Job Title
: PHP Developer
Reports to
: Head of Technical Operations
Duration
: Permanent (subject to a 6-month probationary period)
Start Date
: ASAP
Hours
: 37.5 hours per week
Salary
: Competitive, based on experience
Role Purpose
We're looking for a skilled and adaptable PHP Developer to join our technology team. You'll work across the full stack, contributing to both front-end and back-end development, with a focus on PHP (CodeIgniter 4), JavaScript, and data visualisation. You'll help build and maintain microsites, enhance existing systems, and deliver new features that support our clients in sectors such as sport, environment, and government.
About Substance
Substance is a research and technology company working across different sectors and with many types of organisations including charities and social businesses; local, regional and central government; and national and international governing bodies. It has a specialist interest in the social dimensions and impacts of sport and physical activity.
Our core team is made up of highly experienced social researchers, technologists and programme managers, each with their own specialisms. What we share is an ambition to make organisations that do good have a greater impact. Substance is based in Manchester but does support and encourage home working practices.
Who we work with
* National government departments, such as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Home Office, Department for Education and Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs.
* Regional and local government bodies such as the Greater London Authority and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
* National and international strategic organisations such as Sport England, UK Sport, Premier League Charitable Fund, Big Lottery Fund, the Environment Agency and Big Issue Invest.
* National charities, such as Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Wellcome Trust, BBC Children in Need, MIND, Groundwork and MyBnk.
* National and international sport governing bodies including UEFA, national football associations, national governing bodies of sport, sports clubs and sport for development organisations.
* Local and regional delivery organisations including a range of football club CCOs and other sport for development, health and social organisations and charities.
Key Responsibilities
Development & Engineering
* Rework and optimise existing functionality for performance and usability.
* Build and maintain new features using PHP and CodeIgniter 4.
* Write, debug, and optimise SQL queries.
* Enhance front-end UI/UX using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and jQuery.
* Visualise complex datasets using tools like Highcharts and mapping libraries.
* Modularise large systems and contribute to architectural improvements.
Project Collaboration
* Work closely with the tech and research teams to deliver enhancements and system upgrades.
* Participate in planning and design discussions for new modules and microsites.
* Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the stack.
* Version Control & Deployment
* Use Git/Subversion for version control and contribute to repository management.
* Adapt to different configurations and setups across projects.
Key Competencies
Essential Skills
* Strong PHP and CodeIgniter 4 skills.
* Solid understanding of relational databases and SQL.
* Proficiency in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and jQuery.
* Experience with data visualisation tools (e.g., Highcharts).
* Ability to work independently and ask for help when needed.
* Comfortable working on large, modular projects.
* Understanding of responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.
* Experience with Git (preferred) and Subversion.
Desirable Skills
* Experience with Ajax and modern JavaScript frameworks.
* Familiarity with SaaS platforms and statistical analysis tools.
* Knowledge of mapping and data warehousing.
* Experience working with clients such as DEFRA, CEFAS, UEFA, or Premier League.
Role Benefits
* 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days).
* Flexible remote working with Manchester office access.
* Professional development support.
* Perkbox employee benefits platform.
* Contributory pension scheme.
* Salary sacrifice schemes (e.g., cycle to work).
* Eye care vouchers.
* Death in Service benefit.
* Free health service (after 3 years).
* Regular company social events.