Contract Senior WordPress Developer

The Contract Senior WordPress Developer works closely with 829 Studios’ client services, design, and project teams to architect, build, and maintain high-quality WordPress websites for a diverse range of clients. This role blends hands-on technical execution with strategic consultation, combining deep WordPress expertise with cross-disciplinary collaboration to deliver performant, accessible, and visually refined digital experiences.

You will be responsible for translating strategy and design into scalable, maintainable WordPress implementations. From custom theme and plugin development to content architecture and performance optimization, you will play a key role in ensuring every WordPress build meets both technical and business objectives.

What You'll Do:

WordPress Development & Implementation

• Build, configure, and maintain WordPress sites using modern best practices for custom themes, plugins, and content architecture.
• Develop custom WordPress themes that accurately translate design specifications and deliver responsive, accessible experiences across devices.
• Build and maintain custom plugins, blocks (ACF & Gutenberg), post types, taxonomies, and editorial workflows tailored to client needs.
• Implement and maintain block-based editing experiences (both ACF and native) that empower content teams while protecting design consistency.
• Manage site migrations, rebuilds, and deployments while preserving performance, SEO, and content integrity.
• Maintain WordPress core, themes, and plugins with a strong focus on security, stability, and long-term maintainability.

Performance, Accessibility & Integrations

• Optimize WordPress sites for speed, scalability, and reliability across traffic patterns and hosting environments.
• Ensure sites meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x AA), incorporating accessibility into both front-end and editorial experiences.
• Integrate WordPress with third-party services and APIs such as CRMs, marketing platforms, analytics, and form systems.
• Debug and resolve front-end and backend issues with a methodical approach and clear communication.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Collaborate with Account Managers, Project Managers, Designers, and Engineers to translate business requirements into sound technical solutions.
• Participate in technical planning, estimation, and documentation during discovery and delivery phases.
• Provide guidance on WordPress architecture, development standards, and best practices.
• Support smooth deployments and releases through collaboration with hosting and DevOps stakeholders.
• Act as a senior technical voice on WordPress projects, helping ensure quality, consistency, and long-term success.

What You'll Bring:

• 8–10+ years of professional web development experience, with significant hands-on WordPress expertise.
• Proven experience building and maintaining custom WordPress websites using custom themes and plugins.
• Strong proficiency in PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Deep understanding of WordPress core concepts, including the block editor (ACF & Gutenberg), theme architecture, and plugin development.
• Experience building flexible content models using custom post types, taxonomies, and block patterns.
• Familiarity with modern front-end tooling and CSS frameworks
• Strong understanding of performance optimization techniques for WordPress.
• Working knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.
• Experience integrating WordPress with REST APIs and third-party platforms.
• Ability to translate design files (Figma, Adobe, etc.) into pixel-accurate, responsive implementations.
• Comfort performing basic DevOps and hosting-level tasks, such as debugging caching issues, reviewing logs, or importing databases.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Experience with headless or decoupled WordPress architectures is a plus.

Hourly Rate Range: $35-$65/hour

We determine compensation based on experience, demonstrated skills, and current market conditions at the time of hire to ensure fairness and consistency across roles. Actual compensation will depend on experience and may be adjusted based on skills, qualifications, and alignment with the scope and impact of the role.