Peter Hughes
Email: peter_hughes@outlook.com
Phone +44 7444 096 020 |Phone: +353 83 8000 291
I am a strategic IT leader with over 20 years of experience in technology project and program management, specializing in seamless integration and stakeholder engagement. I have a proven track record in leading teams and managing operations across various sectors, including IT, hospitality, and health. As a focused, results-driven professional, I excel in orchestrating complex projects, providing comprehensive technical support, and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity. My commitment to fostering a positive work environment empowers and motivates my team members to achieve their goals and drive organizational success.
Key Skills
- Collaborative Problem Solving: Expert in working with diverse teams to find innovative solutions.
- Technology Integration: Skilled in integrating complex technology systems to ensure seamless operation.
- Strategic Use of Technology: Proficient in leveraging technology to drive business growth and efficiency.
- Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in managing multifaceted teams and achieving results through impactful leadership.
- Project Management: Accomplished in overseeing complex projects from inception to completion, delivering within agreed timeframes and budgets.
- Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge in systems management, IT support, network design, and software deployment.
- Agile Methodology: Proven proficiency in coaching and training teams in Agile methodologies, with significant experience as a Scrum Master.
- Customer Service: Dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and fostering strong client relationships.
- Strategic Planning: Adept at devising and executing effective strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical skills with a strong track record of utilizing data analytics for practical solutions.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, experienced in presenting to and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Coaching and Training: Extensive experience in coaching teams and developing training programs.
- Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
Certifications
- FAI Kick Start 1
- PFSA LEVEL 1
- FAI Kick Start 2
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Scrum Alliance (2019)
- Certified ScrumMaster, Scrum Alliance (2018)
- Certified SAFe 4 Agilist, Scaled Agile, Inc. (2018)
Professional Experience
Director, Technology Project – Program Management / Engagement Manager
Optum, September 2022 – Present
Paddington, London, United Kingdom
- Lead IT project management for a portfolio of integration engagements, ensuring seamless coordination between business and IT teams.
- Communicate Optum’s IT security and integration workstreams to stakeholders across the organization.
- Collaborate with IT and non-IT integration teams to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.
- Define technical and business objectives to develop an integration delivery plan and budget, addressing potential risks and solutions.
- Drive integration delivery, provide regular updates to stakeholders, and effectively manage project budgets.
- Manage the Implementation Lead, providing direction and support as needed.
Senior Manager, Technical Product Management
Optum, October 2019 – October 2022
County Donegal, Ireland
- Spearheaded the vision, strategy, and prioritization of Meeting Technologies, Virtual Events, Webcasting, Digital Signage, and AV Automation capabilities.
- Collaborated with engineering and operations teams to refine the product roadmap.
- Managed the Webcasting Event team, ensuring successful project delivery.
- Utilized a persona framework to identify user needs and develop a comprehensive capability roadmap.
- Established business value/outcome measures and metrics to evaluate effectiveness post-release.
- Marketed and showcased meeting-related products to end-users, driving awareness and adoption.
Technology Project Manager / Agile Coach / Scrum Master
Optum, June 2018 – October 2019
Donegal, County Donegal, Ireland
- Managed planning and execution of Webcasting events, gathering stakeholder feedback for continuous improvement.
- Provided Agile coaching and served as Scrum Master for four cross-functional teams.
- Delivered Agile training and facilitated Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and retrospectives.
IT Systems Management Consultant
Optum, November 2014 – June 2018
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
- Led planning, execution, and support for multiple SharePoint migrations.
- Established governance policies for managing over 70,000 SharePoint sites.
- Provided expert support to business users on SharePoint and email.
Co-Founder / Chief Information Officer
Mall Ireland, March 2015 – March 2021
Co. Donegal
- Co-founded the business, developing a strategy around e-commerce automation for SMEs.
- Established the necessary infrastructure and created a bespoke marketplace platform.
- Led marketing and sales efforts, driving revenue growth.
Owner
Cranny Manor B&B, July 2013 – January 2020
County Donegal, Ireland
- Owned and operated a Bed & Breakfast, providing exceptional hospitality.
- Managed all aspects of business operations, including booking systems, website maintenance, and marketing.
Technical Support Consultant
Optum, June 2008 – October 2014
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
- Led a team of technical support professionals for M&A projects.
- Developed plans and knowledge sharing for the team, ensuring high-quality support.
Managing Director
Hughes Performance Systems (Try Us Ltd), March 2005 – July 2008
Omagh, Co. Tyrone
- Led a team providing IT support services to commercial customers.
- Managed large-scale projects, including project scoping, resource allocation, and vendor management.
Chef
The Old Courthouse, Lifford (Acquolina Italian Restaurant), August 2006 – August 2007
Lifford, County Donegal, Ireland
Network Engineer
Omagh Business Centre, September 2004 – March 2005
Omagh, Co. Tyrone
- Designed tailored network solutions for SMEs.
- Managed and provided data centre hosting services.
Quality Control Technician
Ritek Corporation, September 2003 – October 2004
Omagh, Co. Tyrone
- Conducted quality control tests and identified issues within the manufacturing process.
Business Development Officer
OWENKILLEW DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, April 2003 – September 2003
Gortin, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Sandwich Artist
Subway, September 2002 – March 2003
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Telesales Representative
MM GROUP IRELAND LIMITED, August 2002 – November 2002
Bangor, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Telesales
BT Group, August 2001 – April 2002
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Office Administrator
Prudential plc, March 2001 – May 2001
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Technical Manager
PC Limited, September 2000 – January 2001
Omagh, Co. Tyrone
- Demonstrated skills in retail sales, project tendering, and vendor relationship management.
- Developed Windows-based platforms.
IT Technician / Sales
PC Limited, September 1996 – September 2000
Omagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Built PCs from scratch and engaged in retail sales.
- Developed a new service management application and supported SME networks and servers.
Education
- Post Graduate Diploma in Cloud Technologies, Letterkenny Institute of Technology – Co. Donegal, Aug 2020 – June 2021, First Class Honours
- Drumragh Integrated College, September 1995 – September 2001
Hobbies and Interests
I am passionate about aviation and regularly fly light aircraft. Additionally, I operate and manage an online flight simulator community, collaborating with aviation enthusiasts to simulate virtual flights, design aircraft, and create scenery. I am an avid sports enthusiast, having played football (soccer) from a young age, took a hiatus during my twenties, and returned to playing at 30. I hold two coaching certifications and have coached a variety of teams, including Under 8, 10, 12, and Senior teams.