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David Koen.

Tech Enthusiast

David Koen.

I lead delivery without losing the technical thread. I translate between marketing, design and engineering, and I plan work in stages across a project’s full scope.

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About

Most projects don’t fail on code. They fail on the handoffs, the brief that lost a requirement, the estimate nobody stress-tested, the dependency nobody flagged until it blocked three people.

I’ve spent years on the building side of those handoffs: agency client work, in-house maintenance cycles, internal frameworks, and a year teaching developers how to structure work they hadn’t met yet. That background means I can read an engineering estimate, ask the question that surfaces the hidden dependency, and explain the answer to a marketing stakeholder without either side losing the thread.

Based in
South Africa
Currently
Web Developer Lead
Professionally in web since
2017

Tech Enthusiast. Coffee Lover. JRR Tolkien Nerd. Book Reader. Cinema Junkie. YNWA.

Skills

Delivery & stakeholders

  • Agile sprint planning
  • Scope and estimation
  • Roadmap and deadline ownership
  • Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering practice

  • Peer code review
  • Git branching strategy
  • CI/CD deployment
  • Automated and manual QA
  • Technical documentation

Frontend architecture

  • SPA and SSR
  • Component-based design
  • Responsive design systems
  • SEO and performance optimisation

Backend & data

  • RESTful API design
  • Unidirectional data flow (Flux)
  • Authentication and access control
  • SQL and NoSQL database management

Experience

I began my career in web and software development in 2017, starting as a WordPress Developer Intern. Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles, including as a Coding Facilitator position, teaching foundational coding and computer literacy skills to both professionals and aspiring professionals.
I have a strong interest in the continually evolving technology and software ecosystem. This has driven me to build a professional network that keeps me informed of emerging trends and industry best practices.
Through this experience, I have developed a solid understanding of what it takes to build functional digital products and services, along with the ability to translate that technical knowledge for non-technical stakeholders and to lead productive discussions with cross-functional teams.
As AI-driven tools continue to reshape how consumers and professionals work, I’ve embraced this shift while remaining committed to continuous skill development, so that I stay among those directing this technological transformation rather than merely riding its wave.

Contact

Looking for someone who can hold both sides of the brief?

I bring a strong working knowledge of the requirements and standards needed to deliver a digital product with industry-competitive, technically sound UX. Whether you already have a clear role in mind for me on your project, or you’re looking for guidance on how to get your team or project off the ground, I’d welcome the opportunity to talk through it.

Let's Get In Touch