Mike

Azure-focused Infrastructure Engineer with 20+ years of experience designing, migrating and modernising enterprise infrastructure across global organisations. Experienced delivering Azure VMware Solution (AVS), Azure WellArchitected Framework implementations, Azure DevOps upgrades, Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and Ansible, PowerShell automation, Microsoft 365 and hybrid identity solutions. Proven track record delivering secure, resilient cloud platforms, leading enterprise cloud migrations and working within highly regulated environments.

Most recently broadened my experience by leading product development and digital transformation within a growing e-commerce business, further strengthening my commercial, analytical and stakeholder management skills before returning to cloud infrastructure and architecture.

Head of Development at Carp Fishing Draws (2026-01 – Present)

Joined a rapidly growing e-commerce competition business to lead the development and continuous improvement of its digital platform. Responsible for driving product innovation, identifying new commercial opportunities and using data-driven decision making to improve customer engagement, operational efficiency and business performance. Worked closely with developers, marketing and business stakeholders to prioritise enhancements and deliver measurable improvements.

• Defined and prioritised the development roadmap for the competition platform, working with developers to deliver new features and enhancements.
• Used data analysis and business intelligence to identify customer trends, optimise promotions and improve commercial performance.
• Introduced new marketing initiatives and customer engagement strategies that increased platform activity and sales.
• Led process improvement initiatives, automating manual workflows and improving operational efficiency.
• Worked across technical and non-technical teams to translate business requirements into deliverable technical solutions.
• Evaluated emerging technologies and AI tools to identify opportunities for innovation and business growth.

3rd Line Cloud Engineer (Cloud Architecture & Azure Platform Design) at ERGO Travel Insurance Services Ltd (2024-11 – 2026-01)

Designed and delivered enterprise Azure Landing Zones from the ground up, establishing a secure, scalable, and governed cloud platform aligned with Microsoft's Cloud Adoption Framework and Well-Architected Framework. Led cloud transformation initiatives including tenant consolidation, Azure security architecture and migration of legacy on-premises services into Azure.

• Designed and deployed Azure Landing Zones using Terraform, implementing reusable Infrastructure as Code for subscriptions, networking and governance.
• Designed subscription architecture, management groups, RBAC strategy and governance model for the Azure platform.
• Implemented Microsoft's Azure Well-Architected Framework to improve reliability, security, operational excellence and cost optimisation.
• Introduced Azure Just-In-Time VM access and modern security controls to strengthen the organisation's security posture.
• Designed and deployed Azure-native replacements for legacy on-premises infrastructure and services.
• Led the consolidation of two independent Microsoft 365 and Azure tenants into a single enterprise platform with minimal disruption.
• Worked with infrastructure, security and application teams to define Azure governance standards and best practices.

Senior Infrastructure Consultant at Netcompany Ltd. (2024-03 – 2024-11)

Designed and delivered low-level infrastructure designs for a secure Ministry of Defence environment, overcoming significant technical and organisational challenges while leading the Azure DevOps 2019 to 2022 platform upgrade.

• Spearheaded the design and deployment of solutions for a MOD site, overcoming significant technical and organisational challenges.
• Optimised the upgrade process of Azure DevOps from 2019 to 2022, ensuring seamless integration and minimal disruption to services.

Senior Global Systems Engineer at Simpson Strong-Tie (2020 – 2024)

Facilitated the migration of on-premise colocation datacenters to Azure VMware Solutions (AVS), incorporating Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to achieve a scalable and resilient IT infrastructure. Implemented the Azure Well-Architected Framework, optimising cloud presence and ensuring global compliance. Collaborated closely with operational staff and support management to lead cross-functional teams in resolving complex issues and driving efficiency through automation.

Fostered a culture of continuous learning and improvement by mentoring and training junior staff.

• Capitalised on cloud solutions, migrating on-premise colocation datacenters to AVS environments, resulting in a scalable and resilient IT infrastructure.
• Implemented the Azure Well-Architected Framework, optimising cloud presence and ensuring compliance with global standards.
• Migrated 500+ Virtual Machines and Virtual Appliances
• Streamlined disaster recovery planning and high availability design, improving system resilience and operational continuity and reducing DR recovery time by 60%
• Empowered junior staff through mentoring and training, leading to improved performance and knowledge sharing.

EU IT Systems Engineer at Simpson Strong-Tie (2010 – 2020)

• Supported 2,000+ Users and Managed infrastructure across 19 European manufacturing sites
• Researched, designed and built a colocation datacenter in the heart of Europe to provide core services to all European branches
• Defining and documenting processes, procedures and environments
• Overseeing capacity planning, equipment maintenance and inventory
• Implement cost saving initiatives

Third Line Microsoft Support Engineer at Outsourcery, Leicester (2008 – 2010)

• Revamped the virtualisation of the platform's frontend services, improving performance and resource utilisation.
• Overhauled backend SQL services to utilise a new HP SAN, enhancing data storage and retrieval efficiency.
• Endorsed product development initiatives, contributing to the creation of customised CRM and SharePoint solutions.

ICT Network Manager at Riverside Business & Enterprise College, Leicester (2005 – 2008)

• Augmented IT operations by implementing a proactive helpdesk solution, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.
• Consolidated the school's IT infrastructure, leveraging virtualisation to lower costs and enhance scalability.
• Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring smooth IT operations through effective team management and support.