Senior WordPress Recovery & Modernization Engineer (AI-Augmented / Full-Stack PHP)

Project Objective We are seeking an experienced WordPress recovery engineer to restore and modernize an existing website following the restoration of an older backup onto a fresh WordPress installation on a new hosting environment. The primary objective is to recover the original website as efficiently as possible, preserve existing digital assets and functionality, and maximize the website’s resale readiness and commercial value without unnecessary redevelopment. We are particularly interested in a developer who can combine deep WordPress and PHP expertise with AI-assisted development, autonomous coding agents, and automated diagnostics to accelerate delivery. Current Website Issues The website currently has several outstanding restoration issues: - Homepage: The homepage loads, but its original content is missing from both the frontend and the WordPress admin dashboard. - Navigation: The original navigation is missing or incomplete. - Images: Numerous images are missing or have incorrect file paths. - Plugin configuration: Plugin settings, dependencies, or integrations may not have been restored correctly. - Database integrity: A custom database table was missing and has been recreated. Its schema, data integrity, and dependencies require verification. A previous developer restored the available project code and addressed some image path issues. Further investigation is required to determine which original content, assets, settings, and functionality remain recoverable. Additional project details and access will be provided to the selected candidate. Required Technical Expertise The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in: WordPress recovery and migration - Recovering legacy WordPress websites from backups. - Diagnosing missing homepage content and navigation. - Restoring themes, plugins, page builders, custom post types, and shortcode functionality. - Migrating WordPress installations between hosting environments. - Resolving database, URL, file path, and configuration inconsistencies. Full-stack development - Advanced PHP, MySQL, WordPress internals, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. - WordPress hooks, filters, custom plugins, and theme architecture. - Database schema analysis and data integrity validation. - Server diagnostics, PHP error logs, WP-CLI, and performance troubleshooting. AI-augmented development - Effective use of AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Cursor, or equivalent tools. - Automated codebase analysis and root-cause investigation. - Scripted audits of media files, database references, dependencies, and broken links. - AI-assisted implementation with human-reviewed changes and automated regression testing. - Autonomous workflows that accelerate execution without compromising security or data integrity. Website modernization and resale readiness - Technical SEO and preservation of existing URLs and search visibility. - Performance optimization, security hardening, and maintainability. - Analytics and conversion tracking. - Technical documentation and clean ownership handover. - Experience preparing websites for acquisition, due diligence, or resale is a strong advantage. Scope of Work Phase 1 — Forensic Audit and Recovery Plan Inspect the available backups, database, WordPress files, themes, plugins, media library, and hosting configuration. Identify the root causes of the missing homepage, navigation, images, and plugin configuration. Deliver a concise assessment distinguishing recoverable functionality from functionality that must be rebuilt, together with the recommended recovery sequence, estimated effort, risks, and cost. Phase 2 — Website Restoration Restore the original website functionality wherever possible, including: - Homepage content and layout. - Site navigation and internal links. - Missing images and media references. - Theme and plugin configuration. - Database integrity and relevant custom functionality. Prioritize recovery of the original implementation over unnecessary redesign or redevelopment. If original content or assets cannot be recovered, document the gap and propose the most cost-effective alternative before proceeding. Phase 3 — Testing and Stabilization Verify the restored website across desktop and mobile devices. Test: - Homepage rendering and content management. - Navigation and important internal URLs. - Image loading and media references. - Plugin functionality and integrations. - PHP errors, broken links, and critical console errors. - Backup integrity, rollback procedures, and production deployment. Provide a clear list of completed tests, outstanding issues, and any remaining dependencies. Phase 4 — Modernization and Resale Preparation Once core functionality is restored, identify high-value improvements that are proportionate to the website's intended sale. Potential priorities include: - Technical SEO and preservation of existing search equity. - Performance and mobile usability. - Security and software dependency updates. - Analytics and conversion tracking. - Removal of unnecessary plugins and maintenance overhead. - Documentation of hosting requirements, licenses, and integrations. - Preparation of a technical handover and resale-readiness report. Do not undertake major redesigns or speculative features without prior approval and a clear commercial justification. AI and Automation Expectations We want to maximize delivery speed and value through an AI-first, automation-supported workflow. The successful candidate should explain how they will use AI coding agents and automation to: 1. Map the existing codebase and identify missing dependencies. 2. Compare available backup files and database contents. 3. Detect missing media and broken asset references. 4. Trace plugin dependencies and custom functionality. 5. Automate repeatable validation and regression tests. 6. Reduce manual effort while preserving human oversight of critical changes. All changes must be reviewed and tested. Production modifications must not be made without a verified backup and an agreed rollback plan. AI-generated code must not be accepted without appropriate validation. Deliverables The engagement should produce: 1. A forensic audit and prioritized recovery plan. 2. A restored and functional website, subject to the recoverability of the original assets. 3. A verified homepage, navigation, media library, and plugin configuration. 4. A record of testing results and unresolved issues. 5. A secure deployment and rollback procedure. 6. A technical handover covering code, database, hosting, dependencies, licenses, and maintenance. 7. A prioritized resale-readiness assessment with recommended improvements and estimated effort. All deliverables and access should be handed over to the website owner. Engagement Structure We prefer a milestone-based engagement to control costs and minimize wasted effort. Milestone 1 — Diagnostic Audit: Fixed-price assessment, root-cause findings, recovery plan, estimated effort, and risks. Milestone 2 — Core Recovery: Restore and validate the original website functionality against agreed acceptance criteria. Milestone 3 — Stabilization and Handover: Testing, security review, deployment, documentation, and resale-readiness recommendations. Any additional redevelopment should require approval before work begins. How to Apply Please include the following in your proposal: 1. Relevant examples of WordPress recovery, legacy migration, or database restoration projects. 2. Your experience with complex PHP, custom WordPress functionality, plugins, and shortcode debugging. 3. Which AI coding agents and autonomous workflows you use and how you validate their output. 4. Your proposed diagnostic approach for this website's missing homepage, navigation, images, and plugin configuration. 5. Your estimated timeline and fixed-price quote for each milestone. 6. Your proposed acceptance tests and how you will minimize the risk of data loss or unnecessary redevelopment. 7. Any access, backup, or diagnostic information you require to begin. Success means recovering the maximum amount of original functionality in the shortest practical time, with controlled costs, verifiable results, and a maintainable website that is ready for independent ownership and commercial evaluation.