WooCommerce + WordPress Automation Developer & Designer (Large Catalog Drop Ship Build)

Overview We are launching an e-commerce storefront in the outdoor, fishing, and tactical space. We are seeking an experienced developer/designer team to build a custom WooCommerce website on WordPress that integrates a live, automated inventory feed. The distributor provides an active automated FTP server containing hourly/daily data feeds. This project involves setting up a robust backend to parse this massive data feed (approx. 20,000+ items) and designing a premium, highly optimized user experience around it. Because this niche includes regulated outdoor items (knives, tactical gear, etc.), this site must be a self-hosted WooCommerce build utilizing a high-risk payment gateway. Project Scope & Deliverables Phase 1: Backend Data Automation & Filter Pipeline (The Engine) FTP Integration: Connect to pull daily product catalogs and inventory spreadsheets automatically. Data Cleaning & Filtering: Program a script or utilize heavy-duty import plugins (like WP All Import Pro) to filter the product data. The system must explicitly exclude and ignore specific product codes/categories (e.g., firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines) based on our instructions. Pricing & MAP Logic: Write a custom pricing formula that automatically adds our profit margin to the distributor's cost, while continuously checking the distributor’s MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) column. The final price must never drop below MAP. Inventory Safety Buffer: Implement a script rule to prevent "ghost inventory" double-selling: If Distributor_Qty is less than 4, set WooCommerce_Qty = 0. Automated Sync: Set up a daily cron job or scheduled server task to run at 2:00 AM to update stock quantities and pricing seamlessly without manual input. Phase 2: Storefront Design & High-Risk Configuration (The Body) Large Catalog Theme Setup: Install and heavily customize a premium, fast-loading WooCommerce theme optimized for tens of thousands of items. Advanced Faceted Navigation: Build a multi-layered filtering sidebar so customers can filter thousands of products instantly by Brand, Price, Size, Category, and Weight. High-Risk Gateway Integration: Seamlessly integrate a high-risk merchant account at checkout. Image & Speed Optimization: Implement lazy loading, WebP image conversion, and server-side caching so the massive catalog loads in under 2.5 seconds. Shipping & Freight Matrix: Configure complex shipping rules (e.g., separating ground shipping from high-freight/expedited items) matching the distributor's fulfillment policies. Required Technical Skills WordPress & WooCommerce Expert (Must have experience handling 20,000+ SKU catalogs). Data Automation / Parsing: Deep experience with automated CSV data feeds, FTP servers, Cron Jobs, and data mapping. Plugins: Mastery of WP All Import Pro (including custom PHP functions for execution loops) or custom Python/PHP script integrations. Performance Optimization: Experience with Redis caching, Cloudways/Kinsta VPS setups, and database optimization for massive product tables. Security & Gateway Compliance: Deep understanding of integrating 3rd-party payment processing gateways. Project Type & Budget Project Type: One-time project with potential for a monthly maintenance retainer. Budget: Fixed Price. Please submit your bid based on the milestones below. Application Instructions You must start your application proposal with the word "TACTICAL". Any application failing to include this word at the very beginning will be deleted immediately. Please include in your proposal: Examples of past WooCommerce or Shopify stores you have built that contain over 10,000 SKUs. A brief sentence explaining how you plan to tackle the daily automated FTP data sync loop. Your estimated timeline to complete this build.