Irune Itoiz
Verified Expert in Engineering
PHP and WordPress Developer
Sexdrega, Sweden
Toptal member since March 31, 2016
Irune is a motivated and skilled back-end web developer with 20 years of commercial experience specializing in open source technologies such as WordPress, Craft CMS, and PHP development using a variety of frameworks. The code she writes is very structured, commented, and well-written. When you talk to her, it is evident that she is good at what she does. She has worked remotely before and knows the benefits of excellent communication.
Portfolio
Experience
- PHP - 20 years
- Back-end - 20 years
- Data Structures - 20 years
- JavaScript - 10 years
- WordPress - 10 years
- Linux - 5 years
- Laravel 5 - 2 years
- React - 1 year
Availability
Preferred Environment
Git, GitHub, Docker, PhpStorm, MacOS
The most amazing...
...project I've worked on is a fantasy sports platform that allows people to play their fantasy leagues with their friends with nearly real-time data.
Work Experience
WordPress Engineer
UP for DIGITAL (Freelance)
- Developed a WordPress plugin using a custom API to integrate the Dynamics 365 events management unit with WordPress.
- Worked with the end customer and the Dynamics 365 development agency to identify and refine requirements and architecture for the application.
- Launched the new integration on all client sites, some on WordPress Multisite and some on standalone.
PHP Back-end Developer
Yahoo, Sports
- Fixed bugs on legacy PHP code, refactoring them into a more modern architecture when possible.
- Added automated tests for the existing PHP codebase.
- Reviewed other developers' code as part of the pull review process.
- Transitioned feed parsing processes from Perl to a new platform using Kotlin.
- Added full coverage functional tests to the new Kotlin feed parsers.
- Fixed bugs on the legacy Perl codebase, adding tests when possible.
PHP Developer
National Milk Records
- Developed a new website for National Milk Records (NMR) to match their new branding using Craft CMS.
- Managed the project from requirement gathering and introductory meetings to delivery and reporting on progress to the leadership team weekly.
- Guided the client in developing an information architecture strategy that would be reflected on the website.
- Oversaw the launch, go live, and communication with stakeholders along the process.
- Created custom plugins for Craft CMS to integrate with third-party services like Mailchimp and a share price monitoring service.
- Assisted in migrating data from the old website and CMS to the new one.
WordPress Developer
Oxford Royale Academy
- Redeveloped the company brand website from scratch.
- Implemented an API using Cloudflare Workers to integrate with the bookings management system.
- Advised the design team on usability and performance.
- Integrated with 3rd-party bookings system and other APIs.
- Built a module-based page builder for added flexibility.
- Supported the client with technical questions related to performance and deployment and WordPress in general.
- Advised the client on performance for the Core Web Vitals Google update and general usability.
- Added new features to the system as the client requirements changed over time, such as improving the course search and multimedia experience.
PHP Developer
Wash - Engineering
- Worked for a services management platform. Extended the existing Washboard application to support new functionality on mobile and web interfaces.
- Fixed performance issues related to database structures and configuration.
- Implemented a new system to enable high-load reporting for finance departments without affecting the live customer experience.
- Debugged the communication issues between the main application and other back-end systems and third parties, such as the payment gateway.
- Migrated the main PHP application to an entirely different version, supporting the DevOps and QA teams.
- Fixed database-related issues that came to light when upgrading to the more recent version of the platform.
Senior WordPress and PHP Developer
Snopes
- Developed new features, from writing technical specs to launch.
- Tracked and fixed bugs using Jira as a reporting tool for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Integrated 3rd-party SaaS applications such as Auth0, Iubenda, and Klaviyo with the main Snopes codebase.
- Implemented a complete set of membership features for Snopes' paid members, including account management and member-only features such as ad-free browsing.
- Developed a tool that allows editors to import Associated Press news and images directly into WordPress using the AP News MediaAPI.
- Ported WordPress meta fields using different libraries to metafields.io to consolidate the codebase and reduce the number of plugins used.
- Updated the existing codebase to follow official WordPress/HumanMade coding standards.
- Participated in Agile ceremonies and demoed new features to stakeholders, alongside writing the testing plans for such features.
- Added new API endpoints for third-party webhooks and JavaScript functionality that require custom API calls to WordPress.
- Audited performance and compliance with Core Web Vitals and presented results and a way forward for improvement with key action points and quick wins.
WordPress and PHP Developer
DPC Agency
- Developed an import module for the October CMS to import user application data.
- Updated the data structure and validation for 2019 for a yearly application and judging process.
- Updated the design and copy on a theme for October CMS.
- Debugged ad-hoc WordPress pages and updated work, as well as informally consulted for DPC's more advanced WordPress technical functionality.
- Assisted with integrations with SalesForce and DynamicsCRM, doing the required work against third-party APIs on the WordPress side.
Senior Software Developer
Confidential Startup
- Developed a tool to pre-process and send PDF files and dynamically create metadata into Watson using the Watson APIs with Python.
- Configured Watson collections to enable search, filtering, and training with the training datasets.
- Developed a tool to bulk-train Watson using CSV files and the Watson API.
- Created a Node.js and React prototype to show stakeholders and potential clients the web interface to query the search engine and filter the results.
- Worked iteratively to refine the original data set and pre-processing methods to allow for higher-quality search results and reduce required manual effort.
Freelance PHP Developer | Director
Zoodo Web Development
- Developed WordPress websites based on client-provided designs.
- Installed Google Analytics and optimized reports for troubleshooting issues.
- Created a WordPress-based document management application for business use.
- Added custom features such as review exporting to a bespoke PHP system for a subscription box website.
- Supported the main stakeholders on the day-to-day running of their websites as well as suggesting new features and providing project management services.
- Built a web application using CodeIgniter and Flash for creating and sending personalized Christmas postcards.
- Created a Facebook competition for a major cosmetic brand which also acted as a mini-CMS for the competition's section of the company's Facebook page.
- Developed a secure PHP scratchcard lottery application for a charity fundraiser.
- Implemented PSD designs into HTML5 and CSS3 compliant code.
- Developed a social media competition using a Zend Framework and Facebook APIs.
WordPress Developer
Taste Buds Entertainment LLC
- Finished the development of the brand's new responsive website.
- Assisted the client in defining and developing a suitable MVP.
- Increased the performance and caching of the new website.
- Managed the data transfer from the previous version of the website.
WordPress Developer
Oxford Royale Academy
- Audited the performance on their main site, providing a list of actions to increase the speed of the current legacy theme with a focus on mobile.
- Implemented lazy loading for video and images to improve website performance, particularly on smaller devices.
- Rewrote code that could affect the site security into WordPress best practices.
- Created new interfaces for the editors to update the site data without requiring them to use HTML.
- Rewrote key page templates to be standard-compliant and performant.
- Established a deployment procedure alongside implementing the use of code repositories.
WordPress Performance Optimization Expert
BEAM Interactive
- Identified the performance bottleneck on the admin dashboards for a data-heavy custom post type.
- Developed a plugin to allow a read-only mode for ACF fields to optimize performance.
- Made adjustments to taxonomies and custom post-type listings to improve performance.
- Audited the data importing process via the API to ensure the performance wasn't affected.
Magento Developer
The Source Snowboards and Skateboards
- Provided ongoing remote Magento support and development for a retailer of snowboards, skateboards, and other snow sports goods.
- Developed landing pages for promotions, sales, and seasonal offers.
- Rationalized catalog rules and catalog organization for performance.
- Supported the client in increasing the store's uptime and fixing Magento bugs and malfunctions.
- Integrated the logistics and off-line store inventory software.
- Implemented changes to the theme and provided general support to the sales department.
- Conducted performance monitoring and optimization.
WordPress Developer
Pragmatic
- Worked on a variety of WordPress projects as part of an Agile Scrum team.
- Developed the front-end theme from Zeplin designs.
- Integrated with third-party APIs and WooCommerce both to acquire and send data.
- Implemented JavaScript to transform a WordPress application into a PWA.
- Added Google Analytics features to the AMP versions of the website pages.
WordPress Developer (Contract)
Colart
- Developed the eCommerce branch of a popular art supplies brand with WordPress.
- Built multilanguage WooCommerce-based sites for eCommerce for the various brands that fall under the Colart umbrella on a WordPress MU environment.
- Integrated APIs for the logistics software using microservices.
- Constructed a proof of concept (PoC) of a B2B site integrating with logistics and CRM via APIs and microservices.
- Integrated WordPress with the product information management (PIM) system via APIs.
- Developed WordPress themes for customer-facing websites supporting various languages for different countries.
Freelance WordPress Developer
HyperGrid (via Toptal)
- Added and improved the functionality on the customer-facing website such as the home page, customizable landing pages, and the blog.
- Redeveloped the support portal from scratch using WordPress interacting with the Salesforce API.
- Overhauled the partner's portal which uses WordPress and is heavily integrated with Salesforce through APIs.
- Integrated HubSpot forms and the API to store customer data.
- Developed a comparison calculator from scratch using WordPress, third-party APIs and HubSpot API (available at CloudMadeClear.org).
- Migrated to the WordPress engine hosting and enabled HTTPS.
- Implemented development best practices such as Git repositories.
Senior WordPress Developer
Rehab London
- Developed the back end of a learning platform for Facebook, heavily using WordPress API.
- Supported front-end developers who were building the app on React.
- Designed the API and data models used to transform WordPress into a learning platform with multiple data formats.
- Integrated Facebook login and the Facebook account kit.
- Configured the application using WordPress MU so it can support multiple future locations and languages.
- Developed advanced features such as user quizzes, user dashboard to keep track of user progress, and achievements.
- Participated in HackWeek to generate new ideas to make the platform the most advanced learning platform in the market.
- Integrated WordPress content with the Facebook onsite messenger bot.
- Successfully passed Automattic's WordPress VIP Go code reviews, considered among the most demanding in the industry.
WordPress Developer
Chi/Donahoe (via Toptal)
- Followed up on a previous project for Smart Growth America to update some functionalities.
- Customized membership plugin search features to answer the client's requirements and filters.
WordPress Developer
Ministry of Justice UK
- Audited an existing intranet solution with a view to improving functionality and reducing technical debt.
- Added new features and fixed bugs on the existing intranet project.
- Planned the migration to a new version of the intranet, involving an almost full refactoring of the code base.
- Developed the back-end of the new intranet version alongside front-end developers.
- Supported the SysOps team on the migration to a new hosting provider.
Freelance Web Developer
Project - B
- Fixed a variety of existing issues with the monthly subscription box application.
- Integrated with the fulfillment center in order to allow for daily send of customer boxes, which used to be done manually once a month.
- Added a feature to send review reminders to customers daily, instead of manually once a month.
- Held an advisory role for technological decisions and development planning.
- Added features in order to add new products to the website, including one-off boxes instead of a subscription.
- Used Google Analytics to identify opportunities to increase conversion rates and improve user experience.
Freelance WordPress Developer
WestWing
- Implemented responsive alternative templates for specific sections of the site.
- Integrated the template with the store API to be able to bring updated product listings via JavaScript calls.
- Integrated a template with the main framework system to acquire website elements such as the header and footer using JavaScript.
- Advised on the requirements for the product API in order to be consumed safely.
- Created additional configuration options for the new templates using ACF.
Freelance PHP/WordPress Developer
Chi/Donahoe (via Toptal)
- Created custom post types and functionality.
- Developed two bespoke WordPress themes with custom functionality.
- Created fully responsive HTML from PSD designs.
- Consulted on WordPress best practices and possible solutions for the brief.
WordPress Developer (Contract)
New Scientist (RBI Group)
- Optimized theme queries to reduce database loads and improve performance on the customer-facing website, reducing loading times by 95% on the homepage.
- Added custom shortcodes to allow editors to use rich content on articles.
- Debugged API calls for registration and login access.
- Customized the existing theme to allow for third-party analytics and ad-serving integration.
- Added a new functionality through custom WordPress plugins to the existing theme.
- Integrated a social login via Facebook and a Google API with a custom authentication and credentials system.
Freelance PHP Web Developer
Breakthrough Media
- Created plugins to encapsulate features that could be used across a variety of different WordPress websites.
- Supported the front-end development team with any issues related to programming or databases.
- Built a social-sharing WordPress plugin to enable flexible and lightweight sharing without JavaScript.
- Developed a WordPress plugin for a flexible AJAX search using the WPSearch engine.
- Troubleshot website deployments to AWS, alongside performing WordPress maintenance and configuration work.
Lead Developer | Web Project Manager
RUSH Hair & Beauty
- Developed the customer-facing WordPress website for the company, which served over a million visitors per month.
- Managed all the web projects and supported key stakeholders in the decision-making process.
- Developed an eCommerce platform using Magento for the sale of professional hair products.
- Developed a career website using WordPress that acted as the candidate application system and exported the data to various job boards using their APIs.
- Supported the marketing team with web-related queries, from Google Analytics reports to eCommerce management.
- Implemented an Agile working process and formal testing within the development and marketing team.
- Created a salon locator using the Google Maps API.
- Created analytics dashboards and automated periodical reports for stakeholders.
Freelance PHP Developer
R/GA
- Created a web service to power an iPhone application for a major sports retailer.
- Developed a server-side application to get data from a variety of third-parties using different APIs.
- Integrated the PHP Twitter and Facebook APIs.
- Updated the original web service to add CMS functionality and the ability to create other views for different apps using the same underlying platform.
- Integrated the Brightcove API for video.
Freelance PHP Developer
Smile Machine
- Created an API to provide content to a Flash-based website.
- Developed a PHP-based CMS to power all of the micro-sites of a major hair care brand.
- Added a multi-language functionality to the CMS, modifying the database to account for that.
- Built editorial features to the main CMS website such as multiple users and user levels, and the ability to preview and approve changes at different editorial levels.
- Developed the non-Flash parts of the microsites which used the content from the CMS and third-party sources using REST APIs.
Freelance PHP Developer
Wednesday
- Developed an internal multi-brand management CMS for a fashion retailer.
- Integrated a client's existing intranet with the newly developed CMS.
Freelance PHP Developer
Stink Digital
- Developed a server application using PHP to power a Flash front-end for Diesel Island, a social marketing campaign by a fashion brand.
- Integrated the Twitter and Facebook APIs for a variety of projects.
- Integrated the Google Maps API to create bespoke store locators.
- Developed a server-side app to allow customers to send Christmas messages that would then be displayed on a London's Oxford Street building, using a projector.
- Created web services for several apps so they would follow a strict MVC model and several front-end views could use them.
Freelance PHP Developer
Everything Everywhere Ltd
- Updated the content on the Orange websites.
- Developed new widgets, or dynamic blocks of content, using PHP5 and XSLT.
- Supported the marketing and content teams writing technical specs for new features.
- Participated in the weekly Agile programming and scheduling.
- Worked closely with the QA team.
Freelance Senior PHP Developer
i-Level
- Programmed new features for their ad-serving platform, Media Genie, used to trade over £400 million GBP a year.
- Working on the integration of the PHP platform with the Microsoft Dynamics ERP.
- Supported the ad-selling team by adding tags and tracking code to some of the managed websites.
- Improved the existing interfaces to make them easier to use for the traffic team.
- Added exporting and importing options to help migrate data across platforms.
Experience
National Milk Records Website (UK)
http://www.nmr.co.ukOxford Royale Academy
https://www.oxford-royale.comDigital Training Hub from Facebook
I developed as a React application supported by a WordPress back end using the WordPress API heavily.
It's also available in Hindi.
Startup Training Hub from Facebook
Hypergrid
http://hypergrid.com/Cloud Made Clear
Project-B
WestWing Magazine
Electric Jukebox
https://www.electricjukebox.comSmart Growth America
https://smartgrowthamerica.org/New Scientist
http://www.newscientist.comRush Hair Website
https://www.rush.co.uk/Rush Careers
http://careers.rush.co.uk/Shoprush
Diesel Island (2011)
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Sciences
Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona - Barcelona, Spain
Skills
Libraries/APIs
WordPress API, Facebook Login, WordPress REST API, Google Maps, jQuery, REST APIs, React, X (formerly Twitter) API, Facebook API, Doctrine 2, Brightcove API, Google Maps API, Auth0 API, Node.js, Salesforce API
Tools
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), Google Analytics, GitHub, Git, PhpStorm, Slack, Beanstalk, Gulp, Bower, Vagrant, MAMP, Mailchimp, Microsoft Dynamics, Flash, Linnworks, ResponseTap, NPM, NGINX, Akeneo, ACF PRO, Jira, IBM Watson, Watson Developer Cloud SDK, Figma
Languages
PHP 7, PHP, HTML5, CSS, SQL, Sass, JavaScript, CSS3, HTML, XML, XSLT, Go, Python, Kotlin, Perl
Frameworks
Bootstrap, Bootstrap 3, PHPUnit, CodeIgniter, Zend Framework, Laravel 5, Laravel, Symfony, Angular, Tailwind CSS, Alpine.js
Paradigms
Search Engine Optimization (SEO), App Development, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Agile Software Development, Concurrent Programming, REST, Microservices, Test-driven Development (TDD), Agile, Functional Testing, Unit Testing, Continuous Deployment
Platforms
WordPress, October CMS, Docker, WordPress VIP, MacOS, Windows, X (formerly Twitter), Mandrill, dotmailer, Salesforce, WooCommerce, Tealium, Magento 1, ChainDrive, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Shopify, Magento, Linux, Firebase, Kubernetes, Craft CMS
Storage
MySQL/MariaDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, WP Engine
Other
Wireframing, WordPress Multisite, WordPress Plugins, Back-end, Data Structures, Query Optimization, Performance Tuning, Site Speed Optimization, Web Speed, API Integration, APIs, Full-stack, Facebook, PIM, PWA, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), Vite, Pull Requests, Cloudflare, Dynamics CRM 365, WordPress Themes
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