Tag: Background

Academic background and Formal training

Mark Whitfield, a senior, SC-cleared IT Project Manager based in Manchester, UK, holds a robust foundational education in computer studies combined with extensive professional methodologies and technical certifications.

Spanning over three decades, his academic background and formal training bridge deep technical software engineering with enterprise-level project delivery.

The comprehensive breakdown of his higher education and professional training is structured below:

🎓 Higher Education & Academic Foundations

Mark Whitfield established his technical roots between 1988 and 1990 at the Bolton Institute of Higher Education (BIHE) (now the University of Bolton). He achieved a Distinction and was ranked first in his cohort for the BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Studies, completing modules in system analysis, programming methodology, data processing, and business information systems.

💼 Professional Delivery & Methodology Training

As an enterprise delivery lead, Whitfield is certified in key frameworks to manage hybrid cloud migrations and digital transformations.

  • PRINCE2 Practitioner: Certified for structured project governance, stage-gate management, and risk frameworks.
  • Agile SCRUM: Trained in managing Scrum ceremonies, sprints, and velocity tracking.
  • ITIL Framework: Certified in IT Service Management (ITSM) for aligning IT with business needs.
  • Capgemini Engagement Management: Completed the advanced program at the Capgemini Campus (Chantilly, France) for managing stakeholder relationships and project finances.

🛠️ Technical & Software Engineering Training

His background includes early-career training in low-level programming and infrastructure management including:

  • HPE NonStop (Tandem Mainframes): Specialized in TAL (Transaction Application Language) programming for high-volume banking systems.
  • Microsoft Technology Stack: Trained in ASP.NET development, SQL Server/T-SQL, and project scheduling tools.
  • Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Trained in Thales e-SECURITY, cryptographic systems, and C/C++ development.

🛠️ Project Management Toolkit Author

Leveraging this background, he authors PROject Templates, offering over 200 editable resources covering Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2 7th Edition methodologies.

Mark Whitfield, Website Author – Background and Career Timline

Mark Whitfield is a Senior IT Project Manager and Engagement Manager with over 30 years of experience in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). He is currently a SC-cleared Engagement Manager at Capgemini UK. 

Professional Background by Era

  • 1990–1995: Early Programming (The Software Partnership/Deluxe Data)
    • Role: Programmer/Lead Analyst.
    • Focus: Developed electronic banking software (sp/ARCHITECT-BANK) on Tandem Mainframe Computers (now HPE NonStop).
  • 1995–2013: Senior Development & Product Management (Insider Technologies)
    • Role: Progressed from Senior Programmer to Project Manager for Strategic Technical Initiatives.
    • Focus: Developed platform health and diagnostic modules for the “Reflex” monitoring product.
  • 2013–2014: Project Management (Wincor Nixdorf)
    • Role: Project Manager, Professional Services – Banking Division.
    • Focus: Managed the Wincor Nixdorf workstream for Lloyds Banking Group’s Self-Service Software Replacement (SSSR) programme.
  • 2014–2016: Digital Project Management (Betfred)
    • Role: Senior Digital Project Manager, Online and Mobile Division.
    • Focus: Delivered payment gateways, sportsbooks, and virtual gaming components for iOS, Android, and Windows.
  • 2016–Present: Senior Engagement Management (Capgemini)
    • Role: Engagement Manager (A8), Custom Bespoke Solutions.
    • Focus: Leading digital transformation and cloud migration projects for public and private sector clients. 

Technologies & Frameworks

  • Project Methodologies: Agile SCRUM, PRINCE2 (Practitioner), Waterfall, ITIL, and ISO QA.
  • Mainframe & Infrastructure: HPE NonStop (Tandem), IBM ESB, UNIX shell scripting, and Cloud (MS Azure/AWS).
  • Programming & Databases: C/C++, MS SQL, Java, COBOL85, TAL, TACL, and SCOBOL.
  • Tools: MS Project, MS Excel/Office, MuleSoft Anypoint Platform, and Jira. 

Major Projects & Customers

  • UK Government: Managed a £13.5m cloud migration of 130 applications and the £1m+ Fish Export Service (FES) to CHIP portal.
  • Royal Mail Group (RMG): Managed a £4.3m data centre migration project involving over 1,100 interfaces.
  • Lloyds Banking Group (LBG): Led a £5m+ self-service software replacement project.
  • Other Notable Clients: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Heathrow, NATS (Air Traffic Control), Barclays, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and Euroclear. 

Awards & Education

  • Awards:
    • C&CA UK’s Communications & Engagement Award (2022) at Capgemini UK.
    • Project Recognition Award from Wincor Nixdorf for achievements on the LBG SSSR project.
  • Education:
    • HND in Computer Studies (Distinction) from the University of Greater Manchester (formerly BIHE), 1988–1990.
    • A-Levels in Computer Science and Biology from Leigh College. 

Project Management Templates

Whitfield provides a library of over 200 editable resources through his site, PROject Templates, designed for Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2 7th Edition delivery. Key items include: 

  • Plan on a Page (POaP): Over 35+ executive-level summary slides.
  • Detailed Project Plans: Templates in MS Project (MPP) and Excel for SDLC tracking.
  • RAID Logs: Comprehensive registers for risks, actions, issues, and dependencies. 

Mark Whitfield Background and Career Timline