Ben Blume // Technical Lead & Full Stack Engineer

Hi, I'm Ben.

I build software with impact and lead with empathy.

Ben Blume Ben Blume
↓

About

Technical Lead & Full Stack Engineer · Based in Cologne, Germany · working fully remote
TypeScript React Node AI-Driven Development Human-Centric Leadership

11 years of experience building digital products — from fast-paced agency project work to deep SaaS product development at an impact startup. Pragmatic, AI-driven development approach focused on iterative deliverables and impact over over-engineering. Empathetic, values-based, transparent leadership style built on trust, mentoring, and empowerment toward ownership. High standards for UX/UI with an eye for detail.

Experience

Tech Lead / Lead Developer
Planted, Cologne · 01/2025 – present
  • Technical and disciplinary leadership of a team of up to 5 developers
  • Leadership, empowerment, mentoring, technical onboarding
  • Conceptual and strategic interface between management and product for translating complex compliance/ESG workflows into software
  • Crisis management & team resilience: Ensuring team stability, motivation, and high-trust culture during critical pivot phases and market volatility
Full Stack Developer
Planted, Cologne · 03/2024 – 12/2024
  • Building a SaaS platform for ESG management, carbon accounting, and reporting
  • Main focus on compliance modules (CSRD, VSME, Value Chain) and onboarding
  • Contributing to AI features including conversational AI with RAG, document extraction, plausibility checks
  • Tech stack: TypeScript, React, Next.js, NestJS, Prisma, MySQL, LangGraph, BullMQ, Monorepo (Turborepo), Redis, Auth0, i18next, Docker, GCP, Domain-driven Design
(Senior/Lead) Frontend Developer
gjuce, Cologne · 03/2015 – 02/2024
  • Frontend engineering for apps, microfrontends, and landing pages (React/Angular/Vue) in the traceability/energy sector
  • E-commerce platforms (Shopware) for small and large brands
  • Development of hybrid mobile apps with React Native/Ionic
  • Started as a working student with a steep learning curve, eventually reaching Senior/Lead Frontend position
Web Developer (temporary)
Sevenval/Avenga, Cologne · 2016 and 2019
  • Support for complex modular insurance application built with React
  • Frontend implementation of an e-commerce shop based on Magento
Freelance
01/2014 – present
  • Selected projects in web development and video (post-)production with focus on NGOs, educational institutions, and charitable organizations

Skills & Tools

Engineering Stack
TypeScript React Node.js NestJS Next.js Prisma ORM Tailwind Redis BullMQ MySQL GraphQL Angular Vue PHP Python Basics Domain-driven Design
Leadership
Human-Centric Leadership Stakeholder-Management Agile Moderation
AI & Next Gen
AI/LLM APIs (OpenAI, Vertex) LangGraph AI-Driven Development Github Copilot Claude Code
Infrastructure
Docker Google Cloud Platform (Run, Build, Storage) CI/CD (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI) AWS (CloudFront, S3, Lambda)
Mobile, E-Commerce & CMS
React Native Ionic Shopware (Certified) WordPress

Education

Media Technology (Master's)
TH Köln · 03/2014 – 02/2016 · not completed
Media Technology (Bachelor)
TH Köln · 10/2009 – 01/2014 · Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor thesis: Development of an image processing algorithm (in collaboration with ARRI Cine Technik, Munich)

International Experience

Volunteer
Morodok Organization, Sre Ambel, Cambodia · 08/2012 – 12/2012
Local NGO focused on community development, resource management, and environmental protection. Support in WordPress, media design, and photo/video production.
Work & Travel
Australia · 01/2009 – 09/2009
Health Care Assistant
Revitalise, London, UK · 08/2007 – 12/2008
Care, assistance, and support for physically disabled individuals. Organization and leadership of excursions and entertainment programs. 12 months voluntary service, then 5 months employed.

Personal

Social, political, impact-driven, vegan, dog dad, regular animal welfare foster home, digital creative (photo, video, graphic design, music), guitarist/bassist, member of a touring band.