WhatsApp Business → Pipedrive CRM Automation

I’m looking for an experienced automation specialist to set up an integration between WhatsApp Business and Pipedrive CRM.
The goal is simple: when someone sends a message to our WhatsApp Business number, it should automatically create or update a lead in Pipedrive and log the message appropriately.
This is for a UK-based same-day courier business, so reliability and clean data handling matter more than flashy extras.
Scope of Work
We need an automation that does the following:
• Capture incoming WhatsApp messages
• Match the sender by phone number in Pipedrive
• If the contact exists, update the existing person and/or lead
• If the contact does not exist, create a new person and lead
• Log the WhatsApp message as a note or activity against the lead
• Apply a clear source or tag (e.g. “Inbound WhatsApp”)
Current Setup
• WhatsApp Business number (standard app to begin with)
• Pipedrive CRM already in use
• Open to using Make (preferred), Zapier, or a lightweight custom webhook solution
This does not need to be over-engineered, but it does need to be robust and well documented.
Nice to Have (Not Essential)
• Auto-reply confirmation message on WhatsApp
• Lead assignment rules
• Advice on future migration to WhatsApp Business API
• Experience with CRM hygiene and deduplication
Deliverables
• Fully working automation
• Clear explanation or walkthrough of the setup
• Ability for us to maintain or tweak it internally after handover
Ideal Freelancer
• Proven experience with WhatsApp Business automations
• Strong knowledge of Pipedrive (people, leads, activities)
• Comfortable with Make or Zapier logic
• Clear communicator who can explain what’s been built
To Apply
Please include:
• Brief description of similar work you’ve done
• Which tools you recommend for this setup and why
• Estimated timeframe to complete