Thomas William McClean
Engineering manager at Just Eat Takeaway with a passion for building great teams and great software. I lead engineers by day and ship side projects by night.
About Me
I'm Thomas, a Technology Manager and Software Engineer based in Bristol. I spend my days leading engineering teams at Just Eat Takeaway and my evenings building things I wish existed.
I'm drawn to software that starts as a personal itch and grows into something others find useful. Privacy and transparency are a design principle in everything I build, not an afterthought.
After 15 years in the industry I still get the same buzz from shipping something new. Whether it's a tool for managers, a browser game or a diagramming app, I care about the craft.
Outside of Work
Leicester City supporter, occasional runner and enthusiastic home cook. When I'm not at the keyboard I'm usually playing RTS or simulation games.
Management Skills
Technical Skills
Experience
I have been working in the tech industry for nearly 20 years, mostly as an Engineer focused on the Web as a platform.
Just Eat Takeaway
Technology Manager
- I lead the Web Foundations team at Just Eat Takeaway, we are a force multiplier team which enables all other teams to deliver the features our customers love.
- I manage a team of 8 engineers who are responsible for the core infrastructure of our web applications.
- My role also involves managing the roadmap and projects to ensure we deliver the most valuable work at the right time, in the right way.
- I played a significant and prominent role in the consolidation of multiple web platforms into one.
Just Eat Takeaway
Senior Software Engineer
- I joined the Web Core Team at JET to build the foundations of the customer facing website
- Over my time I worked across the full stack and full domain, I was proud to engineer the next generation version of the website architecture.
- I developed my collaboration, negotiation and communication skills, necessary to work in such a large organisation.
Team River
Senior Software Engineer
- Built a SaaS tool for companies to monitor and collaborate around improving key KPIs
- Developed features for real-time KPI tracking and team collaboration
- Created intuitive interfaces for data visualization and performance metrics
River Agency
Software Engineer
- Built websites for the automotive sector to improve key metrics and drive dealerships towards excellent customer service
- Developed custom web solutions tailored to automotive dealership needs such as their goals to improve customer experiences.
- Focused on improving user experience and conversion metrics for automotive clients
EDM Group
Software Engineer
- I joined EDM Group straight out of University. I was successful in completing the Graduate Programme
- I worked on both external solutions for clients in the automotive sector, providing Pensions Auto Enrollment solutions.
- I worked extensively to build internal software used by the companies various digitisation facilities (including on site) to create consistent and simple processes.
Projects
Side projects I have built and shipped. Each one started as something I wanted to exist and turned into something others use too.
LiveDiagram
A collaborative diagramming tool that works in your browser. Real-time co-editing, no account required, and end-to-end encrypted.
Manager Toolkit
An all-in-one platform for people managers. Built to cut through the noise and give managers the clarity they need to do their best work.
BattleBlox
A web-based strategy game that blends Risk and Go. Play against friends or the AI in quick, competitive rounds.
Animal Crossing Portal
A fan site tracking the popularity of Animal Crossing characters. Visitors vote, debate and keep the conversation going.
Favourite Books
Books that have shaped how I think about leadership, people and building teams. Recommended reading for anyone who manages others.
Surrounded by Idiots
by Thomas Erikson
A practical guide to understanding different personality types and improving communication.
The First 90 Days
by Michael D. Watkins
Proven strategies for getting up to speed faster and smarter in a new leadership role. The definitive guide to accelerating your transition.
The Manager's Path
by Camille Fournier
A guide for tech leaders navigating growth and change, from mentoring to managing managers.
Certifications
Professional certifications and credentials I have earned.
Influential Communication Programme
Bureau Zuidema
A 4 day programme that teaches you how to communicate with influence and impact.
BSc Hons, Computer Science
University of Worcester
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Computer Science.
BTEC National Diploma in Software Development
Worcester College of Technology
BTEC National Diploma in Software Development.
Let's Connect
Technology Manager and Software Engineer
LinkedIn is the best place to reach me. Whether it is about a role, a project or just a conversation about tech, I am always happy to chat.
Connect on LinkedIn