Experience

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  Gourmet Services Pty Ltd

  • Consultant

    • Jan 2015 - Present

    New opportunities working with clients to improve their business processes especially eliminating data duplication across multiple software platforms. A typical example is to link accounting software like MYOB and Xero to MS Access to develop new platforms for managing manufacturing, HR and CRM applications.Another project is a collaborative venture to construct and manage a cloud based application to improve employer/employee relations through building and managing trust in the workplace. This software will be available to any organisation on a fee for service basis.

  • Consultant

    • Oct 2011 - Dec 2014

    Pro bono consulting work for local Tanzanian enterprises. This is a difficult area to work in due to the large number of small not-for-profits using mainly overseas volunteer employees with offshore boards and fund raising.Developed an online business directory service (WordPress) to provide some employment for disadvantaged personal Tanzanian friends.Continued support for existing clients in Australia.

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  School Of St Jude

  • Arusha, Tanzania

  • Systems Coordinator

    • Aug 2010 - Oct 2011
    • Arusha, Tanzania

    At that time, the school relied on over 40 volunteers to assist in all areas of operations but in particular to drive fund raising and manage donors and student sponsors. 1,800 students were taught in two separately located campuses and a primary school boarding campus.Headed a project to provide an all encompassing software system to handle business and academic data. This proved challenging in many ways and ultimately failed.Managed the business software (MS Access). Initially fixed many issues with business software and then made improvements in reporting and communicating with donors and sponsors using auto generated emails.Built Student Report generating software for the senior school.Built Inventory Management software for the entire school.Assisted with ICT issues and management.

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  Gourmet Services Pty Ltd

  • Perth, Australia

  • Consultant

    • May 2005 - Jul 2010
    • Perth, Australia

    Client in civil engineeringMajor achievements –Facilitated Customer Relationship Management through contact experiences, customer survey, functions, public relations, business intelligence and written proposals.Redesigned and maintained web site specifically aimed at facilitating recruitment.Developed and maintained MS Access databases for marketing, HR, plant & equipment, document control, including VBA, SQL Server functionality.Client in mining consultingMajor achievements –Developed MS Access marketing database for forecasting personnel requirements in the mining industry. Data is used for a subscription newsletter.Client in mining engineering (BHP Ravensthorpe Nickel project)Major achievements –Revised documentation system and procedures. Developed MS Excel spreadsheets with VBA functionality to improve reporting efficiencies. Simplified documentation tasks.Client in vegetable processingMajor achievements –Major revision of QA program including new software. Programming of production planning and distribution documentation in VBA and MS Access.

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  Gourmet Services Pty Ltd

  • Sydney, Australia

  • Consultant

    • 2002 - Mar 2005
    • Sydney, Australia

    Client in food wholesaling and distributionMajor achievements –Improved IT network and management reporting including financial budgeting and review. Reviewed and improved distribution scheduling and data systems. Set up management policies and procedures. Established certified HACCP based food safety program.National major horticultural clientMajor achievements –Reviewed options for distribution at plants in NSW and Vic.Software Development.Investment Portfolio management software (MS Excel). Home audio visual entertainment software (VB6) and hardware.

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  Gourmet Logistics Pty Ltd

  • Sydney, Australia

  • Managing Director

    • 2001 - 2002
    • Sydney, Australia

    Distribution business providing logistical services to approximately 30 food manufacturers. Warehousing and delivery services provided by contracted business owner/ operators. This business was partially integrated with Gourmets' Choice. Staff of 14.Major achievements -Introduced effective business systems to ensure control of all business operations including IT to handle the routing of deliveries, trace-ability of goods and customer billing.Cut overhead operating costs and established profitability.

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  Gourmets' Choice Australia Pty Ltd

  • Sydney, Australia

  • Managing Director

    • 1987 - 2002
    • Sydney, Australia

    Established a new business to manufacture quiche and lasagne which were marketed to major supermarkets, delicatessens and other independent food retailers in NSW and ACT. Staff of 25.In 1988 the business supplied Woolworths in NSW, Qld, Vic, SA and Tas through a new 'Meal Solutions' department.Major achievements -Built a manufacturing business including sales and distribution from scratch to turnover of $2.8 million.