Case Studies
Deep dives into the automation, data, and commerce platforms I've shipped—complete with architecture decisions, metrics, and client impact.
Full-stack Engineering
Paul Clucas
Full-stack senior developer and consultant, specialising in custom Shopify apps, AI solutions, and data integrations for high-profile e-commerce teams.
React
Node
Python
OpenAI
Shopify
Overview
I’m a full-stack lead engineer with two decades of shipping resilient products across TypeScript, Python, C#, Ruby, and modern cloud stacks. I pair hands-on architecture with product strategy, helping global retail brands and fast-moving startups turn complex ideas into dependable software.
Lately I’ve focused on AI-enabled experiences: architecting an OpenAI-powered property discovery platform that combines a React 19 + Vite SPA, Prisma-backed Node.js APIs, Supabase/Postgres, and Python Scrapy pipelines to translate free-form buyer intent into actionable inventory matches. I also delivered a cross-platform multiplayer word game that shares a TypeScript core across web, Android, and iOS using Turborepo and Capacitor, providing a single codebase for rapid iteration.
Alongside the AI and mobile initiatives, I continue to design bespoke Shopify Plus integrations for high profile clients — building custom apps, Liquid storefronts, and data pipelines that keep ERP, CRM, and content systems in sync at scale.
Skills
- Programming Languages: TypeScript, JavaScript (Node.js), Python (Django, Flask), Ruby, C#, PHP, VB.NET, Liquid, Rust
- Cloud & DevOps: Azure (App Service, Logic Apps, SQL Database), AWS (EC2, load balancing, MySQL), Docker-based deployment
- Data & Integration: Shopify Admin APIs, Talend pipelines, REST and GraphQL API design, Webhooks, data transformation pipelines, Prisma, Redis, Supabase, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Firebase, web-scraping pipelines (Python Scrapy)
- AI & Automation: OpenAI API integrations, function-calling prompt design, LLM-powered classification workflows, Supabase automation
- Frameworks & Platforms: React, Vue, Bootstrap, Shopify Plus, Netsuite, Magento, Wordpress
- Software Development: Agile methodologies, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), MVC pattern, API-first architecture
- Other: Technical leadership, mentorship, UI/UX design, SEO, Windows Services development, UML diagrams
Delivery Leadership
Scope & solution 10+ programmes/yr
Hybrid Agile & Kanban
End-to-end resourcing & costing
I lead the solution process for new initiatives—shaping architecture, budgets, and delivery plans while keeping cross-functional teams aligned on scope and outcomes.
- Run discovery workshops to refine requirements, risk profiles, and technical direction before development begins.
- Own project estimation, resource assignments, and milestone planning to keep delivery predictable.
- Lead planning and cadence meetings with clients and stakeholders to align on priorities, budgets, and roadmaps.
- Blend Agile sprint cycles with Kanban flow to match the cadence of product, integration, and support streams.
- Stay hands-on across build phases, providing technical oversight, unblock support, and progress reporting.
Projects
AI-Assisted Property Discovery Platform
Shipped an end-to-end ingestion platform blending React SPA, Capacitor mobile shell, Node.js APIs, and Python Scrapy to unify property discovery, data enrichment, and AI orchestration.
B2B Catalog Automation App
Automated bespoke price lists and Opera ERP fulfilment from a Shopify custom app, compressing overnight catalogue updates into a five-minute run with retry-aware data pipelines.
Luxury Perishables Delivery Date Manager
Built a Shopify delivery-slot control tower with checkout extensions, Polaris console, and automated capacity services to keep luxury food orders aligned with cold-chain commitments.
Cross-Platform Multiplayer Word Game
Built an end-to-end TypeScript game platform with real-time multiplayer, shared engine logic, Firebase auth, handicap scoring, and Drizzle/Postgres matchmaking—packaged for web, Android, and iOS via Turborepo and Capacitor.
Experience
The Born Group — Full Stack Senior Developer
April 2021 – Present
20+ Shopify Plus launches
Automation +60%
Talend 3-system sync
- Specialise in building custom Shopify applications for high-profile clients, including Hasbro, Jigsaw, and Mills and Boon.
- Develop integration systems in NodeJS to import and export data between various 3rd party frameworks such as Magento, Netsuite, and Wordpress.
- Manage Talend-based integrations for a leading automotive manual retailer, synchronising inventory across 3PL, ERP, and Shopify.
- Build Shopify storefront VUE components that interact with back-end services.
- Develop ReactJS UI components for Shopify applications and Shopify admin blocks.
- Configure and deploy applications on Azure, utilising services like Web App, Logic App, SQL Server/Database, and monitoring tools.
- Extensively use AWS services such as EC2 instances, load balancing, MySQL, and SQL databases for cloud operations.
- Lead the development of tailored e-commerce solutions that enhance user engagement and drive sales.
- Mentor junior developers across advanced integration patterns and provide ongoing coaching support.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver full-stack solutions aligned with client needs.
- Optimise and troubleshoot Shopify apps to ensure scalability and performance.
BetVictor, Gibraltar — NodeJS Developer
August 2020 – April 2021
Latency < 150ms
Hardened gaming APIs
- Worked within a highly secure environment to protect sensitive data in the online gaming industry.
- Developed new features for BetVictor's website and mobile app, focusing on performance and user interaction.
- Maintained and developed NodeJS endpoints, ensuring fast and secure connectivity between Java-powered back-end systems and front-end applications.
- Collaborated with various departments, ensuring seamless data flow between back-end and front-end systems via NodeJS.
- Worked with NodeJS Clusters and worker threads to improve system scalability and load management.
- Prioritised security and performance in all projects, meeting the high standards of the online gaming sector.
The Simply Group, Kent, UK — Senior Developer
July 2009 – August 2020
Query times -40%
Scaled Redis clusters
- Led the development of front-end and back-end systems using NodeJS and C#.
- Engineered and maintained scalable backend systems in Ruby.
- Designed and implemented Redis to enhance scalability and support increased traffic load.
- Spearheaded the development and maintenance of critical Windows Services.
- Architected and managed databases in Postgres and SQL Server, with the aim of improving query response times.
- Developed custom Shopify and Netsuite applications, increasing client sales conversion rates.
Fusion Internet Solutions, Kent, UK — Developer
August 2008 – July 2009
6 enterprise .NET launches
Agile delivery cadence
- Developed enterprise-level ASP.NET C# projects for blue-chip insurance brokers.
- Applied Agile methodologies and contributed to iterative software development processes.
- Manipulated data using LINQ and implemented the MVC design pattern.
- Designed and adhered to UML diagrams for comprehensive software modeling.
- Improved UI functionality through extensive use of AJAX, enhancing the user experience.
Sorted Sites SL, Tenerife, Spain — Developer
July 2006 – July 2008
SEO traffic +80%
Full-stack delivery
- Developed Classic ASP and PHP websites for the real estate industry.
- Managed SQL Server and MySQL databases, ensuring data consistency and optimising query performance.
- Implemented SEO marketing strategies, driving organic traffic to websites.
- Collaborated with a small team, demonstrating adaptability and a quick learning curve.
Freelance, Tenerife, Spain — ASP Developer
December 2004 – July 2006
20+ SMB launches
End-to-end delivery
- Developed and deployed small PHP and ASP websites for local businesses.
- Created CSS designs from scratch, focusing on user-friendly interfaces.
- Executed SEO and offline marketing strategies, including designing promotional materials in Photoshop.
Atlantic Divers, Tenerife, Spain — PADI Scuba Diving Instructor
September 2002 – July 2006
100+ divers certified
- Taught and certified students in scuba diving, specialising in Nitrox and cold-water dry-suit diving.
- Guided dives for recreational and technical divers.
IBM, Manchester, UK — 1st & 2nd Level Analyst
January 2000 – July 2002
95%+ SLA adherence
- Provided first-line IT support for large contracts such as Lloyds Bank, managing high-volume service requests.
- Resolved technical issues efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime for customers.
British Telecom, Manchester, UK — Payphones Helpdesk Operator
July 1999 – January 2000
Backlog -30%
- Assisted customers in the operation, and servicing of internet payphones, troubleshooting technical issues.
Vodafone, Sydney, Australia — Mobile Helpdesk Operator
July 1998 – February 1999
2k activations/month
- Activated new mobile phones and resolved customer faults, providing high-quality technical support.
British Telecom, Manchester, UK — Faults Helpdesk Operator
April 1997 – June 1998
500+ tickets/week
- Logged and tracked faults for payphone rental customers, ensuring timely resolution.
Airtours PLC, Various European Countries — Area Supervisor
September 1991 – March 1997
Led 20+ team members
- Began as a holiday representative and was promoted to Area Supervisor, managing a large team across various locations.
- Ensured 24/7 availability for customer support and team management.
Education
Stockport School, Stockport, UK (1985 - 1989)
GCSEs: Maths (A), English Language (B), English Literature (B), Chemistry (B), Physics (B), Biology (A), French (B), Geography (C)
Interests
I'm a keen amateur astronomer, and love anything related to physics. I keep myself fit by running, swimming, jump-rope, and boxing. To unwind, I like playing chess and tackling cryptic crosswords.