AI Automation Specialist (Zapier / Make / OpenAI) – Ongoing SME Implementations - Contract to Hire
Description: We are building a boutique AI automation & implementation agency focused on helping SMEs streamline operations using practical, revenue-impacting automations. This is not experimental AI work or generic chatbot setups. Our projects are real business systems that save time, reduce missed opportunities, and improve follow-up, lead handling, and internal workflows. We are currently building a bench of reliable AI automation specialists ahead of upcoming client implementations. This role will start on a project basis, with the opportunity for ongoing work as client volume increases. What You’ll Be Working On Examples of systems we deploy: Missed-call → SMS/email follow-up automations Lead intake & qualification (forms, WhatsApp, email, website chat) CRM automation (HubSpot, GoHighLevel, Airtable, Notion, etc.) Quote follow-ups & pipeline reminders AI-assisted internal tools (OpenAI-powered summaries, classification, routing) Simple dashboards & reporting automations You will not be expected to design strategy alone, systems are clearly defined. Execution quality and reliability matter most. Required Skills & Experience You should have real, hands-on experience with: - Zapier and/or Make (Integromat) - OpenAI API (or similar LLM integrations) - APIs & webhooks - CRMs (HubSpot, GoHighLevel, Pipedrive, Airtable, etc.) - Clear documentation & communication - Strong plus if you’ve worked with: - Service businesses (construction, real estate, trades, agencies) - WhatsApp / SMS providers (Twilio, WhatsApp Business API) - Lead routing & qualification logic - Error handling & system monitoring - What We’re Looking For (Important) - You build clean, reliable automations, not fragile spaghetti - You communicate clearly and proactively - You’re comfortable following specs and asking smart questions - You treat this like a professional engagement, not a side hustle experiment If you overpromise, disappear, or need hand-holding, this is not a fit. Engagement Details - Contract type: Project-based (with long-term potential) - Hours: Flexible as long as the job gets completed - Start: Immediate once first client goes live - Time zone: Flexible (good communication required) How to Apply Please answer the questions below briefly and honestly. Generic or AI-generated proposals will be ignored. UPWORK SCREENING QUESTIONS - Describe one real automation you built that saved a business time or money. (What was the problem? What did you build?) - Which tools do you use most: Zapier or Make — and why? - Have you worked with OpenAI or similar APIs in production? If yes, explain how. - What’s your approach to building automations that don’t break? - What does good communication with a client or project lead look like to you? - What time zone are you in, and how quickly do you usually respond on workdays? Start your proposal with the word “SYSTEMS” so I know you read the full post. Apply tot his job