Tariq Essop

Experience

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  VZM-Merchandising

  Dec 2009 - Jan 2010

  Merchandiser

  • Stock Control• Stock Ordering• Stock Replenishing• Stock management across CNA, Pick n Pay, Clicks, Exclusive Books, Checkers, Woolworths

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  Billboard SA

  Nov 2011 - Jun 2012

  Web Developer

  As a Junior Web Developer, I actively contributed to the successful implementation of a marketing web platform catering to prominent South African brands such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Spar. This innovative platform was designed to curate and present weekly specials, enhancing the shopping experience for customers, and efficiently notifying users of the latest deals and promotions. My role encompassed the following key responsibilities:• Client Brand reproduction• System Analysis and Design - Input • Technical Support• System Testing Show less

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  The Training Room Online

  Sept 2012 - May 2014

  Software Developer

  Developing, enhancing functionality, and creating software solutions for Moodle and e-learning.

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  Full Facing (Pty) Ltd

  May 2014 - Aug 2014

  Software Developer

  In my role as the PHP Software Engineer, I had taken great care to maintain and expand a custom Learning Management System (LMS), dedicating myself to its continual development and functional enhancements. A key highlight of this undertaking has been the integration of renowned South African brands such as Shoprite, Checkers, and Clicks Group into the LMS. This integration has enabled a seamless connection between the LMS and remote hardware devices, elevating interactivity and engagement levels for our users. Show less

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  DVT

  Aug 2014 - Jan 2015

  Mobile Developer

  I worked as a PHP Software Engineer on a contract basis for Zen (Client) through DVT. My primary responsibility was to update and improve their existing mobile app web systems, with a particular focus on optimizing the experience for mobile devices. During the project, I successfully integrated technical features for well-known South African brands like Shot'Left Tourism and South African Tourism into the app.

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  KNOW2CODE

  Nov 2014 - Dec 2017

  Owner

  I ran my own software development company by consulting my programming knowledge and skills.

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  Myself

  Jan 2015 - Mar 2015

  Freelance Developer

  Worked independently as a developer on small projects to expand on my skillset.

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  Kineo

  Mar 2015 - Jun 2018

  Technical Consultant

  I worked as a PHP Software Engineer and played a crucial role in building learning technology and creating custom learning solutions for clients in both Africa and the UK. During this period, I focused on developing and enhancing functionality for various platforms, including Totara, Moodle, WordPress, Drupal, and CodeIgniter. Working from functional specifications, I ensured that the design and technical solutions for each project were achievable, fit for purpose, and efficient.• Resolve technical issues on projects or escalate any more serious technical issues in a timely manner.• Provide accurate estimates of technical work and ensure the design and technical solutions of all assigned tasks are; achievable, fit for purpose and work effectively.• Identify risks in projects and bids and raise them in a timely manner with recommended mitigations with the appropriate person.• Flag any issues or risks to the project manager and propose alternative approaches if these will offer a cost or time saving.• Develop and maintain software to meet agreed specifications in-terms of quality and timelines.• Liaise and communicate clearly with colleagues and clients to ensure the highest possible quality of product, delivered on time and to budget.• Share knowledge with the team and write and maintain technical documentation as required.• Problem-solving and thinking laterally as part of a team, or individually, to meet the needs of the task in hand.• To provide expert knowledge to both internal & external Clients in-terms of product capability and extending the product through customisation.• Working to agreed budgets and timescales. Show less

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  TTRO

  Jun 2018 - Aug 2023

  Software Architecture Management:• Attend meetings with vendors and partners• Conversations with various stakeholders for technical vetting• Evaluate vendors and technology using a scorecard• Stay updated on modern technologies• Run Innovation Labs, meet with vendors, and do proof-of-concepts• Attend industry conferencesSoftware Development:• Develop POCs or MVPs• Serve as a Lead for Software Engineering projects where required • Establish software development standards, processes, and best practices• Provide architectural approval for projects• Attend executive meetings and liaise with senior stakeholdersGuidance:• Produce reference architecture• Serve as a technical resourceRoadmaps:• Provide future state roadmapsSDLC Process:• Conduct Architecture and Code Reviews• Attend Sprint kickoff and retrospectives• Approve code deployment• Advise on coding practicesPerformance Optimization:• Assist with system optimizationGovernance:• Ensure appropriate technology usage• Prevent End-of-Life software use• Run or participate in architecture reviews• Communicate architecture activitiesCyber Security:• Maintain partnership with cybersecurity provider• Plan, implement, manage, and monitor security measures• Respond to security breaches• Perform Penetration testing & produce compliant security reports.• Ensure security controls and participate in change managementProject Management:• Supervise architecture and develop technical roadmaps• Manage software development projects• Evaluate projects and update schedulesBusiness Management / Operations:• Ensure quality design reviews• Participate in strategic plans• Collaborate with teams and customers• Understand and propose solutions for business problemsCommercials and Sales:• Assist with development costing that yields 5-10% profit margins.• Provide technical scoping and review bid validityInternal Product Stack:• Review and align internal platforms with roadmaps Show less As the Head of Engineering, I was responsible for the entire Frontend and Backend development teams, reporting directly to the Managing Director. I drove the vision, design, strategy, and implementation of integrated web systems and applications in order to support the business. I led the development teams and collaborated with other business departments in sales, marketing, and finance in order to roll out new web systems and applications whilst implementing the ongoing process improvements of the current systems.During my tenure I have successfully led and accomplished executing the organisation strategic goal of partnering TTRO with Moodle. Show less -Develop, manage and prepare the software development team.-Guide, coach and mentor software development engineers.-Provide project management and technical leadership for every aspect of SDLC.-Prepare lifecycle for different projects inclusive of research, development, design, evaluation, testing along with delivery to product management.-Supervise architecture plus lead efforts to develop a technical roadmap of all projects.-Establish and stimulate software development standards and processes along with best practices for the delivery of scalable and high-quality software.-Perform closely with Engineers, Developers and Product Management throughout the organization to influence product development-assisting or improving products.-Develop relations with existing and prospective internal customers to interpret all individual requirements.-Learn and display as to how products would add value to the respective business.-Ensure top quality design reviews attaining business goals.-Supervise resource allocation to assure attainment of apt business and personnel development goals.-Involve in strategic plans to accomplish technical as well as business with leadership chain, team and with customers.-Manage and execute software development projects from beginning to finish.-Evaluate projects, develop and update schedules plus supervise project status.-Collaborate effectively with all team members as well as hold regular team meetings. Show less

  • Chief Engineering Architect

    Nov 2021 - Aug 2023

  • Head Of Engineering

    Jun 2019 - Nov 2021

  • Development Manager & Lead Programmer

    Jun 2018 - Jun 2019

  • Technology Mentor

    Jun 2018 - Dec 2018
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  2U

  Oct 2023 - now

  Director of Engineering-Service Experience

  As the Director of Engineering-Service Experience at 2U, I lead a talented team responsible for managing a diverse and dynamic tech stack, including PHP, MySQL, Postgres, GraphQL, React, Node.js, Ruby on Rails, Amazon API Gateway, AWS Lambda, AWS SNS & SQS, Docker, Terraform, Salesforce, and Zoho. In addition to overseeing these technologies, I provide essential support to other departments and teams, fostering collaboration and alignment with organizational goals. By leveraging our robust tech stack and facilitating cross-departmental synergy, I drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions that empower our organization to excel in the digital landscape.Furthermore, by ensuring efficient use of resources and aligning financial strategies with our engineering objectives, I contribute to the overall success and sustainability of our organization.Project Management:• Supervise architecture and develop technical roadmaps• Manage software development projects• Evaluate projects and update schedulesCyber Security:• Ensure our code and platform configurations are secureGovernance:• Ensure appropriate technology usage• Prevent End-of-Life software use• Run or participate in architecture and CAB reviewsGuidance:• Produce reference architecture• Serve as a technical resourceRoadmaps:• Provide future state roadmapsSDLC Process:• Conduct Architecture and Code Reviews• Attend Sprint kickoff and retrospectives• Approve code deploymentSoftware Development:• Develop POCs• Serve as a Lead for Software Engineering projects where required • Establish software development standards, processes, and best practices• Provide architectural approval for projects• Liaise with senior stakeholdersSoftware Architecture:• Attend meetings with vendors and partners• Conversations with various stakeholders for technical vetting• Stay updated on modern technologiesBusiness Operations:• Audit Compliancy • Financials and procurement• Team management Show less