James Donovan
About James Donovan
James Donovan serves as the EU People Manager at Equal Experts, where he supports a network of data professionals and software engineers across Europe. He has a background in technology recruitment and consulting, with experience at companies like Apple, Shazam, and Encore Personnel.
Current Role at Equal Experts
James Donovan serves as the EU People Manager at Equal Experts since 2020. In this role, he is based in Amsterdam and is responsible for managing a network of Data professionals and Software Engineers across the Netherlands, Germany, and Eastern Europe. He promotes collaborative practices such as Pair Programming within the consulting network, enhancing team dynamics and productivity. His focus includes engaging with advanced methodologies like Event Sourcing, Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Test-Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CICD), and Infrastructure as Code.
Previous Experience in Recruitment and Consulting
James Donovan has a diverse background in recruitment and consulting. He worked as a Technical Recruiter at Apple from 2018 to 2019 in London, where he focused on sourcing technical talent. Prior to this, he was a Senior Consultant at Cogs Agency from 2015 to 2018, also in London. His experience includes a role as Talent Acquisition Manager at Shazam for 11 months in 2018. He began his career as a Business Development Consultant at Encore Personnel from 2013 to 2015 in Birmingham.
Educational Background
James Donovan completed his secondary education at Kenilworth School, where he studied History, Business Studies, English Language, and Physical Education, achieving A Levels from 2002 to 2009. He then pursued higher education at the University of Portsmouth, earning a degree in Modern European Historical Studies from 2009 to 2012. This educational foundation supports his analytical and strategic approach in his current role.
Technical Skills and Methodologies
In his current position, James Donovan utilizes a diverse technology stack that includes Java, Kotlin, Golang, Scala, Python, Javascript, and Node. He also works with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, and Azure. His engagement with advanced methodologies like Event Sourcing, Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Test-Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CICD), and Infrastructure as Code reflects his commitment to modern software development practices.
Focus on Project Management and Development
James Donovan focuses on a wide range of projects, from megacorp transformations to startup and scale-up builds. His work caters to seasoned and passionate technologists, ensuring that the projects align with the needs of both clients and professionals. His role involves not only management but also fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration within the teams he oversees.