Gareth Smith Email & Phone Number

Poole, Gb

Romsey, England, United Kingdom

As the Programme Test Manager at Roke I'm assisting on a transformational project, which involves the implementation of DayForce, IFS, and ProFinda, and integrating utilising Dell Boomi.The role focuses on working on large-scale ERP Transformation programme, leading the testing processes for complex integrations and managing various workstreams covering all elements of the ERP implementation.

Poole, England, United Kingdom

As Quality Assurance and Testing Manager I am responsible for the successful testing and management of the Testing & QA team. Focus has been predominantly on a large-scale Global Bank wide program which is working at capability (program) level. This is done using SDLC / STLC and agile methodologies lighthouse as are we transfer over to a SAFe structure. My roles are as follows:• Produce test plans, Approach, and other testing documentation for each pod and at the capability level.• Manage teams and resources across six pods with testers located in the UK, US and India all working in differing time zones. • Identify, reduce, and mitigate risk through RAID logs, early escalation, and resource management. • Provide leadership, Guidance and coaching for ten direct reports.• Work with project managers, Product owners and Scrum masters to review and amend test plans in line with project plans and scope. • Presenting an aggregate view of testing utilisation to high level management to aide with cost analysis, capital planning, cost per defect, resource requirements and hight level planning.• Chair meeting at all levels from test teams to senior management to provide feedback, status reports and reviews using media such as Teams and Webex.• Integrate automation testing throughout all six pods for regression, end to end and positive flow UAT.

Poole, England, United Kingdom

As a Senior Software Tester at BNY Mellon, I am responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of software products developed by our team. Working in an agile environment, I collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and understand requirements, develop test plans, create and execute test cases, and report findings.With my extensive knowledge of software testing methodologies, including techniques outlined by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), I am able to provide valuable insights and recommendations to improve the quality of our software products. I bring a strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and apply best practices to identify defects early in the development process.My work involves utilizing a variety of tools such as JIRA, HP Quality Center, Sharepoint, confluence, and Selenium to support the testing process, troubleshoot issues, and improve efficiency. I am adept at manual testing, and utilize exploratory testing techniques to uncover unforeseen issues. Through my technical abilities and attention to detail, I am able to ensure that products are released on time, meet quality standards, and satisfy client needs.As a member of the BNY Mellon team, I am committed to continuous improvement and thrive in an environment where feedback and collaboration are encouraged. My expertise in software testing and agile methodologies has contributed to the success of numerous projects, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our software products meet the highest standards of quality and regulatory requirments.

Dorset, England, United Kingdom

As a Armoured Infantry Group Warrant Officer, I oversee project related to the Army's new 2.8B Boxer vehicle capability that introduced to the infantry as part of a restructure for the Army. Leveraging my key expertise, I devise and execute strategic training plan for implementation of all infantry armour centre courses. Besides planning and management, I apply best practices and procedures to effectively manage any identified risks to current projects. With a focus on enhancing efficiency, I provide training and coaching to a team of instructors to improve armoured instructor capability across the Armed Forces. Utilizing my relationship building skills, I coordinate and work with senior officers to articulate changes to strategic plan.• Developed and executed training package for drivers and commander as well as carried out simulator trials to conduct 80% virtual training and 20% on platform training.• Liaised with various IT providers, including digital landscape architects, fully actuated simulator experts, programmers, and secure digital data management systems.• Planned change to transform training platform from physical to virtual platform using defence learning environment as the medium for change.• Led a digital transformation project during Covid-19 using web designers, videography, coders, and digital architects to transition training from the classroom to the defence learning environment, resulting in reduced training cost and increased students' interest.

Dorset, England, United Kingdom

Remote

As a self-employed mortgage and protection advisor specializing in the financial sector, I am passionate about providing expert advice and guidance to help clients achieve their financial goals. With extensive knowledge of the mortgage and protection markets, I am able to assess risks and offer tailored solutions that meet individual needs.My approach involves conducting in-depth client consultations, analyzing financial portfolios, and presenting viable options that provide long-term benefits. I am committed to staying up-to-date with regulatory standards and best practices to ensure that clients receive accurate and reliable advice.In addition to providing advice, I also manage client relationships and coordinate with lenders and insurers to expedite the application process. With a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail, I help ensure that clients receive the best possible experience.

Bulford, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

During this tenure, I supervised a project related to the development implementation, and management of training strategies for a mounted close combat unit. I provided expert services as a Commanding Officer's tactical advisor during deployment on exercise in Oman. Additionally, I operated 5 weeks in the Omani dessert followed by a combined nation live fire power demonstration.• Delivered technical input for the virtual eagle exercise; a simulation-based project to create army's own virtual warfare capability.• Spearheaded a project related to the reorganisation of a battalion for a deployment to Afghanistan, followed by a fast reroll to deploy on operations in Estonia.• Planned and completed live firing training in Germany to get an armoured infantry battalion ready for operations in Estonia.

Bulford, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

During this employment period, I identified and examined current and future trends through job analysis, career path, and consultations with line managers. Applying my leadership skills, I oversaw a project related the development of an individualised or overall training solution that helped in meeting organisational goal. Moreover, I took initiatives to resolve critical issues as well as tailored training programmes as required. Demonstrating attention to detail skills, I reviewed and updated policy, health & safety and appraisal documents, and trainer manuals.• Led training sessions for soldiers on how to operate armoured vehicles tactically for deployment to Canada and Afghanistan.• Provided training and coaching to instructors and students to improve their skills and performance.• Co-ordinated with the supply teams to ensure all requirements such as catering, resources, and venue access etc. are in place in advance of training activity.• Leveraged key expertise and knowledge while working on creating and preparing new registers, presentation lists, and training materials.

Bovington Camp, Dorset, United Kingdom

As Course Design / Technical Author I was responsible for chapers 1, 2 and 4 of the Driving and Maintenance course folders taught at the D & M school, Bovington. Responabilies include:Creating and writing various types of user documentation, including how-to guides, references, manuals, and instructions in a way that is easily read and understood by the end user.Work as part of a team conducting studies in order to improve and update the documentation for training packages held within the Driving and Maintenance School.Author reports for independently following Investigations.Ensuring that technical publications adhered to the DSAT loop and review this periodically. Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, create work schedules and manage their time effectively in order to meet stringent deadlines.The Mentoring of instructors to ensure they where teaching the right subject matter in accordance with DTTT, DSAT and Armour centre policies.Communications not only with defence but industry to ensure all all mayor changes where fed out to every department operating within the course folder. Explain scientific and technical ideas in simple language everyone can understand. Meet with Training Development Team to establish technical specifications. Gather usability feedback from customers thought the form 10 (amendment) process. Follow MoD JSPs and Armour Centre policies to ensure all course folders are within current legislation

Fallingbostel, Lower Saxony, Germany

Manager of complete Company Warrior holdings- Complete holdings is a term for holding your complete entitlement of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. Our company held 14 Warriors IFV, plus 2 Bulldog Armoured Personnel Carriers.Distribution of Warrior amongst the fighting Platoons- Each Platoon, and there are three of these in the Company, would be assigned 4 Warriors each, and they would be responsible for their maintenance and care.Manage Warrior Sergeants- Managing the entire fleets maintenance can be an overwhelming task, and appointing a Warrior Sergeant for each Platoon made my job a lot easier.Source and order spares for the Company fleet- The Warrior Sergeants would identify the parts or oils required for the Warriors, and put a list of what they require into me. I would then go through the process of ordering Warrior spares through the Battalion supply system.Mass Crew management- Due to the various commitments of the Company, and this could include the Warrior Sergeants being called away; I would then carry out mass crew management. Putting crews to task on their relevant Platoon allocated Warriors.Enforce Health & Safety- The tank park is a dangerous place, moving vehicles, heavy maintenance; there is the potential for a problem in such a busy environment.Interact with our unit workshops- Crews deal with the more mundane tasks when it comes to maintenance, any hi-tech or heavy maintenance is carried out by members of the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME). They have a small detachment assigned to the Battalion, and I would have regular dialogue and meetings with the REME team assigned to our Company. We would discuss up and coming maintenance.Interact with the Quartermasters Department- The supply chain to obtain the required spares for the Warriors comes through the Battalion Quartermaster. On a daily basis, I would meet in the department to put in the paperwork for the spares, in which the Quartermaster would scrutinise.

Fallingbostel, Lower Saxony, Germany

As an equipment and resources manager I was tasked to ensure 4 armored vehicles where task worthy at all times. This included demanding spears accounting for vehicle tools and equipment and managing a small team of maintainers. A deployment Afghanistan saw these tasked done in some of the most harsh condition with limited time, resources and man power but still to the same high standard.

Bovington

Fulfil the needs of the Army- Instruct the required numbers of Commander and Drivers of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. The subject matter they would be taught would be:General description and characteristics.Engine systems, including the maintenance of their components.Driving and Commanding the AFV Cross-country, in a non-tactical environment.Recovery and rehabilitation of AFV in the cross-country environment.Commanding and driving AFV on the public highway, in a non-tactical environment.Crew maintenance and various assessments.Battle Group Thermal Image, BGTI.Train the trainer- As a D&M Schools Instructor, my job was to instruct and deliver to the Field Army the required number of Regimental Instructors so they could carry out in-house driver and commander training back at their respective regiments.Enforce and observe Health & Safety- On the tank park at The Armour Centre, and also in the classroom environment, diligence is the name of the game with regards to both student and equipment safety.Instruct foreign students- Foreign Armies pay top dollar for their tank crewmen and Commanders to be trained at The Armour Centre, since this proves that the quality of instruction here is second to none, and it promotes an element of kudos back in their own units. On more than one occasion I have been involved with the instruction of foreign officers who are of Royal status back in their home countries.Showcase the D&M School- Certain industry brands associated with the various vehicles and equipment taught here, are hosted by certain members of the school, and more often than not, due to my outgoing character and confidence, this would be a task assigned to me. Certain political figures were more often than not among the audience, plus local authority figures. These visits did well for local relations in the Dorset area, as well as keeping a good rapport with industry, and the community as a whole. See less