Next.js Full Stack Developer (UX-Focused) for MVP Rebuild + API Integration
Budget: $1,500 – $3,000 USD
ToolMate is an AI-powered DIY assistant for everyday Aussies — built around a cheeky, safety-conscious digital helper named Matey. Think of it like asking a helpful Bunnings team member for tool advice, but online and budget-aware.
The platform already has a working MVP — rough but functional. It includes:
- Frontend in Next.js (needs rebuilding, not from scratch)
-Backend in FastAPI (not to be replaced — just cleaned and extended)
- Key features like a Bunnings product API, contextual budget slider, early admin dashboard, and a Matey-powered tool checklist
- A custom-trained AI model (Gemma 3) being trained separately — you do not need to build or train AI
We are not building from scratch. This is not a greenfield SaaS product or a GPT wrapper. This is a real MVP with working parts that now needs a strong, focused dev to rebuild, polish, and integrate the AI endpoint once it’s ready.
Why This Role Exists
A previous developer (Junaid) said this project would take 350–400 hours and required full AI build, deep testing, and complex orchestration.
That’s not true. ToolMate already:
Has a working frontend and backend
Has real users testing the tool selection logic
Has no need for you to build prompt logic, train models, or do any LLM R&D
All I need is a great full stack dev (Next.js + FastAPI friendly) to finish the MVP properly, clean up what’s already here, and make Matey feel real across the site.
Scope Overview
This is a fixed-price project with 5 clear milestones totaling $2,500 USD. The goal is to complete everything in 6–8 weeks.
Milestone 1: Frontend Rebuild
Rebuild homepage and core layout using Next.js + Tailwind
Implement persistent Matey chat experience
Make budget slider contextual and reactive
Ensure mobile-first, clean UX
Milestone 2: Core Page Fixes + Tool Suggestions
Polish tool linking and checklist logic
Refactor messy component areas
Bring Matey visually into other parts of the site (not just chat)
Add helpful microinteractions and banter logic where needed
Milestone 3: Admin Dashboard Cleanup
Improve current admin panel (not rebuild)
Add features: upload new tools, manage priorities, toggle suggestions
Fix broken routes or layout issues
Milestone 4: UI/UX Polish + Cross-Device QA
Final sweep on layout, spacing, responsiveness
Fix known bugs
Test on mobile, tablet, and desktop
Milestone 5: AI Endpoint Hookup + Launch Prep
Integrate the FastAPI endpoint that will connect to Matey (the AI model is being hosted locally by us)
Ensure response display and chat handling works cleanly
Help with minor final tweaks and polish in the first 1–2 weeks post-launch
Required Skills
This role is best for someone who’s:
Comfortable working with existing codebases
Confident with Next.js, Tailwind CSS, React, and responsive design
Knows how to work alongside a FastAPI backend (you don’t need to write it from scratch)
Understands how to make sites feel personality-driven and not robotic
Has admin panel experience (basic CRUD + tool upload logic)
Is comfortable integrating a simple AI endpoint (not building LLMs — just receiving streamed or batched responses)
Nice to have (but not critical):
Familiar with Figma or design specs
Familiar with Aussie tone or copy (Matey is a laid-back, helpful Bunnings-style assistant)
Knows how to debug Python FastAPI if needed (but not a backend specialist)
This Role Is Not For You If:
You want to pitch a “from-scratch” SaaS build
You expect to replace the backend with your own stack
You plan to use GPT/OpenAI or LangChain to “solve” the AI part
You want to drag the job into a 6-month contract
You don’t care about UX or user journey
You need constant hand-holding or scope reminders
How to Apply:
In your message, please confirm:
You understand this is a rebuild/polish job — not a new project
You're confident working with Next.js + Tailwind + FastAPI
You’re okay with the $2,500 USD fixed price split into milestones
You've worked on UX polish and admin panels before
You understand you’ll connect to a local AI endpoint later, but not build the AI
About Me
I’m the founder of ToolMate — I previously worked in the toolshop at Bunnings and built this from the ground up based on real DIY customer experience. I’ve led all product direction, design, and data training myself — I just need the right dev who gets it to help finish the build.
You’ll be working directly with me, not a project manager or agency. Clear tasks, straight talk, and no fluff.
Let’s build something useful — no gimmicks, no overkill.
Looking forward to finding the right dev who can help bring Matey to life the way he’s meant to be.
The platform already has a working MVP — rough but functional. It includes:
- Frontend in Next.js (needs rebuilding, not from scratch)
-Backend in FastAPI (not to be replaced — just cleaned and extended)
- Key features like a Bunnings product API, contextual budget slider, early admin dashboard, and a Matey-powered tool checklist
- A custom-trained AI model (Gemma 3) being trained separately — you do not need to build or train AI
We are not building from scratch. This is not a greenfield SaaS product or a GPT wrapper. This is a real MVP with working parts that now needs a strong, focused dev to rebuild, polish, and integrate the AI endpoint once it’s ready.
Why This Role Exists
A previous developer (Junaid) said this project would take 350–400 hours and required full AI build, deep testing, and complex orchestration.
That’s not true. ToolMate already:
Has a working frontend and backend
Has real users testing the tool selection logic
Has no need for you to build prompt logic, train models, or do any LLM R&D
All I need is a great full stack dev (Next.js + FastAPI friendly) to finish the MVP properly, clean up what’s already here, and make Matey feel real across the site.
Scope Overview
This is a fixed-price project with 5 clear milestones totaling $2,500 USD. The goal is to complete everything in 6–8 weeks.
Milestone 1: Frontend Rebuild
Rebuild homepage and core layout using Next.js + Tailwind
Implement persistent Matey chat experience
Make budget slider contextual and reactive
Ensure mobile-first, clean UX
Milestone 2: Core Page Fixes + Tool Suggestions
Polish tool linking and checklist logic
Refactor messy component areas
Bring Matey visually into other parts of the site (not just chat)
Add helpful microinteractions and banter logic where needed
Milestone 3: Admin Dashboard Cleanup
Improve current admin panel (not rebuild)
Add features: upload new tools, manage priorities, toggle suggestions
Fix broken routes or layout issues
Milestone 4: UI/UX Polish + Cross-Device QA
Final sweep on layout, spacing, responsiveness
Fix known bugs
Test on mobile, tablet, and desktop
Milestone 5: AI Endpoint Hookup + Launch Prep
Integrate the FastAPI endpoint that will connect to Matey (the AI model is being hosted locally by us)
Ensure response display and chat handling works cleanly
Help with minor final tweaks and polish in the first 1–2 weeks post-launch
Required Skills
This role is best for someone who’s:
Comfortable working with existing codebases
Confident with Next.js, Tailwind CSS, React, and responsive design
Knows how to work alongside a FastAPI backend (you don’t need to write it from scratch)
Understands how to make sites feel personality-driven and not robotic
Has admin panel experience (basic CRUD + tool upload logic)
Is comfortable integrating a simple AI endpoint (not building LLMs — just receiving streamed or batched responses)
Nice to have (but not critical):
Familiar with Figma or design specs
Familiar with Aussie tone or copy (Matey is a laid-back, helpful Bunnings-style assistant)
Knows how to debug Python FastAPI if needed (but not a backend specialist)
This Role Is Not For You If:
You want to pitch a “from-scratch” SaaS build
You expect to replace the backend with your own stack
You plan to use GPT/OpenAI or LangChain to “solve” the AI part
You want to drag the job into a 6-month contract
You don’t care about UX or user journey
You need constant hand-holding or scope reminders
How to Apply:
In your message, please confirm:
You understand this is a rebuild/polish job — not a new project
You're confident working with Next.js + Tailwind + FastAPI
You’re okay with the $2,500 USD fixed price split into milestones
You've worked on UX polish and admin panels before
You understand you’ll connect to a local AI endpoint later, but not build the AI
About Me
I’m the founder of ToolMate — I previously worked in the toolshop at Bunnings and built this from the ground up based on real DIY customer experience. I’ve led all product direction, design, and data training myself — I just need the right dev who gets it to help finish the build.
You’ll be working directly with me, not a project manager or agency. Clear tasks, straight talk, and no fluff.
Let’s build something useful — no gimmicks, no overkill.
Looking forward to finding the right dev who can help bring Matey to life the way he’s meant to be.