PHP Software Developer

Team: Catalyst Development Team
Reports to: Team Lead
Start Date: ASAP

As Catalyst continues to grow, we’re looking for talented software developers to join our team in Brighton, UK, with hybrid and remote working options available.

You’ll have the opportunity to work on exciting and varied projects for leading organisations in the Higher Education and not-for-profit sectors, helping us deliver high-quality, open-source software solutions that make a real difference.

At Catalyst, we value collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. You’ll be part of a supportive, experienced team where your ideas and contributions matter, and where you’ll have opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.

Job summary

As a member of the Catalyst Development Team, you’ll work on a diverse range of projects, including platform enhancements, custom plugin development, system migrations and platform upgrades for clients across the Higher Education and not-for-profit sectors.

You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with our Engineering and Operations Team, which provides ongoing support and technical services to our clients. This may involve working directly with clients and colleagues across Catalyst to investigate, troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges, helping to improve the reliability, performance and overall experience of the platforms we support.

We’re looking for developers who enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.

You’ll be supported from day one through our structured onboarding process and buddy system. We actively encourage professional development through hands-on experience, knowledge sharing, collaboration and engagement with the wider Catalyst and Moodle communities around the world.

Whether you’re building on existing expertise or looking to broaden your technical skills, you’ll find opportunities to learn, contribute and make an impact.

We’re recruiting across a range of experience levels and welcome applications from developers who share our enthusiasm for open-source technology, collaborative problem-solving and continuous learning.

The successful candidate will have:

Core Skills & Attributes

  • A collaborative attitude and strong soft skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a wider team
  • Reliability and the ability to commit to and meet deadlines
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging ability
  • The ability to engage clearly with non-technical audiences, articulating complex technical issues in an accessible way
  • A drive to develop new specialist knowledge in relevant technologies, programming languages, tools and techniques, applying that expertise to deliver effective solutions

Technical Skills

  • Excellent understanding of PHP
  • Excellent understanding of Git
  • Working knowledge of JavaScript
  • Working knowledge of Linux
  • Working knowledge of Docker
  • Familiarity with PostgreSQL and MySQL databases
  • Familiarity with GitLab pipelines, GoCD or similar development pipeline tools
  • Experience with container-based workloads and orchestration systems; specific knowledge of AWS RDS, ECS and EKS is beneficial
  • Experience with Moodle, Mahara and Totara is desirable

For More Senior Candidates

  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical decisions and design
  • Ability to determine and communicate priorities clearly, balancing competing demands across projects and teams
  • Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to influence technical direction and engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

We also look out for

  • Effective relationship building with and between teams
  • Self-motivation and proactive contributions to team planning and workflow management
  • Knowledge sharing and contributions to team process improvement
  • Affinity for Open Source ideals
  • Inclusive and respectful social interactions with both staff and clients

Benefits

  • Competitive salaries with a focus on progression and professional development;
    • Junior bands starting at £25,000
    • Intermediate bands starting at £35,000
    • Senior bands starting at £50,000
  • 33 days paid annual leave allowance
  • Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid & remote working options
  • Private medical insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Income protection insurance
  • Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
  • Bike to Work scheme
  • Social events (in person and remote)
  • Quarterly Townhall all team events in Brighton

Pre-Employment Checks

Any offer of employment is conditional upon satisfactory completion of applicable pre-employment checks, including a Basic DBS or equivalent background check and a Right to Work check.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and make employment decisions based on skills, experience and suitability for the role.

Details for applicants

If you would like to apply for a role at Catalyst, please send your C.V. and cover letter to jobs@catalyst-eu.net