At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive deep into legacy systems, document them, and prepare for future migrations.
- Company: Join MadeByAI, a forward-thinking company transforming business systems with AI.
- Benefits: Flexible contract work, hybrid options, and the chance to shape future tech.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for impactful contributions.
- Why this job: Be a key player in understanding and modernising critical business systems.
- Qualifications: Experience with legacy systems, strong analytical skills, and a passion for tech.
Legacy Systems Discovery & Migration Readiness Contract / Freelance (Initial 5–15 day engagement) Hybrid / On-site required initially (North West England)
MadeByAI is seeking an experienced technical contractor to support the discovery, interrogation and documentation of a complex legacy business systems environment as part of a wider AI and systems transformation programme. This is not a typical software development role.
The environment includes:
- Microsoft Access applications
- VBA / Visual Basic logic
- ASP.NET applications
- ERP-linked systems
- Synchronised local and central databases
- Stored procedures and transactional business logic
- Complex relational database structures
- Long-standing operational processes and data dependencies
The immediate objective is not to rewrite systems, but to:
- Understand them properly
- Document them accurately
- Identify dependencies and risks
- Prepare the environment for future migration, consolidation or redevelopment
The type of person we need:
- Someone who enjoys understanding how older systems really work — not someone who only operates in greenfield environments.
- You would suit this role if you:
- Enjoy understanding how older systems really work
- Can independently interrogate databases and workflows
- Understand why long-lived systems often contain important business logic
- Are comfortable working without perfect documentation
- Have strong analytical instincts
- Can distinguish between “legacy because old” and “legacy because mission‑critical”
Key responsibilities:
- Review and interrogate existing databases and systems
- Analyse relational database schemas and dependencies
- Understand data flows, synchronisation and locking mechanisms
- Review stored procedures, views and business logic
- Identify manual workarounds and operational dependencies
- Document systems to migration‑ready level
- Support assessment of migration and redevelopment options
- Work with operational stakeholders to extract undocumented knowledge
- Help identify risks, duplication and architectural constraints
Essential technical skills:
You should have strong practical experience with several of the following:
- Core technologies
- Complex schemas and data relationships
- Reverse-engineering undocumented systems
- Technical documentation
- Workflow and dependency mapping
- Understanding operational business processes through data structures
Highly desirable experience:
- Experience with long-running business‑critical systems
- Financial, ERP, invoicing or operational systems experience
- Understanding of synchronisation architectures
- Experience migrating or modernising Access/SQL‑based systems
- Familiarity with audit‑sensitive or highly controlled environments
- Experience working with organisations in regulated sectors
Security & compliance awareness:
- NCSC Cloud Security Principles
- Security considerations for defence or sensitive‑sector clients
Duration:
This role is as much about technical judgement and systems thinking as it is about coding or development. The successful contractor will need to be capable of understanding not just what systems do, but why they evolved the way they did — and what risks exist if that logic is misunderstood during migration or redevelopment.
Contract Technical Consultant — Legacy Systems Discovery & Migration Readiness employer: MadeByAI
MadeByAI is an exceptional employer that values the expertise of its contractors, offering a unique opportunity to engage with complex legacy systems in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide a supportive work culture that encourages independent thinking and problem-solving, all while being located in the vibrant North West England region. Our commitment to meaningful projects ensures that you will be part of a transformative journey, making a real impact in the world of AI and systems migration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Technical Consultant — Legacy Systems Discovery & Migration Readiness
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what MadeByAI values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges MadeByAI might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at MadeByAI!
✨Direct Apply to MadeByAI
Let's not forget to apply directly through the MadeByAI website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Technical Consultant — Legacy Systems Discovery & Migration Readiness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at MadeByAI.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at MadeByAI. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at MadeByAI
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
