resumé : david fox
objective
I seek a challenging and stimulating career in the web development environment and am looking for a position that would enable me to draw on my passion for website and database development, a broad skills-base in the IT arena, and my strong people skills and customer service ethic.
I am a hard working, self-motivated individual who thrives on challenges and mental stimulation in my work environment. I consider myself to be reliable, organized, dedicated, honest and enthusiastic. I value determination, honesty and loyalty in myself and other people.
transferable skills
skillset:
Programming:
- Solid practical experience of Procedural & Object Oriented PHP programming
- Extensive experience with HTML, XHTML, and CSS
- Solid practical experience of Object Oriented PHP programming
- Basic knowledge of and experience in using CakePHP framework
- Understanding and practical experience of XML, JavaScript (including working with various libraries such as jQuery, Script.aculo.us), and DHTML
- Understanding of Standards-based Coding, and Accessability requirements
- Exposure to Python, Genshi
Databases / Servers:
- MySQL (phpMyAdmin)
- Interbase (Firebird)
- Microsoft Access
- Apache
Software:
- Macromedia Flash and ActionScript
- Dreamweaver, FrontPage, and HomeSite
Graphics software:
- Photoshop, ImageReady, Fireworks, and CorelDRAW
- Macromedia Freehand
Other:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Project
- Adobe Captivate
- Experience in installing, configuring, and customising Coppermine, X-Cart, WordPress
- I use Pastel Xpress to keep the CC's books.
Hardware knowledge: Strong working knowledge of PC hardware & networks used in POS systems.
Management and leadership skills: My work experience to date has involved leadership roles within both formal and informal management structures, and I am comfortable operating in both. My strongest leadership skills are firstly to create systems and processes which streamline work and efficiency, and secondly, to draw on my strong entrepreneurial and problem solving skills when problems or "out of the box" situations arise, and generate and implement creative business solutions.
Analytical problem solving skills: I have an affinity for trouble-shooting and problem solving, particularly when standard solutions have not been successful. I enjoy the challenge of investigating problems to understand the root cause and then finding quick, effective solutions to them. My in-the-field systems support roles and restaurant management experience have allowed me to develop these skills as well as an ability to operate exceptionally well under time constraints and in high pressure situations where issues have immediate operational impacts on the businesses involved.
Communication skills: I have excellent spoken and written communication skills, and am able to interact with a wide variety of people at different organisational levels, and in different contexts, with ease. I also have substantial experience training people at different levels and in various different fields (e.g. service training, sales training, systems management and end-user training over and above my current formal training role). I particularly enjoy training roles, as they enable me to draw on my diverse technical and people skills.
Interpersonal skills: My working experience to date has required a high degree of interaction with working groups both within my company, and with external suppliers, clients and co-contractors. This has enabled me to develop strong interpersonal working skills. I have learnt that people perform best when they feel needed and have a purpose. In a team, people require feedback about their work and achievements in order to sustain their dedication and loyalty.
Sales skills: I have built strong sales skills through experience in a variety of business contexts, and am able to understand client needs and recommend the best solutions to meet their needs. I enjoy initiating new client relationships and building these into productive, long-term business relationships where the solutions offered meet the clients' needs and the sales are product and service oriented.
work experience
July 2008 to present - Technical Development and Support, Touchwork, Cape Town
Type of Firm: Mobile Marketing
Developing BI portal websites reporting on SMS feedback campaign data for a number of large National and International clients.
- PHP programming
- writing new code
- rewriting existing code in an OOP manner
- MySQL development
- designing and creating new databases
- normalising existing databases
- producing Standards-based, Accessible Semantic HTML
- Javascript, jQuery
- preparing graphics
- overall interface design
January 2008 to June 2008 - UI Developer, Career Junction, Cape Town
Type of Firm: On-line Recruitment Portal
Developing UI for web applications according to spec from lead-developer:
- Writing Standards-based, Accessible Semantic HTML and CSS
- Javascript
- Working in a Python, Genshi templating environment
August 2007 to December 2008 - Web Developer, Mammoth Solutions, Cape Town
Type of Firm: Web Development Company
Creating web pages according to spec from lead-developer:
- Creating and updating standards-compliant HTML/XHTML and CSS code using HomeSite for the company's portfolio of websites, which include some of the largest portals in South Africa
- Writing applications in PHP / MySQL as specified by the lead programmer using and extending the company's existing object orientated PHP classes
- Produce web-pages by slicing Photoshop images
- Creating Flash content
- Following correct practice for SEO optimization
- Creating and administering MySQL databases
- Coding PHP front-end using and extending existing framework
March 2007 to July 2007 - Web Content Developer, Engen, Cape Town
Type of firm: Petrochemical Company
Creating, updating and maintaining content for corporate Intranet, which involved producing standards-compliant HTML/XHTML and CSS code using Frontpage and Dreamweaver according to the Company's set of standards within the .Net framework."Cleaning" existing pages by ensuring they comply with above and applying stylesheets and adapt old / incorrect code where necessary.
Creation of graphics (banners) using Photoshop, Fireworks and Flash, as well as the design and layout of a newsletter using CorelDRAW
September 2004 to February 2007 - Stylus
Type of firm: IT Solutions Provider
Inception of Stylus, a CC that provides the following IT services on a consulting basis:
- Training and skills development
- Web-site development
- Database application development
- Digital media
- Hardware and software supply and management
- Currently training on a contract basis at Prestige Academy, Bellville, Cape Town
Responsible for all aspects of the business:
- Client relations
- Book-keeping
- Administration
- Sales
- Marketing and advertising
- Company web-site and digital newsletters
March 2003 to August 2004 - Senior Desktop Instructor, CS Holdings, Midrand
Type of firm: IT Solutions Provider
Training clients on computer application and development software across several Microsoft Operating Systems (i.e. Windows 98; Windows 2000 NT; Windows XP)
- Introduction to Personal Computing Microsoft Windows Introduction courses
- Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, FrontPage
- HTML and web-design
- Visual Basic for Applications
- Training Learnership candidates for A+ and N+ certification
- Training candidates for ICDL Certification
- Piloted the ICDL training for the Microsoft Schools Project
- Involved in the roll-out of the project nationally
- Assessment of existing skill levels for Clients
- Trainee Evaluation
- Daily written evaluation of individual learners
- Daily Review reports for each Course trained
- Setting up hardware and installing the relevant software prior to training
February 2002 to February 2003 - Technical Support Manager, Ankerdata (Pty) Ltd, Pretoria
Type of firm: Point of Sale Computer Systems for the Hospitality Trade
Primary responsibility for managing the business relationship with Pleasure Foods National Account (Wimpy, Whistle Stop, Juicy Lucy, Milky Lane), maintaining contact with head office and regional offices in order to:
- Ensure all installations by Ankerdata are done to agreed standards, and that continued adherence to operational guidelines at store level occurs nationally
- Set-up and maintain the central databases that allow head-office to implement updates and enhancements remotely
- Ensure 24 hour telephonic & on-site support for in the field POS software
Primary account management responsibility for fifteen independent clients, managing the business as with Pleasure Foods but on an individual basis.
- Direct liaison with the Director of Software Development regarding
- Software and hardware issues encountered in the field & recommended solutions
- Sharing developmental requirements that emerge once the systems are implemented
- Managing the developmental timings and costs with the client
- Internal liaison with Sales and Technical staff in all 14 national and international branches of Ankerdata in order to manage technical installations, deal with store level issues and client queries, and centrally manage issues which are escalated by regional staff.
- Generation of Technical Documentation regarding hardware and software standards, requirements and processes for use by Ankerdata staff in all installations done for Pleasure Foods franchises.
- New Business Development
- Cold calling and franchise requested demonstrations and quotes for new or existing businesses
- System evaluation and recommendation of required hardware and software
- Expansion of software and hardware in existing clients
October 2000 to January 2002 - Technical Support Engineer, Ankerdata (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town
Type of firm: Point of Sale Computer Systems for the Hospitality Trade
- Initial database setup and configuration of proprietary POS and Back Office software, including consultation with client on database configuration, drawing on strong experience in the Restaurant trade in order to ensure that the system best meets clients? current and future business requirements.
- Recommendation of hardware requirements according to client specifications and issues
- Configuration of all hardware and software incorporated in each system, including:
- Hardware configuration (desktop PC-based)
- Windows installation and configuration
- Network cabling installation
- Network configuration (TCP/IP, NetBEUI)
- Printer installation and configuration
- Modem and dial-up configuration
- Full training of client?s staff and management on both hardware and software involved in the systems installed.
- Performed 24/7 telephonic and on-site support of hardware and software.
March 2000 to September 2000 - Project Manager for Matrix Food Systems, Gardens, Cape Town
Type of firm: Specialist nutrition planning and catering for individual clients with specific dietary requirements.
- Liaising with Dieticians in health clubs, clinics and private practice to identify potential clients and research clients requirements
- Direct Customer relationship building with individual clients
- Exploratory research in dietetics, nutrition, cooking techniques, production, packaging and storage to establish best possible methodologies to ensure maximum benefit to clients? at best possible costs. Research avenues included internet resources, expert advice and consultation with the SABS (South African Bureau of Standards).
- Management of production, packaging and distribution of all products
August 1996 to February 2000 - Restaurant Management
Responsible for total business management of various successful restaurants in Cape Town and Knysna, which involved:
- HR management: Responsible for broad-ranging HR functions including management of all in-house disciplinary procedures according to legislated procedural guidelines, company representation at CCMA; liaison with labour office when required, recruitment of staff, both at setup of business and ongoing.
- Training: Development and implementation of site-specific staff training programmes which included service & sales training, induction of new staff, and writing of staff manuals (service procedures, setup of restaurant, description of menu items, sales training, product knowledge, rules & regulations for staff).
- Financial control: Involved in all aspects of financial control including Accounting controls, cost analysis & optimization, stock control, supplier liaison, cash flow management, and daily cash reconciliation.
- Systems management: Liaison with computer system suppliers, and hands-on management of in-house database.
- Operational restaurant management: Active management of restaurant service and kitchen staff; stock; food preparation logistics and direct customer interaction.
December 1995 to July 1996 - Working holiday in the UK.
Temporary employment to fund holiday: Assistant Data Capture Clerk, NPI UK.
December 1991 to November 1995 - In-house training and part-time restaurant experience while studying at Cape Technikon (Granger Bay Hotel School)
- Kitchen In-Service Training: The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay, Cape Town
- Front Of House In-Service Training: The Townhouse, Cape Town
- Food & Beverage Management In-Service Training: Winchester Mansions Hotel, Cape Town
January 1990 to December 1990 - National Service in the SA Navy Simonstown Officers' Wardroom.
education
2006 ICDL Certification
2003 MOS Excel Expert Certification
2003 Introduction to HTML and Web Development
CS Holdings, Midrand, South Africa
2003 Microsoft FrontPage 2000
CS Holdings, Midrand, South Africa
1991 to 1995 National Diploma in Hotel Management
Cape Technikon (Granger Bay Hotel School), Cape Town, South Africa.
1989 Matric High school diploma with University Exemption
South African College Schools, Cape Town, South Africa
My complete Curriculum Vitae is available for download as a Word document in the login section
