Senior Engineering Team / Software Development Partner

# Senior Engineering Team / Software Development Partner ## Build a Next-Generation Automotive Dealer Operating System (CRM + Workflow + AI) ### Overview We are seeking an experienced software engineering team (agency, studio, or boutique development firm) to help design, architect, and build Phase 1 of a modern Dealer Operating System (DOS) for a multi-rooftop automotive dealership group. This is not a typical CRM project. We're building a workflow-centric operating platform that unifies customer management, sales workflows, desking, equity mining, inventory intelligence, and AI-assisted operations into a single application used daily by dealership personnel. The goal is to replace legacy dealership software with a modern, scalable SaaS platform designed for both internal use and future commercialization. --- ## What We're Looking For We are specifically interested in teams that can provide: * Product architecture * Full-stack engineering * UI/UX implementation * DevOps / cloud infrastructure * QA and testing * Security-conscious development Bonus points if you have experience with: * CRM platforms * Workflow systems * Automotive technology * Dealer Management Systems (DMS) * Enterprise SaaS products * AI-enabled applications --- ## Project Scope ### Core Platform Build a web-based application that includes: #### Authentication & Access * Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) SSO * Role-based access control * Multi-store permissions * MFA support * User management --- ### CRM & Customer Management * Customer database * Unified customer profile * Customer activity timeline * Notes and tasks * Service and sales history * Universal search --- ### Sales Workflow Engine Build guided workflows supporting: * Prospect management * Lead follow-up * Equity mining * Sales process management * Desking workflows * Trade appraisal workflows * Manager approvals --- ### Native Desking Including: * First pencil workflows * Four-square worksheet * Deal structuring * Incentive integration * Trade valuation support --- ### Dashboard & Reporting Role-specific dashboards with: * Sales performance metrics * Pipeline visibility * Opportunity management * Leaderboards * Multi-store rollups --- ### Inventory Module * Grid view * Table view * Interactive lot map * Vehicle detail pages * Inventory intelligence --- ### AI Assistant Embedded throughout the platform. Capabilities may include: * Customer summaries * Workflow recommendations * Natural language search * Operational assistance * Reporting assistance We are open to architecture recommendations regarding AI frameworks and providers. --- ### Platform Productivity Features * Global search * Command palette * Keyboard-driven navigation * Workflow shortcuts * Guided onboarding * Light/dark mode --- ## Integrations Expected integrations include: * Microsoft Entra ID * CDK DMS ecosystem * Snowflake * Automotive Mastermind * Apollo * AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.) Experience integrating with enterprise APIs is important. --- ## Technical Expectations We are not locked into a specific stack but anticipate something similar to: ### Front End * React / Next.js * TypeScript ### Back End * Node.js / NestJS * REST and/or GraphQL APIs ### Infrastructure * AWS preferred * CI/CD pipelines * Containerized deployment * Scalable multi-tenant architecture Please propose alternatives if you believe there is a better approach. --- ## Security Requirements This platform will handle customer and financial data. Experience with: * Role-based security models * Encryption at rest and in transit * Audit logging * Secure API design * FTC Safeguards considerations * Privacy and compliance requirements is highly desirable. --- ## Ideal Team We prefer a team that can provide: * Technical Lead / Architect * Product Manager * UI/UX Designer * Front-End Engineers * Back-End Engineers * QA Engineers * DevOps / Infrastructure Engineer --- ## To Apply Please include: ### 1. Company Overview Tell us about your team and location. ### 2. Relevant Projects Share examples of: * CRM platforms * SaaS applications * Workflow systems * AI-enabled products * Automotive software (if applicable) ### 3. Technical Approach How would you architect this platform? ### 4. Team Structure Who would be assigned to the project? ### 5. Estimated Timeline Rough estimate for: * Discovery * Design * Development * Testing * Launch ### 6. Budget Range Please provide: * Fixed-price estimate * Time & materials estimate * Monthly support estimate ### 7. References Provide client references for projects of similar complexity. --- ## Important Notes * We are looking for a long-term engineering partner, not a solo freelancer. * Agencies, development studios, and established engineering teams are preferred. * Strong communication and product-thinking are as important as engineering capability. * We have existing product requirements, workflow maps, and design concepts that will be shared during the evaluation process after NDA execution. **Project Type:** Long-Term SaaS Platform Development **Engagement:** Discovery → Design → Build → Launch → Ongoing Support **Start Date:** Immediate --- **Please begin your proposal with the phrase "Dealer OS" so we know you've read the entire posting.** This helps filter out automated responses and low-quality submissions.