Gavin Housley

Over 30 years of production, people and project management experience. Drawn to the problem solving and creative scope of software engineering. Recently completed JavaScript Full-Stack Software Engineering with AI bootcamp.

Customer-facing and people management experience across several sectors including fashion, printmaking, publishing and coffee. Understanding of user project management, individual and organisational pain points, intuitive design, and the power of empathy in tech. Ability to work at the intersection of technology and art, fashion and books.

Adaptability, reliability, artistic, technical and people skills, bridging innovation with practicality.

Head of Production at Palava (2019-07 – 2025-12)

Managed production for a vintage-inspired ethical clothing company

• Oversaw and organised design and production timelines whilst working on three seasons simultaneously. Managed large sources of data in Google sheets alongside Notion and Gmail
• Prepared Technical Specs for Factories, arranged samples and fabrics for sampling and production. Design work utilising graphics programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Use of Shopify and its processes

Printmaker at Block Steady Studios (2017-01 – 2019-05)

• Hand carving lino print blocks and hand burnishing onto Japanese washi paper (including exhibited and sold work)

Coffee Seller/Barista at Monmouth Coffee (2014-07 – 2017-12)

• Worked as part of a tight team for a historic company with strong work ethic and branding

Head of Fiction at Foyles Bookshop Charing Cross Road (2004-01 – 2014-03)

Managed the Fiction Department at Foyles

• Overseeing a team of 8 employees, managed 20K monthly budgets, ordering, and returns for sub-departments
• Created and implemented promotions to showcase specific concepts or publishers, driving sales and customer engagement
• Successfully met targets, motivated team members, and provided exceptional customer service in a dynamic retail environment

Bootcamp in JavaScript Full-Stack Software Engineering with AI – Northcoders (2025-12 – 2026-03)

Short Course in Introduction to Python – Citylit London (2025-03 – 2025-04)

BA Hons in Visual Arts – University of Plymouth (1998 – 2001)

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (BTEC) – Ravensbourne College (1997 – 1998)