Brian Watson

Brian Watson

1✓ 1 vouch
Software developer, engineering designer and manager with 26+ years' experience, building AI-assisted eCommerce platforms
Available for work★★★★★5.0 (1)
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa · 40 years experience · NQF 9 - Master's
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About

Brian is a software developer, engineering designer and manager based in Centurion, Gauteng, with a career spanning four decades. He has trained and mentored hundreds of individuals and delivered dozens of lasting solutions for companies across South Africa. His strongest recent work is as Director and Lead Developer at PIL DM, where he architected and launched the Shophook eCommerce platform and Shophook Office, a mini-office suite for small to medium businesses, using AI-assisted development. Earlier, as General Manager at FMMS, he implemented in-house asset and maintenance software. Brian's key skills include PHP, Laravel, JavaScript, MySQL, AI integration, AutoCAD, SolidWorks and MS Project. His qualifications include an MBA from Milpark Business School and recent certifications in Laravel and SolidWorks. He suits Lead Developer, Software Developer, Project Manager, General Manager and Director of Engineering roles.

Summary

I am a dedicated professional with strong problem-solving skills and a project management mindset, planning all initiatives according to requirements. I have trained, mentored and coached hundreds of individuals over 26 years and implemented dozens of long-lasting solutions for companies across South Africa. Recently I have focused on AI software development, using artificial intelligence to architect and build the Shophook eCommerce platform and Shophook Office, a mini-office suite for small to medium businesses. I also bring engineering, drafting and leadership experience, including six years as Director of Engineering.

Work experience

Director / Lead DeveloperPIL DM (PTY) LTD · Mar 2001 - now
Run business operations specializing mainly in web application design and development, e-commerce, and digital marketing. Developed several dynamic websites for clients and proprietary software, including PIL Mobi and Shophook. Architected and launched Shophook eCommerce and Shophook Office, using modern web and AI software development skills to build e-commerce workflows and a comprehensive office suite. Heavily involved in data analysis, report development, and the creation of training materials.
IT ManagerDMS (PTY) LTD · Jan 2018 - Mar 2020
Managed the information technology environment. Directed the designing and development of tourism solutions.
General Manager / Software DeveloperFMMS (PTY) LTD · Apr 2007 - Apr 2018
Implemented in-house software for asset, facilities, inventory, and maintenance management. Successfully developed a cellular tower as-built application.
Facilities Project ManagerVODACOM (CONTRACT) · Jun 2005 - Mar 2007
Acted as Facilities Project Manager for six Vodacom buildings. Managed over 30 projects a month, developed project management software, and participated in AutoCAD space planning.
Business Development ManagerSIEMENS (CONTRACT) · Apr 2004 - May 2005
Marketing & Sales ManagerMARSTEC · Jan 1998 - Mar 2004
Managed marketing and sales in maintenance management software. Managed a client base of over 70 businesses and effectively trained several dozen people.
Partner & Operations ManagerADLAS ENGINEERING · Jan 1991 - Dec 1997
Dealt directly with clients, quoted on work, and managed incoming work. Performed quality control and maintained all CNC machinery.
Technician / ProgrammerSTEELMETALS & S.A. TOOL ELECTRONICS · Jan 1986 - Dec 1990
Maintained and retrofitted CNC machinery. Performed AutoCAD drawing and PLC programming.

Cover letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in a position with your company. I am a software developer, engineering designer and manager with more than 26 years of experience. I approach every initiative with a project management mindset, planning carefully against the requirements and focusing on practical, long-lasting solutions.

In recent years I have focused on AI software development. I used artificial intelligence to architect and build Shophook, an eCommerce platform, and Shophook Office, a mini-office suite for small to medium businesses. As Director / Lead Developer at PIL DM (PTY) LTD, I run business operations centred on web application design and development, e-commerce and digital marketing. That work also includes data analysis, report development and the creation of training materials.

My engineering background is broad. I spent six years as Director of Engineering. Earlier, as Facilities Project Manager for six Vodacom buildings, I managed over 30 projects a month and developed project management software. At FMMS (PTY) LTD I implemented in-house software for asset, facilities

Ratings & reviews

★★★★★5.0 (1)
★★★★★ Paul S. 26 Oct 2026

Gets the job done

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