Localization Project Manager

General responsibilities & duties

Managing each step of the localization process: initiating, executing, and closing projects, from project kickoffs to creating detailed project plans and deliverables.
Overseeing end-to-end localization workflow across the team using translation management tools and systems.
Coordinating freelancers, localization vendors, linguists, subject-matter experts, and internal stakeholders
Documenting each step of the process and optimizing it.
Communicating internally and externally with stakeholders to ensure effective cross-team collaboration.
Proactively assessing project risks through prioritization, bug management, and any other means necessary
Balancing translation costs and project budgets
Exploring, assessing, and selecting relevant AI technology to make the localization and linguistic tasks more efficient and less costly
Defining the quality requirements and metrics for all content types that require localization
Defining the most relevant KPIs, monitoring the metrics and providing inputs for ROI assessment on localization investments

Skills required

They’re detail-oriented and organization-savvy and have strong problem-solving skills
They can multitask and code-switch, interfacing with project team members across the organization
They are technologically minded and comfortable learning new platforms, software, and tools
They have a working knowledge of industry-standard localization tools and familiarity with translation management systems (TMS), CAT tools, and databases
They have excellent written and verbal communication skills
They understand scope and risk management to keep projects on track
They understand time and stakeholder management
They can effectively communicate with partners and vendors, and have the ability to adapt localization projects based on feedback
They coach, train, and lead team members
They have experience working in global teams and they are culturally aware
Strong analytical problem-solving skills
Bias to action, proactive & innovative by nature
Candidate must be highly motivated, ambitious, and flexible
Strong written and verbal communication skills
MS Office experience in Outlook, Word, and Spreadsheets
Meticulous attention to detail while maintaining a“big picture” vision
Excellent organizational and readiness to handle and prioritize multiple tasks

MIIS Resources to acquire these skills

Localization Project Management; Advanced LPM by Yelena Proskurin
Translation Technology; Advanced Translation Technology by Adam Wooten
Advanced Business Applications; Data-Driven Localization by Kevin Morenzi
Design and Internationalization by David Mohr
Intercultural competency classes such as “Working across cultures” and “Intercultural Group Dynamics”

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Localization for Developers

Project Management Foundations: Small Projects