PHP Developer

University of Southampton Students' Union; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A student union organization in Southampton is seeking an enthusiastic PHP Developer to enhance their back-end platform. The ideal candidate has over two years of experience with PHP and related technologies, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well in a team. The role offers a hybrid working model, competitive leave options, and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Hybrid working

46 days off annually

Defined contributions pension scheme

Discounted bus passes

Cycle scheme

Wellbeing and social activities

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience using web development technologies.
• Experience with PHP outside of its use within frameworks is a plus.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain our organisations back-end platform.
• Write clean code that is clear and understandable by others.
• Contribute to the planning of digital projects.
• Lead on all phases of the development lifecycle.
• Work with stakeholders to understand the needs of the organization and users.
• Provide technical resource to tie together all of our digital systems.

Skills

PHP

MySQL

JavaScript

HTML

CSS

Git

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Tools

WordPress

Vue.js

Job description

We are recruiting for a PHP Developer to join our expanding digital team and are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, hard-working, keen to develop and ready for a new opportunity. Working as our in-house specialist for our back-end platform, you will be taking our system to new levels with an ambitious improvement and innovation plan, that will provide the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills and expertise.

To be successful in this role, you should have a minimum of two years of experience using web development technologies, including PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Git. Experience with PHP outside of its use within frameworks is also a plus, as is experience working within a large application codebase. In addition to strong technical skills, we are looking for someone who is organised, has strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and is able to work well with others. A willingness to learn and stay calm under pressure are also important qualities for this role.

Main Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain our organisations back-end platform.
• Write clean code that is clear and understandable by others
• Contribute to the planning of digital projects
• Lead on all phases of the development lifecycle
• Work with key stakeholders to understand the needs of both the organisation and our users
• Provide technical resource to tie together all of our digital systems

Essential skills and knowledge:

• At least 2 years’ experience in creating and maintaining PHP based systems
• Understanding of MVC approach to programming
• Experience of working with MySQL
• Demonstrable knowledge of web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery & Bootstrap
• Experience of using frontend frameworks like vue.js
• Experience of programming within WordPress, including WP plugins

Beneficial skills and knowledge:

• Linux Usage and Administration
• MySQL, SQL and Administration

What SUSU can offer:

• A 35-hour working week
• Hybrid working (with a minimum of 3 days in our office on Highfield Campus, Southampton)
• 46 days off annually with 30 days of annual leave to take at your choosing, 2 closure days at August, 2 at Easter and 4 at Christmas. Plus 8 bank holidays (colleagues also have the opportunity to purchase up to an additional week of annual leave)
• A defined contributions pension scheme where we contribute 10%.
• Discounted bus passes (UniLink and Blue Star) and a cycle scheme
• A friendly, fun and dynamic team
• Opportunity to join in the organisation’s wellbeing and social activities throughout the year

To find out more, visit our website here.

To Apply:

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity and you have the skills detailed in our job description, then we would love you to get in touch by sending your CV and a covering letter by clicking on 'Apply Now'. In your covering letter please provide information specifically related to your PHP experience, confirming whether it is a language you use in your current role or you have experience of using in the past. By not including this we will be unable to shortlist you.

Applications will be reviewed throughout the advert posting and you may be contacted to complete a PHP based task prior to the closing date. Following successful completion of this task, candidates may proceed to in-person interview. A further task is to be completed at interview.

In-person interviews are currently scheduled for 4 November 2025.

If you have any questions prior to submitting your application, please contact the People Team by emailing [e-mail].

To know before applying:

Regretfully, SUSU is NOT a sponsoring organisation and is, therefore, not able to sponsor you for a visa if you require one (such as Tier 2) to work in the UK.

Please note feedback will not be provided if you are not shortlisted for interview.

SUSU is an equal opportunities employer that values a diverse workforce, and we want to reflect the student body that we represent. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination and will ensure that our recruitment activities are mindful of equality and diversity matters.