Simon Vickers

I have always loved science and engineering, educationally I specialised in the biological sciences (Genetics and Crop Protection). In my early career I was introduced to the world of science and software solutions and how they accelerate research and insight. Below are some of my favourite work experiences. 

Human Genetics Pre/Post Sales - I was fortunate that my career started in a scientific software start up which introduced me to the world of software products. Ever since I have tried to work in roles with a science or engineering slant. 

Technical Product Manager - ProAgrica animal health (Oct 2019 to current) - I enjoy the creative process of managing and directing the growth and sales of a new product. Working with my Squad we have grown our Rebate management solution from a bespoke solution to a configurable product that is now starting its journey towards success with rapid 2024 sales growth. I also enjoy the customer facing elements of the role, working with major Pharmaceutical companies and discovering more about their business. 

Prior to ProAgrica (June 2013 to Oct 2019) my career mainly involved technical / project management roles the following being particularly satisfying.

Portsmouth Hospital Trust - Project Manager, managing software projects that ultimately improved patient care. e.g tendering exercise for prescriptions software. 

GeoSea (Marine Surveyor) - Software Developer/Researcher - Working with a small marine survey company on a vibration sensor product proof of concept. I provided business analysis/research/design/software development and delivery of a sensor data collection / monitoring tool for dredging vessels. Research from the ground up from desk to onboard ship was a great experience. 

Mercedes Benz: PM/Developer/Trainer - Designing, coding and deploying a temporary CRM solution for outbound calls across UK dealerships. Acting as a one man software business was a tough but enjoyable challenge. 

Southern Health - DBA/Developer - Data warehouse proof of concept using .NET and SQL for the NHS ‘Connecting for Health’ project, a proof of concept for the Hampshire Health Record pulling together data from several sources and laying the way for the a system actively used by doctors in Hampshire hospitals to access patient records. 

Southampton NHS Trust - Clinical Genetics: Management of department software and infrastructure (e.g. Human Pedigree software, data analysis, video conferencing projects etc). With my personal interest in genetics and medicine this job was fascinating and helping patient outcomes was very satisfying.

Technical Product Manager 

Proagrica Animal Health-  Full-time 

Dec 2019 to Present · 

Product Owner of fintech solution -'Rebate Manager' which enables leading animal health manufacturers to calculate accurate rebates for their customers.

Responsible for :
• Value and viability of the product
• Developing and communicating the product goals
• Results of the product squad
• Managing product key risks (Value, Useability , Feasibility )
• Client/Prospect liaison
• Creating, prioritising Product Roadmap and Product Backlog
• Being a domain expert

Soft skills:
• A natural team player and influencer
• Naturally curious 
• Ability to manage stakeholders and conflicting opinionsProduct Owner of fintech solution -'Rebate Manager' which enables leading animal health manufacturers to calculate accurate rebates for their customers. Responsible for : • Value and viability of the product • Developing and communicating the product goals • Results of the product squad • Managing product key risks (Value, Useability , Feasibility ) • Client/Prospect liaison • Creating, prioritising Product Roadmap and Product Backlog • Being a domain expert Soft skills • A natural team player and influencer • Naturally curious • Ability to manage stakeholders and conflicting opinions

Skills: 

Agile Project Management · Customer Facing Roles · Product Management · Product Development · Interpersonal Communication · Business Savvy · Analytical Skills · Technical expertise

University of Leeds

M.Sc. Modern Approaches to Plant Health, Crop protection and production 1997 - 1998

The University of Sheffield

Bachelor of Science - BS, Genetics 1994 - 1997