Senior Shopify Developer Needed - Harley-Davidson Aftermarket Parts Store (API-Driven)

We are building a serious, long-term eCommerce platform focused on Harley-Davidson aftermarket parts and accessories. Our custom API is nearing completion and will handle product data, inventory, and order automation. We now need a high-level Shopify developer or agency to build a front-end store that is fast, scalable, and conversion-focused. This is not a basic Shopify project. We are building a system designed to compete with top-tier motorsports retailers. Project Objectives: 1. Build a high-performance Shopify store capable of handling a large product catalog. 2. Integrate a custom API for full automation of products, inventory, and orders. 3. Deliver a best-in-class user experience tailored to Harley-Davidson riders. 4. Create a scalable foundation for long-term growth Scope of Work: 1. Shopify Store Development Custom Shopify build (theme customization or headless approach if justified) Mobile-first, performance-optimized design Bold, premium aesthetic aligned with Harley-Davidson culture 2. API Integration Integrate our custom API to: Sync product catalog (large SKU volume) Manage real-time inventory Automate order flow Ensure stability, scalability, and clean data handling 3. Product Structure & Navigation (Critical) Build intelligent category structure: By motorcycle model By year By part type Implement fitment-based navigation (year/make/model filtering is mandatory) Advanced filtering and sorting capabilities Fast, accurate predictive search 4. UX/UI & Conversion Optimization High-converting product pages Clear calls-to-action Upsell and cross-sell functionality Streamlined checkout experience Trust elements (reviews, guarantees, etc.) 5. Performance & SEO Optimize for speed (Core Web Vitals) SEO-friendly architecture: Clean URLs Structured data (schema) Metadata optimization Ensure scalability for large catalog indexing 6. Apps & Integrations Recommend and implement only essential, high-performance Shopify apps Avoid unnecessary bloat Integrate analytics and tracking tools Design & UX Benchmarks (Required Review): We expect build quality and user experience comparable to: RevZilla (product presentation, UX, conversion flow) J&P Cycles (Harley-specific navigation and fitment logic) Dennis Kirk (catalog scale and filtering performance) Summit Racing Equipment (advanced filtering and scalability) Applicants must be able to explain how they will achieve similar or better functionality within Shopify. Deliverables: 1. Fully functional Shopify store ready for launch 2. Complete API integration (tested and stable) 3. Optimized product navigation and filtering system 4. Documentation for backend management 5. Post-launch support Required Experience: Proven Shopify builds (portfolio required) Experience with large product catalogs Strong experience with API integrations Understanding of conversion-focused UX Experience in automotive, motorcycle, or parts eCommerce strongly preferred Preferred (Not Required): Experience with fitment-based systems (year/make/model filtering) Shopify Plus or headless Shopify experience Performance optimization expertise To Apply, Include: Links to relevant Shopify or motorsports/automotive projects Explanation of how you would handle API integration with Shopify Recommendation: standard Shopify vs headless (and why) Estimated timeline and cost range Any improvements or concerns you see with this project Budget: Open to proposals. We are prioritizing quality, performance, and long-term scalability over lowest cost. Important: This is a serious build. If you do not have experience with complex Shopify implementations or API integrations, do not apply.