Senior Shopify Developer

Sanctuary Computer, a forward-thinking worker-owned creative collective, is seeking a seasoned Senior Shopify Developer for a contract role within their dynamic Design and Development Team. This opportunity is fully remote, offering flexibility to contribute to a unique organisation that champions profit sharing, open-source initiatives, and the pursuit of innovative ideas.

About the Role

As a Senior Shopify Developer, you will play a crucial role in bringing client visions to life by crafting sophisticated e-commerce solutions. You'll be an integral part of a collaborative environment, working hand-in-hand with Technical Leads and Designers to address complex client requirements and deliver exceptional digital experiences. This position demands a blend of technical prowess and creative problem-solving, focusing on building and maintaining high-performance online storefronts that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of development tasks, all aimed at delivering top-tier Shopify solutions:

• **Collaborate with Stakeholders:** Engage closely with Technical Leads and Designers to thoroughly understand and implement clients' custom e-commerce and technical needs.
• **Build Advanced Storefronts:** Develop and maintain high-performance e-commerce storefronts. This includes working with custom Liquid for Online Store 2.0, as well as modern headless architectures leveraging technologies like the Shopify Storefront API, GraphQL, Hydrogen/Remix, and Next.js.
• **Implement User Interfaces:** Translate design specifications into responsive, accessible, and pixel-perfect interfaces that provide an intuitive user experience.
• **Integrate Systems:** Seamlessly integrate custom storefronts with headless Content Management Systems (CMS) and various third-party e-commerce APIs.
• **Optimise Performance:** Focus on optimising e-commerce performance, with a particular emphasis on improving Core Web Vitals to ensure fast and efficient user journeys.
• **Develop Reusable Components:** Architect and build scalable, reusable component libraries specifically designed for commercial platforms, promoting efficiency and consistency.
• **Document Solutions:** Create clear and comprehensive documentation for store management processes and any custom app integrations.
• **Participate in Team Processes:** Actively engage in project team rituals, including Sprint Planning sessions and thorough code reviews, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

What They're Looking For

Sanctuary Computer is searching for an experienced developer with a proven track record in frontend development and a deep understanding of the Shopify ecosystem. Essential qualifications and experience include:

• **Extensive Frontend Experience:** A minimum of 8 years of experience in frontend coding, with a strong emphasis on achieving optimal performance.
• **Shopify Expertise:** Mastery of the Shopify ecosystem, demonstrated through building custom Shopify themes and headless storefronts.
• **Technical Proficiency:** Expert-level command of TypeScript and proficiency in various CSS methodologies.
• **Integration Experience:** Familiarity with headless CMS platforms and integrating with third-party services.
• **Platform Knowledge:** Fluency in industry-standard Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) platforms.
• **API and State Management:** Knowledge of state management solutions and common API integration patterns.
• **Accessibility and SEO:** Experience in building accessible, responsive interfaces with a keen understanding of and commitment to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices.
• **Performance Optimisation:** Practical knowledge of caching strategies and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for efficient image delivery and overall site speed.

For developers in South Africa, roles like this, involving senior-level Shopify development and headless architecture, can offer competitive remuneration. While specific rates vary widely based on experience, company size, and the complexity of the projects, you might expect salaries in the mid-to-high range within the tech sector, often R40,000 to R70,000+ per month for experienced contractors. The demand for skilled Shopify developers is consistently high, with opportunities arising from a wide array of South African businesses, from small startups to large retail operations looking to enhance their online presence. Career progression typically involves moving into lead development roles, technical architecture, or specialised e-commerce consulting.

• 8+ years of frontend code experience with a focus on optimal performance.
• Deep Shopify Ecosystem Mastery, including building custom Shopify themes and headless storefronts.
• Expert-level experience with TypeScript and CSS methodologies.
• Experience with headless CMS platforms and third-party service integrations.
• Fluency in industry-standard PaaS platforms.
• Knowledge of state management solutions and API integration patterns.
• Experience building accessible, responsive interfaces with a commitment to SEO best practices.
• Practical knowledge of caching strategies and image delivery networks.