Nick Spiel

Technical Leader and Full Stack Developer

Introduction

Im a technical leader guiding multiple product development teams, bringing a strong mix of technical and interpersonal skills to the role. I'm responsible for setting the technical direction for my teams, managing and mentoring team members, promoting high-performance software development practices while alignment with broader company-wide tech strategies.

My roots as a User Experience Designer and Full-Stack Web Developer, combined with my experience running a freelance business, mean I approach software development with a pragmatic and holistic mindset that goes beyond just the "technology". I am resourceful and enjoy all parts of the software development lifecycle and can skill up and adapt to change rapidly when needed. I find genuine joy in maintaining and optimising our products and systems, ensuring their stability and performance – both in market and functionally.

Most of all I enjoy creating and being in a positive and supportive team environment where everyone can genuinely thrive and develop. I'm always looking for new things to learn and ways to share my knowledge, and great people to do it with.

Work History

  1. Technical Lead
    REA Group
    Key to this role is setting the strategic technical direction for our Commercial line of business. This strategy spans critical production platforms, including our search, account, and reporting experiences for both customers and consumers. I am involved in every aspect of the software development lifecycle, from crafting user experiences and backend APIs to managing cloud infrastructure, CDNs and ensuring site reliability. I connect technical implementation with product needs, mentor individuals and foster a supportive and productive culture.
  2. Senior UI Developer
    REA Group
    Guided a team in developing and evolving critical web applications and APIs for Search, Account, and News experiences. Leveraging my full-stack, UX, and SEO background, I ensured alignment between technical execution and product goals, while championing development best practices and supporting team development.
  3. Senior UI Developer
    REA Group
    As a UI Developer at EngineRoom (formerly Digital360), I built high-converting, search-optimised websites and applications using React, Vue.js, and Webpack. My work also included backend development, primarily with SilverStripe, Magento, and Laravel.
  4. Web Developer and Project Manager
    Victorian Department of Primary Industries
    As a Web Designer from February 2011 to July 2011, I collaborated with internal clients and external teams to create professional and engaging web applications. I standardised user interfaces by developing templates and style guides, gathering requirements, and interpreting internal client briefs. I moved into UI Development where I worked as a consultant on interdepartmental projects, introduced responsive design methodologies and ensured compliance with accessibility standards. In August 2013, I transitioned into the role of Project Manager, where I wrote functional specifications, managed project teams, and gained valuable leadership skills while building and following project plans.