VirtueMart / Joolma developer needed to help finish a site

Our site is currently on Joomla 2.5.8 (PHP version 5.3.14) and VirtueMart v 2.0.10. We are looking for an experienced PHP/Joomla developer well versed in VirtueMart to help us build out the site's store. At this time, we only have the green-light on Phase 1, and while we hope there will be potential for future Phases, at this time this bid request is only for Phase 1.

Here is what we need to complete Phase 1:

1. When clicking on a product category in the website's main navigation, the current category landing page (menu item is “VirtueMart » Category Layout”) has styling issues. We would like this page to be a grid of the categories (images and name) that, for Phase 1, will open a PDF upon click. The link to the PDF will likely be hard-coded, since if we are granted future phases this page's functions and features will change. PDFs provided.

2. We also need the breadcrumbs to be fixed, and as I have seen mentioned in forums and online, functioning breadcrumbs is something not “out of the box” with VirtueMart. We would like to have what ever extension is available to uploaded/configured as a part of Phase 1. There should be a non-commercial extension, though if there is a cost we will pay for it (upon approved cost).

3. We also need the version of VirtueMart to be updated to the latest version. And assistance with any configuration of the store, VirtueMart categories, products, etc.

4. The will also be light CSS and front-end development/styling tasks, but no designing or high-level of effort work during Phase 1.

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The entire website consists of two web areas: the website itself (sometimes referred to as the “site”), and the VirtueMart eCommerce component (referred to as the “store”). The site has been built out, content has been entered, and it is ready to go. The store is what's left to do. The categories have been built out in the store's backend, we only need the above items to complete the store and button-up the site in order for the entire website to launch.

I am the project manager for this project, as well as the online marketer for the website. I report to one stakeholder, who is also the assets manager responsible for images, files, design direction, and the liaison to the IT department. We will be working on a development environment referred to as the “build site”.

You will need to be available for instant messaging chat via Skype between 10:00pm EST and 12:00am midnight EST on Saturday; however these times/day are subject to change. EST is the same time as New York, USA. (During the winter EST is GMT -5.00; after March 10 EST is GMT -4.00 .) As well as very responsive (like less than 24 hours) with email.

Specifications will be provided, as well as details on how the project's background, the website's structure, and how we will collaborate/communicate. I am an experienced project manager well-versed in open-sourced web development concepts, functions, terminology, structure, and how to draft functional specifications in “developer speak”.

We are looking for someone who:
- Knows what they are doing in Joomla/VirtueMart, and does it well.
- Knows CSS for browsers IE8+, Chrome, and Firefox
- Understands that a Joomla website is only as good as how scalable it is.
- Can communicate well (reading/writing), and uses Skype and other communication tools.
- Is reliable, honest, and is active in the Joomla / VirtueMart communities.
- Can create custom extensions for Joomla/VirtueMart.**

**If we are granted future work, it would involved developing/designing 3-level-deep category landing pages, custom product detail page, developing custom extensions such as a bulk product uploader, etc. You will need to know PHP, CSS, Joomla, VirtueMart developing very well.

If you feel you fit the description and know you can do the work, please contact me with ...

1. A few examples of your work
2. 2-3 sentences on your understanding of scalability and how you approach development/web design with this in mind.
3. Questions you have about this project.

Thanks!