International Women’s Day – Jemma, Head of Technology

Jemma joined the StoreSpace team in 2015 as web developer and Scrum Master. She studied computer science at Staffordshire University graduating with a First in International Computing Science which involved a placement year abroad in Stuttgart.

During her free time Jemma is a Brownie and Guide leader putting a lot of energy into a wide range of events and camps and also acting as an inspiring role model to their girls and young women in her groups.

What is your role at StoreSpace Insights?

I lead our Technical teams and I’m responsible for all aspects of the company’s technology including development, infrastructure and strategy. This includes ensuring our systems are robust, scalable and secure through our use of the Microsoft Azure cloud and ISO27001 Certification. I also plan and manage the fortnightly sprint process alongside my role as Scrum Master.

How does StoreSpace Insights support your training and career choice?

StoreSpace Insights is supportive and responsive in my career choice since I started working here in 2015, after studying computer science at university. I have worked in software development for over 12 years now.

Recently I took a training course in leadership and people management to further develop my skills in my Team Leader role.

In your opinion, why is it important that more women become involved in the retail technology industry?

Peoples individuals perspectives, personalities and working careers all influence and create a better team structure. Working collaboratively with a team produces a better end result which is more user friendly if everyone’s perspectives are taken into account.

Why did you choose to work in the technology industry?

I have always been interested in computers so I have never considered working in a different industry. In my free time I enjoy market research on new technology and the latest IT developments and trying them out where possible.

What advice would you give to a woman considering working in your industry?

I run brownies and guides groups and we have evenings dedicated to jobs and career choices and I promote my career choice to the girls. I believe you shouldn’t discount working in the tech industry because you feel its for boys or coding heavy. There are jobs in the tech industry to suit everyone, from artistic web designing through to problem solving in IT testing or software development.