Charlie

Senior Software Engineer


Lotto NZ

What does a typical day at work look like?

My main focus is the Lotto NZ mobile app, covering all phases of the development process from idea through to app store submission.

A typical day can include working on a new feature of the app and working though the app backlog. Working with the user experience and design team to understand how new features fit into the current architecture and putting together prototypes for user testing. Working with the test team to ensure all changes are stable for release. Managing the app store submission process. Researching the latest technologies that will enhance the app and the development processes behind it.

What do you love most about working for Lotto?

Lotto places a lot of focus on staff morale, we always have some sort of social event happening which makes it a fun place to work. Some of my favourites include a beach party in the office, the Chief Exec being kidnapped and early morning cooked breakfasts whilst watching the football World Cup.

I also like the flat structure of the organisation. Everyone feels approachable regardless of their position within the business.

What opportunities are there to learn and develop at Lotto?

There is a budget set aside for self-improvement, training, conferences and there are internal courses you can take advantage of. However, as a developer I feel the majority of my learning is done on the job. Just having the opportunity and time to try out the latest technologies and put new ideas in place works well for me.

If you won a top prize with Lotto, what would you do?

I would have the ultimate lads golf trip, traveling the world playing golf with my friends. Firstly taking in the US to play Pebble beach, Augusta and Sawgrass (to name but a few) and then over to the UK and Ireland to play as many courses as possible. Growing up in Scotland a lot of the major courses were always too expensive but I guess I wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore!

What is your most memorable work story / experience with Lotto?

The company is split into 4 teams who carry out various social events from month to month. Each team represents a charity so any money made during these events goes to a good cause. At our Lotto conference last year the 4 charities came in to tell us a bit more about their cause. Some of the information was pretty hard to hear and quite emotional. I remember looking around the room and there wasn’t a dry eye in the building. For me it really sunk in how worthwhile the charity work we do at Lotto is.

Tell us one thing about Lotto that people may not be aware of?

The amount of community contributions and charity work done by Lotto. Since Lotto started in 1987 over $3 billion has been given back to the community.

What is the best opportunity you have had at Lotto?

Web development is a fast paced industry with new technologies popping up all the time, so just having the opportunity to continuously iterate and improve the app is something I appreciate.