Max Southwood - CV

DevOps Engineer with a strong background in infrastructure, automation, and cloud technologies.
Experienced in managing complex IT environments, implementing scalable solutions, and driving improvements in productivity and security.
Passionate about self-hosting, continuous learning, and applying DevOps practices to both enterprise and homelab projects.

If you’d like to get in touch, please email me at [email protected]

Employment Details

Citrus-Lime Ltd

Job Title: DevOps Engineer
Dates: December 2022 – Present

  • Contributed to the design and successful migration of a Hyper-converged Hyper-V Cluster from standalone hosts in a datacentre environment.
  • Led projects independently, from planning through implementation, delivering measurable improvements to productivity and security.
  • Administered and maintained 100+ VMs forming the backbone of the UK’s largest Cycle POS end-to-end and e-commerce solution.

Tech Hub (North West) Ltd

Job Title: IT Infrastructure Co-ordinator and Technician
Dates: April 2022 – December 2022

  • Supported a diverse client base of 70+ schools, businesses, and home users in a fast-paced managed services environment.
  • Conducted on-site visits to maintain IT networks, troubleshoot issues, and scope/implement installation projects.
  • Delivered infrastructure upgrades, including enhancements to the company’s password management system and knowledge base.

Job Title: IT Support Technician
Dates: May 2021 – April 2022

  • Managed over 60 networks, covering user administration, backup and recovery, VoIP phone systems, hardware/software, Office 365, VPNs, and more, both remotely and on-site.
  • Ensured timely resolution of technical support tickets while providing consistent phone-based assistance to clients.
  • Produced client quotes, internal documentation, and external guides to support decision-making and improve communication.

Academic Background

  • 3CX Basic Certified — 2022
  • CompTIA A+ Certified — 2020
  • A Levels (Computing, Use of Maths, Electronics, Engineering) — 2015 (REDACTED institution)
  • 11 GCSEs (Grades A–C) — 2013 (REDACTED institution)

Homelab Projects

  • Maintain a self-hosted environment running 20+ services (e.g., Nextcloud, Vaultwarden, Gitea, Jellyfin, phpIPAM, Uptime Kuma) to explore and refine DevOps practices.
  • All deployments managed through Git-based workflows with CI/CD pipelines to ensure version control, repeatability, and automated updates.
  • Use Docker Compose stacks with structured configuration management for portability and scalability.
  • Experiment with monitoring, authentication, reverse proxying, and infrastructure-as-code principles in a production-like environment.
  • Regularly test upgrades, backups, and high-availability configurations to mirror real-world enterprise reliability requirements.
    Read more about my homelab setup and projects here.

Skills

Cloud & Virtualization

  • Azure
  • AWS - Lightsail + EC2
  • Dockerswarm
  • Hyper-V
  • Proxmox

Infrastructure & Backup

  • Windows Server 2008–2022
  • Linux - Debian, Ubuntu
  • Veeam
  • Windows Server Backup

Networking & Security

  • Firewalls: WatchGuard, pfSense, Draytek, Ubiquiti
  • MDM: Intune, Meraki, Mosyle, LightSpeed
  • Cyber Security practices
  • VPN configuration and management
  • Windows - Active Directory, Group Policy

Databases & Web

  • Microsoft SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL
  • IIS
  • WordPress, Ghost
  • SIMS/FMS

Collaboration & SaaS

  • Office 365 Administration
  • Google Workspace
  • Apple School Manager
  • Zendesk

Systems & Hardware

  • Linux (AWS containers)
  • macOS troubleshooting
  • CCTV
  • Hardware support
  • Structured cabling

Telephony & Communication

  • 3CX (VoIP)

Other

  • First Aid (certified)