WooCommerce Frontend Designer Needed (Large Catalog / Regulated Niche Experience)

Overview We are launching an e-commerce storefront in the outdoor, fishing, and tactical space on WooCommerce (WordPress). We already have an internal technical backend developer (VA) who is building the automated data pipeline to parse our distributor's FTP server (approx. 20,000+ items), map SKUs, and handle live stock updates. We are seeking a highly skilled Frontend WooCommerce Designer to build out the UI/UX, theme, and checkout experience around this data framework. You will need to coordinate slightly with our backend developer to ensure your visual product grids and advanced filtering system display their mapped product attributes correctly. 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: 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: Experience with automated CSV data feeds, FTP servers, Cron Jobs, and data mapping. Plugins: Experience 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. Your estimated timeline to complete this build.