Working on a number of key project including designing a Canonical Data Model, and Integrating existing systems with SalesForce CRM for a key Logistics Partner.

A move to a more technical role to concentrate on some of the more complex changes TNT was facing. This involved taking the lead Database Design role on a number of key projects, and also improving the modelling standards. These projects included Operational Planning Systems, Finance and Rating, Track and Integration with E-Backoffice and SAP. Key Architectural changes include the introduction of Application Views (and subsequent modelling) and improvements to the PLSQL development processes and standards. Also, managing improvement to the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) Extraction processes to ensure more consistent data and improved data quality. I also worked heavily on a number of ETL projects, which includes using XML, and transformations, and designing / building solutions to resolve some key Integration challenges. Working in partnership with Application Development teams, not only in the UK, but also in Duiven (Netherlands), Mauritius and with a number of outsource parties, some based in India. This required the ability to work with remote teams, some travel, and the need to be able to persuade and influence them. Also I've worked on a number of "stabilisation" projects involving rewriting SQL, putting logic into PLSQL where appropriate and investigating performance issues using Explain Plan, TKPROF, Baselines and other Oracle tools to investigate, find and resolve issues and improve the Applications.

This role involved Manage the Database Design Team, and responsibility for resource management and work prioritisation, and well as technical lead on Oracle Database. I was responsible for setting the Standards / Guidelines for Database Design including SQL Standards and PLSQL Standards, managing changes into the Test and raising changes for Production Systems. Also during 2008 I managed the tools team as well, which involved looking after the IBM rational software suite and other development tools, including manage upgrades and liaising with suppliers. Whilst managing, the role was still very hands on and a key development was a replication process I built, which using Triggers / Views / DB links enabled me to replace Oracle Streams with a bespoke Batch replication mechanism which was much easier to support, and better fit for purpose. This was a key enabler to the rollout of a number of major Applications.

A more senior role, which involved coaching / training other members of the team and Contract Resources. The role also involved developing and enforcing standards for both database design, and database access. This included strategies for Optimistic Locking, and naming conventions for the data assets. There was also investigation work into new strategies, use of Stored Procedures and involvement in the Architecture of the new systems. It also involved working within Infrastructure Teams which included Oracle Streams development, and more involvement with the hardware architecture.

Lead Oracle Designer, responsible for the new "Common Systems" project. This involved designing new systems from scratch to meet new requirements, as well as consideration for existing system Integration. Also, full understanding of the Corporate Data Model and doing detailed mapping. The role included resolving issues around Code Pages, and ASCII / EBCDIC / UTF-8.

Database Designer role working with DB2/IMS, SQL Server and Informix, and then on a major project to migrate TNT Operational Systems from Ingres to Oracle (Oracle 8.0.6)

A Graduate Trainee, initially learning about IBM Mainframe, COBOL, JCL, Pro IV, DB2, Delphi and Development Methodologies used by TNT. Then, working on a programme to develop the Intranet for use within TNT Express ICS, and working on COBOL Changes and Development.