James Wood

Solution Architect

Microsoft Dynamics 365

About Me

James is a solution architect based in the UK with skills in the end to end implementation of enterprise Microsoft Dynamics CRM solutions. Acting in the hybrid role of technical and functional within projects, he is also a developer of bespoke software. He graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a First Class Honours degree.

Outside of the workplace James participates in the Microsoft CRM community with a personal blog that attracts a strong following, posting on StackOverflow where he is a top poster on CRM related questions, and he has technically edited a number Microsoft CRM books published by Packt Publishing. He also runs Bench a website providing online and offline tools for working with Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Certifications

  • December 2017
    Dynamics 365 Customization and Configuration
  • January 2017
    MSCRM 2016 Online Deployment
  • January 2016
    MSCRM 2015 Customization and Configuration
  • November 2015
    XperiDo Certified Template Designer
  • January 2015
    MSCRM 2013 Customization and Configuration
  • January 2015
    Microsoft Certified Professional
  • May 2014
    Mirth Connect Certified
  • December 2010
    MSCRM 4.0 Installation and Deployment
  • December 2010
    MSCRM 4.0 Customisation and Configuration
  • December 2010
    MSCRM 4.0 Extending
  • December 2010
    MSCRM 4.0 Applications

Employers

Gap Consulting - Solution Architect

Present - November 2012

Solution architecture for enterprise CRM and portal solutions across multiple sectors including; charitable, insurance, travel, events, and healthcare.

Performed a key role in the largest projects delivered by Gap Consulting across the breadth of the project lifecycle. Producing solutions which leverage the native features of CRM, whilst also delivering bespoke integrations and applications. Supported sales activities, developmed new IP, implemented company process improvements, and interviewed canidates for positions at Gap Consulting.

2e2 - Technical Consultant

November 2012 - May 2010

Technical development and consultancy for a range of welfare to work, banking, local government, educational, and defence projects. This is a client facing and development position.

End to end implementation of Microsoft CRM solutions: analysis, design, customisation, configuration, software development, deployment and support.

Worldweaver - Programmer

April 2010 - December 2009

Liaising with clients and working in small team to produce a naval simulator. Alongside key programming duties undertook a trip to Saudi Arabia. 3D programming was performed in C++ and DirectX 9.

Four Door Lemon - Programmer

December 2009 - November 2009

Development of games for mobile platforms using C++ and DirectX 9. This work placement was cut short by employment at Worldweaver.

Jagex - Player Support

August 2008 - August 2007

An industrial placement, working as a Technical Curator provided support to the player base. Ranked very highly in the performance tables and created a new report system.

Freelance

The Entertainer Toy Shop - Android Development

December 2012

Delivered an Android mobile application which allows users to easily access key information, such as closest store and points balance.

Packt Publishing - Technical Reviewer

2012 - 2015

Acted as a technical reviewer on a number of CRM books published by Packt Publishing. Assisting the author in ensuring their work is technically accurate, and providing general feedback on content.

Portfolio

A selection of my publically available works, click the images for more information.

Education

University of Huddersfield

2009 - 2005

Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) - First Class

Key Modules: Object Oriented Software Development, Team Projects, Computer Science, Artificial Neural Networks, Industrial Placement, and Dissertation (researching and developing accessibility games).

Esher College

2005 - 2003
  • ICT (A Level) - B
  • Graphics (A Level) - B
  • Politics (A Level) - B
  • History (A Level) - B

Rutlish Boys School

2003 - 1999

10 GCSE’s A – C. Including 3 A’s.

Skills & Interests

  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Adxstudio/Microsoft Portals
  • Mirth Connect
  • C# .Net
  • ASP.Net MVC
  • SSRS
  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • Silverlight
  • Visual Studio
  • HTML
  • CSS/SASS/LESS
  • Node.js
  • Web Development
  • Android Development
  • DirectX
  • XNA
  • HLSL
  • Football
  • Cricket
  • Chess
  • Games
  • Music Festivals