WordPress Developer for Publishing Network

We run a growing network of WordPress publishing sites and are preparing to monetize. Before we do, there are two streams of work that need to move faster than our current capacity allows: Optimization backlog. We have a prioritized list of performance, SEO, and code improvements across existing sites. New site deployments. Content is already written and loaded. Sites need to be stood up quickly, cleanly, and SEO-primed from day one. Our stack is GeneratePress for rapid deployment. We have a part-time lead developer who is at capacity, and we need a second developer who can take ownership of tasks and keep the pipeline moving. What we need from you Proven experience building and scaling WordPress publishing/content sites (not just brochure sites or WooCommerce) Deep familiarity with GeneratePress (and GenerateBlocks) for fast, lightweight builds Strong performance optimization skills: Core Web Vitals, caching, image handling, script deferral, database cleanup. You should be able to hit and hold a 98+ Google PageSpeed score on a content site Technical SEO fundamentals: schema, sitemaps, internal linking structure, crawl hygiene, clean URL and taxonomy setup Clean, organized, commented code. Everything you ship will be reviewed by our lead developer Ability to scope work: when you get a task, tell us how long it will take, then hit that estimate How we work You will not be hand-held. We give you a task list and access; you work through it, flag blockers early, and report back with clear status and time estimates. For the first few days we will work closely together so you can learn our setup and conventions. If the work and communication match expectations, this becomes ongoing, and if you keep up and bill honestly, we can keep you busy full-time. To apply, please answer these directly in your proposal What experience do you have with tasks like this? Link to 2 or 3 publishing sites you have built or optimized, with PageSpeed scores if you have them. Why would you be a good fit for this team specifically? Starting from GeneratePress with content already populated, how quickly can you deploy a new site that is SEO-primed and optimized to a 98% Google PageSpeed score? Walk us through your process briefly. Your hourly rate and current weekly availability. Generic or templated proposals will be skipped. Show us you read this. Upwork settings suggestions Type: Hourly, ongoing project Duration: More than 6 months Hours: 10 to 30 hrs/week to start, full-time potential Experience level: Expert Skills tags: WordPress, GeneratePress, Page Speed Optimization, Core Web Vitals, Technical SEO, PHP, Web Performance, WordPress Multisite (if applicable), Cloudflare (if applicable) Screening questions (Upwork field): paste questions 1 through 4 above so answers are structured and easy to compare. Bonus points if you have experience monetizing publishing sites aside form just scaling.