I need something that will import a excel file into PHP, then allow me to filter that by adding dropdowns or generic text search in certain columns, which would vary from file to file.

Is there something like this, or will I have to get this developed?

Have you looked at PHPExcel? I've only using it for creating files but it does have read capabilities.

Thanks - I saw that. I was just hoping there was something that a designer could figure out. Guess not. I'll pass it on to the developer.

Depends if you have a database or not?

If you use PHP to import the XLS into MySQL then you can do it. Think there are plenty of "import xls with php" scripts out there, then mix it with existing database editing scripts.