David Riches

Current Project

• Building a brand-new website with Next.js 15 and BigCommerce using Catalyst for B2C and B2B products. Developing new React Typescript components, encorporating Tailwind css and Radix UI

• Developed search integration with Algolia, utilizing AutoComplete React hooks and query suggestions.

Legacy Project

• Integrated an express checkout service with Apple Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay using Braintree for seamless payment options.

• Redesigned the checkout flow, streamlining it into a two-step process for an improved user experience. Used Styled Components and Material UI to enhance visual appeal and usability, creating a more intuitive payment journey.

• Overhauled the Storybook component library, introducing new components and optimizing existing ones tailored for Master of Malt’s platform.

• Hosted UI jam sessions to foster collaboration between development and creative teams, leading to innovative design solutions.

• Developed bespoke React components for Builder.io landing pages, creating a more personalized and engaging user experience.

A Global Full-Service Digital Agency - UK (EMEA Clients). Contributed to the engineering team, playing a vital role in a full-service digital agency serving clients across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

• Contentful Backend Development for Basic-Fit - Leading European Fitness Group.

  • Collaborated with Basic-Fit, a prominent fitness group operating in five countries, to build a robust Contentful backend for their mobile app and digital gym displays. Focused on creating content models in Contentful and developing React Apps/UI extensions.

• Contentful Backend Platform for Mileway - Europe's Premier Logistic Real Estate Business

  • Led the development of a Contentful backend platform, replacing the outdated WordPress CMS, for Mileway, the top logistics real estate company in Europe with a vast portfolio of 1700+ properties.

  • Built custom React apps for Brochure generation, Google Maps assets, and Siteplans, integrating them with backend microservices for seamless functionality.

• Souvenaid Project (Danone) - Dietary Supplement for Alzheimer's Disease Patients

  • Collaborated on the Souvenaid initiative, a dietary supplement for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Developed a comprehensive component-based library in Storybook, which was integrated with a Contentful backend and a Next.js front end.

• Alpro Project (Danone) - Website for Global Plant-Based Food and Drinks Company

  • Worked on Alpro's website, catering to 32 markets with diverse languages.

  • Implemented new features and optimized performance using Contentful, Gatsby.js, TypeScript, and Netlify functions.

Working as a remote developer for a digital marketing agency based in Manchester.

• WaterAid (Toilet Stories) - Lead developer for a campaign website built using React and Gatsby.js

• Highland park whiskey - Lead FE developer for a bespoke whiskey brand, in conjunction with a 3rd party agency we produced a new look and feel.

• Macallan Whiskey - Luxury Whiskey brand, working in React on feature improvements & bugs in the ecommerce store.

A global digital agency, part of the tech team I was specialising in leading Front-end development projects for clients such as Facebook, Shell and Activia, working alongside creative and UX teams delivering modern solutions.

• Facebook - HTML/CSS work for Consumer Marketing department.

• Shell V-Power - Digital playbook built in React, using Gatsby.js / Contentful

• Mytime Active - Lead Drupal and FE developer for a Leisure website based in the south-east UK. Site is built in Drupal 8

• Grolsch.com - Lead developer for the "AS I AM" campaign

• WaterAid - Charity that works in partnership with local communities to establish water supplies and toilets.

• Bayer content Hub - Drupal 8 site built with Fractal Front-end theme layer bolted on top - using Atomic design principles.

Drupal Developer & Front-end lead, working on fast turn around projects for various brands such as Scotts Miracle Grow, Make-a-Wish foundation and British Council. Reporting directly to the Head of Production & working closely with creative UX teams and Quality assurance. Supporting junior team members and providing client CMS training.

Worked in the Specialist & Activity sector - building new websites for various brands such as the NFL, Exodus, Quark Expeditions and YMT vacations. After 2 years I made an internal move to the Crystal Ski UX team, working closely with designers and UX researchers creating rapid prototypes, boosting revenue by adding functionality and improving performance in the booking flow.