Software Development Manager and full-stack engineer with two decades of experience turning complex problems into clean, maintainable solutions, and growing the people who build them.
I'm a Software Development Manager and full-stack developer based in Perth, Western Australia. Over 20 years, I've moved fluidly between writing code and leading the people who write it, because I believe the best engineering leaders never lose touch with the craft.
I've managed teams of up to twelve developers, run SCRUM processes, handled stakeholder communications, and owned project delivery end-to-end. But I've also rolled up my sleeves to refactor legacy codebases, design REST APIs, and push production deploys at midnight when it mattered.
What sets me apart is range. I've built agency websites, enterprise SaaS platforms, government intranets, and courier logistics systems. I've worked inside startups, government departments, digital agencies, and as a freelancer. Every context taught me something different about how to ship quality software with real people under real constraints.
Outside of tech, I'm a certified personal trainer, a discipline that reinforces the same principles I bring to engineering: consistency, progressive improvement, and meeting people where they are.
Every team and codebase is different, but these principles stay constant.
I start every project by listening to stakeholders, the team, and the codebase itself. Understanding the real problem prevents building the wrong solution. I dig into the "why" before jumping to the "how."
My job as a manager is to clear the path. I handle stakeholder noise, scope creep, and process friction so developers can do deep work. I run tight standups, keep SCRUM ceremonies purposeful, and never schedule a meeting that should've been a message.
I treat code reviews as mentoring opportunities, not gatekeeping. I combine hands-on review with AI-assisted analysis using tools like Claude AI and Cursor to catch patterns and edge cases faster — freeing up review time for the architectural conversations that matter most.
I believe in iterating in production over perfecting in staging. I integrate AI workflows into the development cycle — from code generation and refactoring to performance profiling — to ship faster without cutting corners. Then I track, monitor, and optimise as an ongoing discipline.
I don't just fill a role. I strengthen the system around it. Here's what I bring to the table.
Managing, mentoring, and growing development teams. Building onboarding processes, establishing coding standards, running SCRUM ceremonies, and creating the environment where developers do their best work.
Designing scalable system architecture, from monolith-to-microservices migrations to REST API design. I think in terms of long-term maintainability, not just shipping the next feature.
Deep PHP expertise across frameworks like Laravel, Lumen, CakePHP, and Lithium. Frontend fluency in HTML, CSS/SASS, JavaScript, jQuery, and Vue.js. I build end-to-end.
Task scheduling, resource management, and stakeholder communication. I bridge the gap between business goals and technical execution, keeping projects on track without burning out the team.
Code reviews, QA processes, system performance optimisation, and bug reduction. I've consistently improved the codebases I've worked on, leaving them better than I found them.
Support ticket management, customer dashboard enhancements, and direct communication with business stakeholders. I understand that great software serves people, not just specifications.
Actively leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude AI, Codex, and Cursor IDE to accelerate development workflows, improve code review quality, and boost team productivity. I integrate AI where it adds real value — not as a gimmick, but as a force multiplier.
Experienced in breathing new life into ageing codebases — from monolith-to-microservices migrations to framework upgrades and UI overhauls. I plan incremental, low-risk transitions that keep the business running while moving the technology forward.
A few snapshots that show how I think and what I deliver.
Two decades of hands-on development across a broad and evolving stack.
Beyond skills and experience, here's the real impact I deliver.
I've repeatedly taken teams and made them more effective through better processes, mentoring, clearer communication, and removing blockers. A good engineering manager doesn't just add their own output; they amplify everyone else's.
I speak both languages fluently. I can sit with stakeholders to understand what the business actually needs, then translate that into a technical plan the team can execute. No lost-in-translation moments.
Twenty years across startups, agencies, government, and enterprise means I've dealt with legacy migrations, production fires, scope creep, and tight deadlines. I bring composure and pattern recognition to problems that feel new.
Whether it's a codebase, a team process, or a developer's confidence, I consistently improve what I touch. I care about sustainable, long-term quality, not just hitting the next sprint goal.
"Jason works in a very analytical and structured manner. He tackles problems with well defined steps and procedures. And a good sparring partner to explore and discuss new ideas with. Working with Jason has definately been a breeze."
"Jason is a true web implementation professional that strives for perfection. With a respectable range of skills and experience he is ensuring a prosperous future in the IT industry."
I'm based in Perth, Western Australia and available for management and senior development roles, remote or hybrid.