Contentful CMS Expert / Architect (Chicago)

Contentful CMS Expert / Architect (On-Site Hybrid Detroit, MI | Chicago, IL)

Full-time | Contract

Role Overview

We are seeking a senior Contentful CMS Expert to diagnose, rebuild, and optimize a broken and hard-to-use Contentful implementation. This role combines Contentful architecture, hands-on module development, troubleshooting, and front-end integration. The expert will act as the Contentful lead / architect, owning the CMS end-to-end, improving usability, content organization, and overall system performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contentful Architecture & Module Development

Redesign and rebuild Contentful content models (content types, fields, validations, references).

Develop new content modules, components, and UI extensions using the Contentful App Framework.

Create scalable, editor-friendly structures that improve consistency and reduce friction.

Senior Contentful CMS Expert / Headless CMS Architect

2. Troubleshooting & System Fixes

Audit the current CMS setup and identify broken structures, inefficient models, or workflow issues.

Fix errors, streamline content models, remove redundancies, and apply Contentful best practices.

Improve backend performance, clean up legacy content, and stabilize the CMS for daily use.

3. Front-End Integration

Integrate Contentful content with front-end systems (via REST / GraphQL APIs, webhooks).

Work with developers or independently to ensure seamless content delivery to the website / app.

Support Next.js / React or other frameworks if needed for consumption of CMS data.

4. Contentful Governance & Best Practices

Establish scalable editorial workflows, permissions, and content governance standards.

Document all new modules, structures, and processes for both technical and editorial teams.

Collaborate with marketing, design, and engineering teams to align CMS architecture with business needs.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Contentful Expertise (Must-Have)

5+ years of CMS experience with deep hands-on expertise in Contentful.

Strong content modeling skills and Contentful architecture design experience.

Experience building UI extensions or apps using Contentfuls App Framework.

Familiarity with both REST and GraphQL Contentful APIs.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with HTML / CSS, JavaScript / TypeScript, and Node.js.

Experience integrating headless CMS content into front-end frameworks (Next.js / React preferred).

Strong debugging, API troubleshooting, and performance optimization abilities.

Experience Level

Senior-level preferred; strong mid-level candidates with proven end-to-end Contentful ownership will also be considered.

Prior experience leading a CMS rebuild or acting as a CMS architect is a major advantage.

Soft Skills

Highly independent, proactive, and able to own the Contentful platform end-to-end.

Strong communicator who can work with cross-functional teams and guide best practices.

Comfortable in client-facing or consulting environments.