atailo

Frontend Tech Lead & Senior Full-Stack Engineer | Architecture · Coaching

I lead frontend architecture for large enterprise platforms, ship full-stack features end-to-end, and train developers to take ownership and operate independently. 13+ years of professional experience, writing code since 2010 and freelancing since 2015.

About

I am Willem Smit, a Frontend Tech Lead and Senior Full-Stack Engineer with 13+ years of professional experience and 11 years as an independent contractor, typically on multi-year full-time engagements with enterprise clients. My development roots go back to 2010. My core specialty is frontend architecture and hands-on frontend development for large enterprise systems, supported by solid working experience in backend (NodeJS, Java and PHP) and cloud and VPS environments for full-stack delivery.

For the past eight years I have worked with the Dutch branch of one of the two largest staffing groups in the world, holding lead responsibility for the frontend application landscape within the B2B teams since 2020. In 2024 that scope expanded organization-wide, alongside lead ownership of additional low-code applications within the B2B teams. Together with the lead architect, I establish common standards. The platform serves multiple enterprise brands and powers workforce solutions for enterprise clients.

My architectural work focuses on the key elements that keep a platform scalable over time. These include monorepos, micro-frontends, CI/CD, shared-library boundaries, and automated testing (unit and end-to-end) using JavaScript, TypeScript, SCSS, and modern frameworks. When done properly, these strategies enable simultaneous framework upgrades, prevent version mismatches between applications, streamline multi-app rollouts, and allow for years of scaling without forking codebases. I deliver new applications aligned with modern architecture standards, with broader frontend modernization within the scope of the role.

Alongside delivery, I actively train and coach junior and medior developers. Right now I am preparing a colleague to take over full-stack responsibilities, with ongoing support to medior colleagues as the work calls for it. The goal is independence and long-term capability, not just keeping the lights on.

Outside work, I produce digital music in FL Studio. In 2016 I was selected as one of a small group of producers for the Armada Talent Experience, attending a masterclass with Armin van Buuren and Eelke Kleijn (briefly visible around 0:13 in the aftermovie). I also walk in nature with my family, experiment with new recipes, and volunteer at a local thrift store.

Results

2018–Present Randstad Group Netherlands · B2B self-service platform

Led the redesign of the B2B self-service platform across multiple enterprise brands. Delivered new features that supported client acquisition, kept the platform aligned with new regulations, and strengthened competitive positioning, while shaping the foundational architecture the platform runs on today.
2016–2018 Guts & Gusto · Mobile-first retail platform

Led the redesign of the mobile-first retail platform. After launch, visitor traffic doubled and revenue grew strongly, contributing to the company's transition from startup to scaleup. Co-hosted a technical meetup for local companies on platform stability under campaign-peak load, checkout-flow optimization, and motion-driven UX.
2014–2017 Bricky · Student bike marketplace

Co-founded Bricky as frontend lead. Won the Golden Dot Award 2015 and received a SpinAwards 2015 nomination, leading Dutch industry awards for digital creativity and innovation.
2015–2017 Outvie (formerly IIR) · B2B training & conferences website

Led full-stack delivery of a redesigned website for the B2B professional training and conferences provider. Delivered measurable revenue lift after launch.

Experience

2023–Present Lead Frontend & Full-Stack Engineer · Low-Code · Technical Coach · Randstad Group Netherlands

Lead of the frontend application landscape within the B2B teams since 2020. Scope expanded organization-wide in 2024. Lead over additional low-code applications within the B2B teams since 2024. Contributes full-stack where frontend flows demand it, including targeted Java backend contributions. Delivers new applications aligned with modern architecture standards, with broader frontend modernization within the scope of the role. Coaches a frontend developer toward independent full-stack capability, with ongoing support to medior colleagues as the work calls for it.
2021–2023 Lead Frontend & Full-Stack Engineer · Low-Code · Randstad Group Netherlands

Co-designed and largely implemented the foundational frontend architecture alongside the lead architect, including the build and delivery pipeline and a unified theming approach across SCSS, Angular, and React. Began contributing to low-code applications, including targeted Java backend contributions.
2018–2021 Senior Frontend / Java Developer · Randstad Group Netherlands

Led the redesign of the B2B self-service environment serving enterprise clients across multiple brands (Randstad, Tempo-Team, Yacht). Stack: Java, Angular, vanilla JavaScript/TypeScript, SCSS, delivered through agile scrum. Set frontend direction from day one, taking sole lead from 2020 onward.
2023 Co-Founder & Technical Lead · Early-stage startup (dating space)

Co-founded an early-stage startup in the dating space alongside a friend who works as a UX designer. Owned the full technical build: a real-time backend on Node.js with WebSockets, an Angular frontend, and the supporting infrastructure. Reached early investor interest before the venture wound down.
2017–2021 Co-Owner & Lead Full-Stack / Mobile Engineer · Red Nomads

Co-founded and co-owned the venture as Lead Full-Stack / Mobile Engineer. Set product direction jointly with the other co-owners across business and design discussions, while taking the technical lead. Built web and mobile applications, including native Android apps for the B2B services market in Java with Gradle and Firebase, designed for low resource use, stability, and fast install.
2016–2018 Full-Stack & CMS Developer · Game Developer · Guts & Gusto

Designed and implemented a new database schema, then rebuilt back-end and front-end architecture for a mobile-first online retail platform (PHP, JavaScript / VueJS, CSS, HTML). Built a CMS for the monthly lookbooks. Delivered Canvas-based JavaScript games used as a customer-engagement and discount mechanism, optimized for mobile performance. Coached the in-house team on knowledge and processes alongside delivery.
2015–2017 Lead Full-Stack Developer · Outvie (formerly IIR - Institute for International Research)

As Lead Full-Stack Developer, owned the technical realization of a new website for the B2B professional training and conferences provider. Stack: PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML. Delivered a fully redesigned, fully responsive website, accessible from every device and significantly easier to extend with new content.
2015–Present Owner · Atailo

As a Freelance Senior Full-Stack Engineer, Frontend Tech Lead, and coach, I combine hands-on development with architectural ownership and mentoring colleagues to deliver relevant products that achieve real results.
2014–2017 Co-Founder & Frontend Developer · Bricky

Co-founded Bricky, a marketplace helping students find affordable second-hand bikes nearby. Owned the frontend build, collaborating closely with the designer and backend developer. Stack: PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML. Delivered a clean, easy-to-use website where students could quickly find and buy a cheap bike close to home.
View full work history on LinkedIn »