paulund

I've been building software professionally for nearly two decades — mostly backend systems, APIs, and architecture.

Recently, I've been deep into agentic AI development, exploring how AI agents can transform the way we build software. Right now I'm focused on building with AI agents, understanding their capabilities, and helping teams adopt these new workflows.

Highlights

Led teams of 25+ developers Managing eCommerce and digital platform teams
Systems for 500+ retail stores Built EPOS systems across Europe
3% → 8% conversion rate Through search engine implementation
50% revenue increase Via platform migration and modernization

Stack

PHP · Laravel · MySQL · Redis · Elasticsearch · JavaScript · React · Vue · Next.js · Tailwind CSS · GCP · Kubernetes · Docker · CI/CD · GitHub Actions · AI/LLM Integration · System Architecture · Team Leadership

Experience

Software Engineer · LexisNexis
June 2024 - present
  • Developing a new identity API using Laravel 11
  • Enhancing system security and scalability.
  • Implementing monitoring and alerting for greater observability using OpenTelemetry.
Digital Architect · Toolstation EU
June 2022 - April 2024
  • Support, upgrade, and maintenance of a Laravel-based website.
  • Enhanced performance, implemented updates, and resolved issues to optimize user experience.
  • Implemented Algolia search engine using VueJS, increasing conversion rates from 3% to 8%.
  • Develop Laravel API powering the Toolstation EU mobile app.
Digital Architect · Toolstation UK
November 2021 - June 2022
  • Oversaw technical roadmap for eCommerce division, including website and mobile app development.
  • Ensured scalability and reliability of Toolstation mobile app with over 500,000 downloads.
  • Led migration of Toolstation website to VueJS (NuxtJS) API-driven application, using Bloomreach CMS for content management.
Head Of Development · Toolstation UK
November 2020 - November 2021
  • Led and orchestrated software development teams of 25+ developers.
  • Shifted from legacy systems to cloud-native, API-driven architecture using GCP Kubernetes and Kafka.
  • Established a DevOps-first culture for CI/CD and agile development.
  • Collaborated with Project Managers and Product Owners to plan and deliver business requirements.
Lead Software Engineer · Toolstation UK
November 2016 - November 2020
  • Led EPOS system development for 500+ stores across Europe.
  • Managed a team of 4 developers on various projects.
  • Built EPOS system with React, Laravel API, and NoSQL database CouchDB.
  • Upgraded Toolstation website from custom PHP to Laravel, increasing revenue by 50%.
  • Introduced test-driven development, continuous integration, and event-driven design.
  • Created promotion API for Website and EPOS systems.
  • Developed translation application in Laravel and VueJS for multiple Toolstation sites.
  • Improved WordPress content management and security using REST API.
  • Created automated front-end tests with nightwatch.js and selenium.
Software Engineer · Censornet
June 2016 - November 2016
  • Worked on improving existing API built in Zend 2 and migrated over to a Laravel (Lumen) API.