AutoCAD Space Planning layout or Storage Cabinet Layout to produce fully itemised “Estimates” including price information, discount & product for presentation to clients in order to minimise errors occurred on existing manual system.

• Investigation & proposal for the introduction of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) to the London, Bradford & Edinburgh Offices in order to share Data, Fax services, Electronic Mail (Email) & Internal telephone services throughout the Pre-Sales Department (project shelved).

• Integration of existing “stand alone” Bradford Sales Office Windows PC system & Design Office Network to the Sales & Marketing Local Area Network, sharing all Network devices including file, applications & print sharing.

• Installation of dial-up networking/modems between sites using pcAnywhere software for remote support.

• Relocation of Edinburgh based AutoCAD system to integrate within the Bradford Sales & Marketing LAN.

• Introduction of NEXUS contact management DOS program to Windows’95 based system (DOS emulation) within the London Sales Centre.

• Space Planning & ordering of furniture for the London Sales Centre Sales Office & Showrooms.

• Investigation into the possible introduction of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) to the London, Bradford & Edinburgh Offices in order to share Data, Fax, Email, Internet & Internal telephone services throughout the London Sales Centre & Bradford Sales & Marketing LAN’s (project shelved).

• Liaison with Business Design Centre Property Maintenance, Displays & Membership cards.

• Designing price list data for launch of new Furniture range, working closely with Graphic Designer (using Apple Macintosh - Desktop Publishing) together with other Price List & Literature design.

• Managing the London based Space Planning department, allocating work & projects. Working to tight deadlines, producing CAD layouts & furniture schedules for use by Sales personnel.

• London Showroom Reception manning, welcoming clients to the Flexiform London Showroom & arranging for Sales demonstrations where appropriate.

• Liaison with lighting companies (LUXO), Plant display, Fabric companies, Air Conditioning, Electrics, Lighting, Plumbing, Ordering furniture/Planning Layouts, Networking cabling, BT & Mercury Telecoms (Modem links..).
   

Career Experience July 1981 - July 1988

Aircraft Materials Ltd. (subsequently part of Irvin-GQ) - based in Watford, Hertfordshire. Specialists in the field of Airborne delivery systems, Man carrying parachute fittings & small mechanisms for both Civil & Military applications. Used by British MoD; RAF, Army & Navy + Commonwealth & Foreign governments.

Design Engineer (initially Trainee Draftsman and following training/shop floor experience became a Design Draftsman).

Working in a Defence industry approved Design Office. Part of a team of draftsmen & designers producing Engineering drawings for the manufacture of Safety equipment for use on Ejection seats in Military fighter aircraft, together with designing “heavy drop” equipment for parachuting vehicles & supplies to ground forces by air using Hercules C130 transport aircraft.

The Design Office approved by the MoD in accordance with AQAP 1 & CAA Group A1. Working to Def-Stan (Defence Standard) 00-970, 0510 & BS.308 drawing practices.

Summary:

• Various engineering disciplines were experienced throughout the company including Manufacturing, Assembly & Inspection/Quality Assurance. Experience included the use of various shop floor machinery including Grinders, CNC Milling m/c’s, Vertical drilling m/c’s & Lathes together with Assembly, Measuring & Testing work.

• Engineering projects included the setting up of a Bill of Materials (BOM) section as part of Computer-Aided Production Management (CAPM) system, working at companies’ office in Newton Abbot, Devon (1988).

• Setting up a Drawing Office Management System on a IBM PC using SMART Database package (1986-88).

• Exhibition stand design & manning.

• Technical Library - Filing/Updating of MoD standards & British Standard publications.

Demonstrating AML Quick Release Fitting (QRF) within Harrier (RAF Hendon)

(click thumbnail to enlarge)

References available on request

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Page last updated 07 March 2010 11:52