Neil McDonald

Versatile Defect Manager/Software Developer with robust background in developing and deploying scalable applications plus a strong background in Incident Resolution. Specialises in legacy technologies but is able to work with agile methodologies, driving innovation and efficiency in software projects. Proven track record of enhancing system performance, providing production support and delivering user-centric solutions.

Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals and exceed client expectations. After 27 years at Bank of Scotland. Hbos and LBG, after a restructure I am looking for a new challenge.

Lloyds Banking Group/Hbos/Bank of Scotland 08/1996-Current

Defect Manager (10/2020 to Current)

• Streamlined the defect triage process, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.
• Negotiated with vendors for tool enhancements, achieving better defect management capabilities.
• Oversaw the lifecycle of all defects from detection through to successful resolution.
• Managed defect tracking system, prioritizing and assigning issues for timely resolution.
• Trained new team members on defect management tools and best practices.
• Analyzed defect trends, producing reports for senior management to aid decision-making.

Business Analyst (03/2020 to 10/2020)

• Reviewed control and resiliency of the Bacs end-to-end control environment.
• Worked on Issues Service Unit Number ownership, and User Access Management processes.
• Outlined detailed plans for improvement action and its implementation.
• Mentored junior analysts, providing guidance and support to foster professional development.
• Monitored key performance indicators to track progress against strategic goals and objectives.

Software Developer (07/2010 to 03/2020)

• Worked primarily on the Lloyds Mainframe systems in the BACS and Clearing arena.
• Developed new, efficient, and well-tested code for a variety of software projects.
• Led the design, coding, and testing of new software applications, consistently delivering projects within tight deadlines.
• Managed complex mainframe production support tasks to guarantee system reliability and performance.

Production Support Computer Programmer (04/2001 to 06/2010)

• Provided second-line technical support for the HBOS Payment application on the mainframe system, including IMS.
• Developed enhancements for HBOS accounting systems, and defined support processes for BACS and clearing systems.

Computer Programmer (10/1997 to 04/2001)

• Designed, developed, and maintained testbeds for Bank of Scotland Mainframe Computer Systems.
• Designed and developed programs for reporting and accelerated payments.

Work Placement Computer Programmer (08/1996 to 09/1997)

• Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to the Year 2000 problem.
• Achieved service time and quality targets.

Higher National Diploma 1995

Edinburgh Napier University Edinburgh

• Coursework in Software Engineering.

Bachelor of Science: Computing 01/1995 to 01/1998

Edinburgh

• Degree Graduate
• Coursework in COBOL, Visual Basic, and C++