I’ve spent more than two decades at the messy crossroads of web development, business strategy, and technical leadership—building things that actually work, scale, and last. I’ve led teams for international clients, driven complex challenges to elegant, future-ready solutions, and built platforms that perform reliably under pressure. My work blends hands-on coding with strategic oversight to deliver systems that are secure, scalable, and aligned with real business needs. As a hands-on leader, I mentor junior developers, encourage open collaboration, and still write code to stay sharp. I bring commercial sense from owning a business, ensuring every solution delivers tangible business value as well as technical excellence. Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo are what keep me motivated to create web platforms that work beautifully and matter to people and organisations alike.

Charles Duckitt

I’ve spent more than two decades at the messy crossroads of web development, business strategy, and technical leadership—building things that actually work, scale, and last. I’ve led teams for international clients, driven complex challenges to elegant, future-ready solutions, and built platforms that perform reliably under pressure. My work blends hands-on coding with strategic oversight to deliver systems that are secure, scalable, and aligned with real business needs. As a hands-on leader, I mentor junior developers, encourage open collaboration, and still write code to stay sharp. I bring commercial sense from owning a business, ensuring every solution delivers tangible business value as well as technical excellence. Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo are what keep me motivated to create web platforms that work beautifully and matter to people and organisations alike.

Available to hire

I’ve spent more than two decades at the messy crossroads of web development, business strategy, and technical leadership—building things that actually work, scale, and last. I’ve led teams for international clients, driven complex challenges to elegant, future-ready solutions, and built platforms that perform reliably under pressure. My work blends hands-on coding with strategic oversight to deliver systems that are secure, scalable, and aligned with real business needs.

As a hands-on leader, I mentor junior developers, encourage open collaboration, and still write code to stay sharp. I bring commercial sense from owning a business, ensuring every solution delivers tangible business value as well as technical excellence. Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo are what keep me motivated to create web platforms that work beautifully and matter to people and organisations alike.

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Experience Level

Expert
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Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Advanced
Thai
Advanced

Work Experience

Head of Development/Chief Technology Officer at Pearl Lemon Group
August 1, 2023 - Present
Oversee a portfolio of 100+ websites, driving full-stack development, server management, security architecture, performance, UX, and SEO. Drove infrastructure modernization by migrating to Nginx and then OpenLiteSpeed with LiteSpeed caching, reducing costs and boosting performance. Implemented Cloudflare Zaraz/Workers and serverless assets, and developed AI-powered tools including an AI-driven ERP and subscription-management workflow. Mentored junior developers, enforced coding standards, and ensured deliverables met client objectives while maintaining high uptime and security.
Head of Development/Chief Technology Officer at Pearl Lemon Group
August 1, 2023 - Present
Oversee a portfolio of 100+ websites with responsibility for performance, security, UX, and SEO; lead hands-on full-stack development, server management, and security architecture; migrated infrastructure to Nginx to cut costs and boost performance; mentor junior developers and drive collaborative, code-driven delivery.
Full-Stack Developer / WordPress & Mobile App Design at CLOUD SMART SA
January 1, 2023 - October 20, 2025
Led full-stack development for client projects, handling front-end UI/UX, back-end logic, and database management. Built and maintained 100+ WordPress sites, integrated WooCommerce and Shopify for e-commerce, designed and developed mobile apps, created custom plugins, and collaborated with clients to ensure security, performance, and timely delivery. Conducted rigorous testing and smooth handovers, continuously improving development practices.
Freelance WordPress & Mobile App Design/Developer at CLOUD SMART SA
January 1, 2023 - October 20, 2025
Hands-on full-stack developer for client projects; led front-end UI/UX and back-end logic, delivered WordPress/WooCommerce and Shopify solutions; handled client consultations, proposals, development, testing, delivery, and handover with training documentation.
Head of Web Design & Development (Contract) at Thailand Government (CIDA.Online)
January 1, 2021 - October 20, 2025
Led full-stack development for CIDA.Online, a prisoner-family communications platform used across ~250 prisons and serving ~10,000 users. Built Letter Online, Money Online, Goods Online, Video Call Booking, and Correct Shop; implemented a shared MySQL user database for single registration; integrated 7-Eleven payment API; managed rollout, testing, and ongoing support with a focus on security and privacy.
Head of Web Design & Development Contractor at Thailand Government (CIDA.Online project)
January 1, 2021 - October 20, 2025
Led full-stack development for the CIDA.Online suite serving ~10,000 users across ~250 prisons. Implemented Letter Online, Money Online, Goods Online, Video Call Booking, and Correct Shop. Streamlined authentication with a shared user database, integrated 7-Eleven payment via API, and delivered secure, scalable web services during COVID.
Owner/Manager at BEST WEB CAPE
January 1, 2013 - October 20, 2025
Led WordPress website design & development, social media setup, graphic design, branding, digital marketing, CRM implementation, print/layout design, new business development, and team leadership. Established workflows and best practices to deliver high-quality websites and ongoing client support.
Owner/Manager at BEST WEB CAPE
January 1, 2013 - October 20, 2025
Website Design & Development (WordPress), social media setup, branding, CRM, print & layout design, digital marketing strategy, and new business development; led projects from proposal through delivery and handover.
Owner/Manager at BIZSOLUTION
January 1, 2003 - October 20, 2025
Provided business services to SMEs, including business planning, branding, marketing, recruitment, process design, and website development; built and maintained client relationships and project delivery.
National Sales Manager at PANASONIC Head Office SA Technics M.I. Division
January 1, 2000 - October 20, 2025
Developed and executed sales strategies, conducted market analysis, supported product development insights, managed key accounts, budgets, and CRM adoption, and led training initiatives to boost sales performance.
National Sales Manager at PANASONIC Head Office SA Technics M.I. Division
January 1, 2000 - October 20, 2025
Developed and executed sales strategies, managed budgets, analyzed market trends, supported product development, and led training for sales staff; implemented CRM and optimized distribution channels.
Internal Sales at MUSIC MAN M.I.
January 1, 1998 - October 20, 2025
Managed internal sales processes, orders, stock records, and merchandising. Implemented lead conversion strategies and supported branch growth.
Sales Manager at MUSIC MAN M.I.
January 1, 1998 - October 20, 2025
Developed sales strategies, trained staff, and expanded market reach. Focused on customer satisfaction and driving profitability through targeted campaigns.
Branch Manager at MUSIC MAN M.I.
January 1, 1998 - October 20, 2025
Led branch operations, sales, customer service, stock management, and in-store performance. Drove revenue growth through effective leadership and process improvements.
Branch Manager at MUSIC MAN M.I.
January 1, 1998 - October 20, 2025
Led branch operations, sales, internal processes, and customer relations; managed inventory, staff, and daily operations; performed repairs and contributed to marketing and sales initiatives.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Government, Manufacturing, Retail

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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