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Jonathan MachellJM

Jonathan Machell

Software Developer

€607/day
Lancaster, GB
15+ years

Average response time: 1 hour

About Jonathan

I help organisations deliver robust, maintainable software solutions and optimise their data systems. With over 20 years of experience, I specialise in backend and database development, system integrations and bespoke application work that delivers measurable results.

My expertise includes SQL (T-SQL, PL/SQL), PHP, JavaScript, jQuery and industry‑standard tools and methodologies for building, migrating, and maintaining high‑performance systems. I bring a proven track record in designing scalable solutions, improving database performance and integrating complex systems with existing infrastructure.

I work on a range of projects including:
  • Database architecture and performance optimisation - schema design, query tuning, indexing
  • System integrations - APIs, authentication (SSO, LDAP, OAuth)
  • Custom application development - backend, middleware and front‑end enhancements
  • Data migrations - extracting, transforming and loading data between systems
My work includes deep experience in higher‑education systems such as SITS:Vision, which has equipped me with a strong understanding of large‑scale, mission‑critical platforms, complex data governance and working across multidisciplinary teams.

I bring agility to every project, adapting quickly to client-specific processes and I prioritise delivering solutions that balance performance, reliability and maintainability.

Fully insured for professional indemnity and business liability, I offer clients peace of mind alongside technical excellence. I am available for short‑term contracts and freelance projects and welcome opportunities to deliver high‑quality solutions.
  • English

    Native or bilingual

Can work on-site
Lancaster (up to 50km)

Experience

  • Canterbury Christ Church University
    SITS Developer
    EDUCATION AND E-LEARNING
    April 2025 - September 2025 (5 months)
    Canterbury, United Kingdom
    Summary
    Contracted to support the SITS Team with system enhancements and operational delivery, with a focus on automating statutory returns to the Student Loans Company (SLC). Contributed to both project-based and business-as-usual (BAU) work, ensuring timely and compliant student data processing during critical periods.

    Key Achievements
    • SLC Automation: Improved and automated the generation of data returns to the Student Loans Company, reducing manual workload and enhancing compliance.
    • Embargo Management: Supported critical embargo period processes, ensuring strict compliance with UCAS regulations by preventing early access to restricted results data.
    • Research Portal Development: Contributed to the enhancement of a new postgraduate research portal, delivering bug fixes, system improvements and usability refinements to support postgraduate students and staff.
    • Operational Support: Assisted with incident resolution, student data issues and general student records maintenance as part of BAU service delivery.
  • Birmingham City University
    SITS Developer
    EDUCATION AND E-LEARNING
    July 2023 - March 2025 (1 year and 8 months)
    Birmingham, United Kingdom
    Summary
    Over an 18-month contract at Birmingham City University (BCU), extended four times, I led and contributed to several critical software development projects, including the replacement of the legacy Change of Circumstances system, student self-certification, extenuating circumstances management, absence monitoring, and dissertation supervision. These projects involved designing and deploying robust solutions that streamlined workflows, automated complex administrative tasks, and improved user experiences for students and staff.

    Key Achievements
    • Led the design, development, and deployment of a new Change of Circumstances system, replacing an outdated legacy platform. Collaborated with multiple university stakeholders to gather requirements, oversee testing, and ensure a seamless go-live process. The new system enhanced functionality for managing student requests such as withdrawals, course transfers, and resumptions, delivering a more efficient and user-friendly experience.
    • Designed and deployed a self-certification system with automated notifications, rule enforcement, and a staff portal for streamlined management.
    • Developed and implemented an automated PL/SQL-driven process to streamline research student supervisory meetings, integrating batch event creation and automated notifications to improve efficiency and compliance.
    • Enhanced the Extenuating Circumstances portal, automating missing assessment records and implementing bulk deletion processes while preserving data integrity.
    • Implemented a robust absence monitoring solution using PL/SQL, improving compliance and tracking accuracy.
    • Added functionality for assigning dissertation supervisors in e:Vision, enhancing operational flexibility.
    • Automated the transfer of contact point records during student course changes, ensuring data consistency and reducing manual workload.
    • Collaborated on testing and deploying software updates, ensuring seamless integration with live systems.
    PL/SQL SITS:Vision
  • London Metropolitan University
    SITS Developer
    EDUCATION AND E-LEARNING
    April 2023 - July 2023 (3 months)
    London, United Kingdom
    Summary
    Responsible for the ongoing upkeep and development of the Admissions module, mainly covering Clearing and Online Applications.

    Key Achievements
    • Roll-over and bug-fix of the entire Clearing module in preparation for the next academic cycle.
    • Online Applications. Major rewrite of end-to-end process, updating conditional text and ensuring all content and emails generated were fully responsive and W3C compliant. Navigation controls re-worked to simplify movement between pages.
    • Agent Portal. New task created to allow agents to enter offers for students.
    • Third-line support, covering ad-hoc and high-priority issues.

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Education

  • B.Sc.
    Lancaster University
    1996
    B.Sc.
  • B.Sc.
    Heriot-Watt University
    1995
    B.Sc.

Skill set

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