AI Automation Specialist - AI-Powered Quotation System (Pilot Project, Ongoing Potential)

We're looking for a skilled n8n/make.com developer to build out a structured, documented automation system for a live client project. This is a pilot engagement, we're looking to identify a reliable, detail-oriented developer we can bring onto future automation projects on an ongoing basis if this one goes well. About the project: This is an automated quotation system for a retail client, built to replace a fully manual, time-consuming quoting process. The goal is to cut quotation turnaround time significantly, help the client's team work more efficiently, and save time across the entire request-to-quote pipeline. We've fully scoped and documented the system in a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), so you won't be designing from scratch — you'll be executing against clear specifications, workflow logic, and acceptance criteria that we provide. The system integrates: * n8n as the automation backbone * OpenAI GPT-4o / GPT-4o-mini for message parsing and content generation * A PHP-based POS system (via API) for inventory and pricing lookups * A third-party payment processor (via API) * WhatsApp Business API as the primary intake channel, along with Instagram and Facebook * GoHighLevel (GHL) for CRM and staff approval workflows What we need from you: Strong hands-on experience with n8n (not just Zapier/Make experience relabeled) Comfort working with REST APIs, webhooks, and API authentication (keys/tokens/OAuth) Experience handling structured AI output (e.g., parsing JSON responses from GPT models) Ability to follow detailed technical documentation independently, with minimal back-and-forth Clear, responsive communication, you'll be working from a written SOP and should flag blockers early, not late While we've documented the system in detail, we welcome your input and suggestions where you see opportunities to make the build stronger or more efficient How this will run: Full technical brief (SOP) provided upon hire Work will be broken into 2 milestones, each covering a defined portion of the build Each milestone is reviewed and tested before payment release and before moving to the next All communication for this project happens through our internal Slack workspace — no direct client contact is required or permitted To apply, please include: 1. A brief note on your experience with n8n specifically (not just general automation tools) 2. An example of a project where you integrated a third-party REST API with authentication 3. A brief description of how you would approach building an automation system for a retail store that receives over 600 quotation requests per day, where each quote must be pre-approved by one of two designated staff members, with requests coming primarily through WhatsApp, plus Instagram and Facebook 4. Your availability over the next 3-4 weeks We're looking to move quickly, so please only apply if you can realistically commit time within the next few days of being hired.