Senior Fullstack Consultant · West London, UK
Sam Latif
Frontend / UX Specialist · 15+ Years
A senior fullstack consultant with 15+ years delivering high-performance, scalable web applications for blue-chip clients — from Goldman Sachs and Bank of America to Visa and Deutsche Bank.
An early adopter of React, with deep expertise spanning every major version from 0.13 to 18, and a track record of bringing it into organisations before it became mainstream.
Strong eye for design and UX, with a habit of dogfooding work personally — features are QA'd before they ship, eliminating the “chuck it over the fence” bottleneck.
15+
Years Experience
25+
Client Engagements
5
Finance Institutions
MSc
1st Class BSc
01
Technical Skills
| Front End | HTML5, CSS / SCSS / SASS / LESS, JS (OOP, Functional, FRP)15+ yrs |
| Design Tools | Photoshop, Sketch, Figma15+ yrs |
| JS Frameworks | React, React Native, Redux, TypeScript, Next.js13+ yrs |
| Testing | React Testing Library, Cypress, Jest, Enzyme, Mocha, Karma, Istanbul13+ yrs |
| Wireframing | Axure, Balsamiq, FluidUI, Sketch, Pen & Paper13+ yrs |
| CMS / Ecomm | WordPress, Magento/OSCommerce, Umbraco, Adobe CQ510+ yrs |
| Version Control | Git, Mercurial, SVN15+ yrs |
| State Mgmt | Redux, Redux Toolkit, Context API, Zustand, React Query, TRPC12+ yrs |
| Backend / DB | Node.js, MongoDB, MySQL, PHP, GraphQL11+ yrs |
| Visualisation | D3.js, Three.js, Highcharts, Canvas (FabricJS, PixiJS)10+ yrs |
02
Stack at a Glance
03
Experience
Bank of America
Nov 2024 – Present
Senior Fullstack JS Engineer
Ongoing engagement delivering new features and resolving legacy code and bugs for an internal portal.
- Developed and shipped new features for a business-critical internal portal used across the organisation
- Identified and resolved long-standing bugs in legacy code, improving stability and user experience
- Maintained high code quality with Jest and React Testing Library throughout
- Built an automated PowerPoint deck generator, replacing a manual process that previously took users weeks or even months to complete
Anmut Consulting
Dec 2022 – Apr 2024
Fullstack Engineer
Greenfield project with multiple critical release milestones, fast-growing team, high autonomy.
- Translated complex Figma designs into a reusable React component library with pixel-perfect fidelity
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive component library using Next.js and React 18
- Implemented state management using TRPC and React Query, optimising data flow and performance
Bank of America
Feb – Aug 2022
Contract Senior React Developer
FX Options Risk trading team — optimising rendering speeds of large financial datasets.
- Reduced rendering times from seconds to milliseconds, dramatically improving trader workflow efficiency
- Built a production-grade RFQ instrument editor in React 18, TypeScript and Redux
- Applied virtualisation and memoisation techniques to handle large-scale data at speed
ITRIOM
Sep – Dec 2021
Contract Senior React Developer
Delivered a high-fidelity rapid prototype for a confidential client, showcasing product features and user flows.
- Built a fully functional prototype within tight deadlines for key stakeholder review and testing
- Utilised Chakra UI for a consistent and responsive design system
- Implemented complex animations using react-spring to enhance user engagement
Visa
Jun – Sep 2021
Contract Senior React Developer
Joined an overdue project to resolve critical bugs and implement new features, ensuring timely delivery.
- Refactored legacy code, reducing bug reports by 40%
- Implemented new UI components using styled-components and GSAP animations
- Collaborated with QA to establish comprehensive test coverage
CompareTheMarket.com
Jan – Mar 2021
Contract Senior React Developer
Delivered a high-fidelity rapid prototype for a new product offering, working tightly with UX and product stakeholders.
- Developed a fully interactive prototype enabling stakeholders to test and refine the user journey
- Created a responsive and accessible interface using Chakra UI
- Implemented complex form logic and validation using Formik and Yup
Deutsche Bank
May – Dec 2020
Contract Senior React Developer
Led migration of components from a legacy Angular application to a new React-based system.
- Successfully migrated critical components with full feature parity and improved performance
- Implemented robust state management with Redux and Redux Toolkit
- Achieved 90%+ code coverage with Jest and React Testing Library
Deloitte Digital
Feb – Mar 2020
Contract Senior React Developer
Brought in as a specialist resource to fix critical issues on an outsourced project.
GotU (77Agency)
Nov 2019 – Jan 2020
Contract Senior React Developer
Delivered a full platform rebuild for the tech unit of 77Agency under very tight deadlines.
- Delivered an entire platform rebuild, meeting aggressive project milestones
UBS
Nov 2018 – Nov 2019
Contract Senior React Developer
Developed a React-based UI component library for the UBS Financial Reporting department.
- Built a comprehensive, reusable component library using React 16 and Storybook
- Integrated Ag-grid and Highcharts for complex financial data visualisation
The Stars Group
Feb – Nov 2018
Contract Senior React Developer
Cross-timezone agile team — delivered business-critical features for BetStars' CMS web application.
- Delivered business-critical features across a full agile team: FE/BE devs, QA, BA, PM, Scrum master
- Extensive pair-programming and tight code reviews to maintain high standards
RehabStudio
Jan – Feb 2018
Contract Frontend Developer
Developed the front end for Facebook's Startup Garage — delivered in 10 days, fully responsive, English and French.
- Built startupgarage.fb.com in 10 days — both English and French versions, fully responsive
Goldman Sachs
Jan – Oct 2017
Contract Senior React Developer — SPACE
Designed and built SPACE — a highly scalable web platform for the retail client base within the Securities division.
- Shaped client experience, creating new technology-driven businesses
- Externalised core analytics and data to both existing clients and new markets
- Platform supported the full trading lifecycle: idea generation, price discovery, primary/secondary trading
Carillion PLC (via Headlines)
Nov – Dec 2016
Contract React Native Developer
Built a cross-platform iOS and Android app ("Carillion Pulse") using React Native, replacing a bug-ridden legacy version.
Future Platforms
Feb – Oct 2016
Contract Senior Frontend Developer
Domino's Pizza and Ralph Lauren projects including two micro-sites under 3 and 5 week deadlines.
- Built a Domino's Pizza Android app for store managers
- Delivered two Ralph Lauren micro-sites under very tight deadlines
RMA Consulting / HSBC
Aug 2015 – Jan 2016
Creative Technologist
Developed a high-fidelity prototype for HSBCnet.
InSitYou Software
Mar – Aug 2015
Senior Fullstack Developer
Built in-house seat allocation and floor-plan visualisation software for architectural practices.
- Parsed large CSV datasets into a ranked-relationship seating algorithm
- Visualised floor plans using D3, Canvas (FabricJS/PixiJS) and SVG
- Mentored a junior SQL developer through HTML, CSS, JS and full-stack Meteor development
Thought Machine
Jan – Feb 2015
Contract Creative Technologist
Developed rapid prototypes from UX research through to Axure/Balsamiq and Sketch to InVision.
CACI / Chelsea FC
Oct – Dec 2014
Contract Frontend Developer
Sole front-end/UX resource to deliver an overdue gamification project for Chelsea FC.
- Delivered a gamification platform using Adobe CQ5 on the back end
- Implemented social and gamification integration via Gigya
We3Collective
Sep – Nov 2014
Contract JavaScript Developer
Integrated front-end WordPress HTML templates to a CakePHP-driven backend using a bespoke JS MVC framework.
Paper
Aug – Sep 2014
Contract Frontend Developer
Front-end work for a high-profile project for Macmillan Cancer Support on a .NET/Umbraco stack.
- Focused on highly modular and reusable design patterns
RehabStudio
Aug 2014
Contract Frontend Developer
Short-term engagement with a leading creative tech team on a project for Google.
Quill Content
Jun – Aug 2014
Contract Frontend Developer
Sole frontend developer parachuted in to help Quill Content hit delivery milestones.
- Full platform reskin based on a 3-page style guide and wireframes
- Introduced SMACSS architecture and refactored SCSS for maintainability
The Social Partners
May 2014
Contract Frontend Developer
Delivered a responsive microsite (Millionaire Quiz) for The Sunday Times – The Rich List 2014.
Fox Parrack Singapour
Apr 2014
Contract Frontend Developer
Delivered a responsive landing page for Cisco with three time-of-day visual themes and HTML5 Video background.
- Three distinct visual schemes (morning/afternoon/evening) driven by SCSS variables
- HTML5 Video full-page background changing by time of day
Redbox Digital
Nov 2013 – Apr 2014
Contract Magento Developer
Hired for front-end and UX expertise; also covered SysAdmin/DevOps, MySQL, and Magento backend.
- Delivered fully responsive pages for Paperchase across five breakpoints
- Extended Google Maps API to generate markers for six Paperchase store types
Grabble Ltd
Jul – Nov 2013
Contract Frontend Developer
Implemented new responsive designs and features on an inherited, poorly-maintained codebase.
- Rewrote significant portions of the inherited codebase for long-term maintainability
- New features prototyped from hand-drawn wireframes to working code within a day
HeathWallace / HSBC
Jul 2013
Contract PHP/MySQL Developer
Updated HSBCnet Expat Explorer with new yearly statistics. Completed 4-week contract in 2.5 weeks.
- Parsed large dataset and updated the site using CakePHP/MySQL
- Wrote unit tests for each criterion dataset, matched against raw YouGov data
Vaultigo
Jan – Jun 2013
Contract Frontend Developer
Built on a LAMP/Symfony2 stack. Spearheaded adoption of HAML/SCSS for maintainable, modular code.
Goldsmiths, University of London
Jan – Jun 2012
Postgraduate Teaching Assistant
Supported practical lab sessions for large groups (60+ students). Graded first-year undergraduate coursework.
- Communicated technical concepts to a diverse group in an accessible, clear manner
04
Recommendations
“I worked with Sam at Goldman Sachs on a number of projects. He was very knowledgeable, supportive, and happy to guide others. He was enthusiastic, hard working, and a pleasure to work with.”Mark Hollands · Quantitative Researcher at Citadel · Worked with Sam on the same team at Goldman Sachs
“Sam was ambitious, decisive, and got up to speed quickly under heavy time pressure. He was an open-minded mentor and a dependable expert who solved problems on time.”Diana Ionel · Corporate Controller at European Space Agency - ESA · Sam was senior to Diana at InSitYou Software
“Sam was creative, talented, and highly collaborative. He brought strong frontend and Magento expertise, a positive attitude, and consistently sought the best possible solution.”Christopher Stanley · Client partner · Managed Sam directly at Redbox Digital
“Sam was instrumental in helping us ship quickly while keeping quality high. He communicated clearly, took ownership, and consistently delivered exactly what the product needed.”Dan Murray · Co-Founder, Heights · Sam's client at Grabble Ltd
“Sam was innovative and intelligent, quickly understood requirements, and delivered features fast. He contributed strongly to both product outcomes and team culture.”Joel Freeman · Co-Founder & CEO, Heights · Sam's client at Grabble Ltd
“Sam was personable, highly capable, and stepped in across frontend and backend when needed. He handled pressure well and helped the team deliver its vision.”Kyle Milnes · CTO / Principal Architect · Managed Sam directly at Vaultigo
“Sam was forward-thinking, multi-skilled, and consistently delivered under pressure. He brought energy, adaptability, and dependable execution to every project.”Paul Clarke · Owner · Worked with Sam on the same team at Redbox Digital
“Sam was passionate, open-minded, and deadline oriented. During university projects he was consistently proactive and dependable in getting things done.”Panos Armagos · Back End Developer · Studied together at Goldsmiths, University of London
“Sam was a diligent and technically strong student, confident in programming and 3D work. His enthusiasm and willingness to learn new tools stood out.”Penda Tomlinson · Mentoring the next generation of games designers · Sam's teacher at University of East London
05
Education
MSc Computer Games & Entertainment
Goldsmiths, University of London
Merit · 67%
Final project deferred to maintain quality of concurrent client commitments.
BSc Computer Games Technologies
University of East London
1st Class Honours
Modules: Games Programming, 3D Graphics, Virtual Environments, Network Gaming, Advanced Animation, Project Management.
BSc Cognitive Science (1st year attended)
University of Leeds
Year 1 Completed
Foundations in HCI, UX design, human behaviour and logic — directly relevant to frontend and UX work.