“Who owns this?”
It’s a common question when it comes to new roles and responsibilities, especially as businesses grow. As you expand your operations internationally, investing in localization adds several more steps to launching new software, content, or app refreshes.
The truth is, everyone on your team owns a piece of the localization process:
...that’s a lot of moving parts. And that’s exactly why localization teams hire localization project managers.
Localization project managers (PMs) manage every step of the localization process, facilitating handoffs between stakeholders and keeping various requests on track and on budget.
With careful project management, they work hand-in-hand with product owners to define and optimize the process, measure quality and performance based on KPIs, and fine-tune the tech stack that makes translation happen. Depending on your localization strategy, you may need PMs to coordinate with high-quality linguists or freelance translators, be the go-between with vendors like Smartling (hi!), or work with internal resources.
Simply put, localization PMs get it done.
If you’ve ever worked with a project manager before—for localization or otherwise—you know they have the magic touch. The best localization project managers keep translation projects humming on time, working tirelessly in the background to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Companies hire localization PMs because they bring a specific set of skills to the team, like:
For a localization program manager, no two days are exactly the same. Day-to-day tasks like drafting internal communications, leading status update meetings or sprint planning, preparing deliverables for translation, or pulling reports change based on how many projects you have going at any one time, and what language services you need.
PMs are part of every stage of the translation workflow. Here’s how this process works with Smartling:
Localization PMs may be superhuman, but they’re only one person. Combining the power of an organized, good project manager and a streamlined localization workflow with tools like Smartling accelerates your entire process.
Localization project manager jobs are in demand, and that’s no surprise. As more companies embrace globalization—and the fact that 75% of the population will choose whichever service provides them with information in their native language or preferred language—full-time program managers make the entire process easier.
Job titles may specify localization or stay general, like “Project Manager II.” Generally, before you can specialize in a given subject matter like translation, you need a few years of project management experience or certifications like the PMP©, an e-learning course well-respected in the project management community that covers stakeholder management, how to create a project plan, hiring the right project team for your organization, and more.
Here’s what a job description looks like for a full-time role at Amazon:
As a Localization Project Manager, you will be responsible for managing projects within the end-to-end localization workflow. You will be responsible for working with source deliverable teams, project stakeholders, and customers to deliver quality, localized deliverables including employee self-service content, knowledge base content, UI strings, communications, and training. You will be responsible for assessing the scope, providing timelines, and communicating risks. You will build relationships with translation service providers and resources to ensure timely, high-quality global content. You will be responsible for educating our internal stakeholders on the benefits of a systematic localization workflow and providing guidance to development teams to successfully onboard new tools and systems to Amazon’s localization workflows.
Key Responsibilities
Basic Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
If becoming a localization project manager interests you, work on building your project management skills and taking on more organizational roles within your team.
Lead your next translation project, or reflect on team processes and work to optimize them. A quick LinkedIn search shows plenty of open localization project management roles at companies from Uber to Netflix—so if you’re detail-oriented and passionate about translation, why not apply?
Localization project management doesn’t have to be challenging. Smartling Professional Services implements and manages Smartling solutions to seamlessly connect your content platforms with our Translation Cloud.
Whether onboarding with Smartling for the first time, adding a new content source, or fine-tuning your current solution for evolving needs, our team is available to provide expertise on strategy and execution.
That’s valuable time back in your pocket, so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Learn more: https://www.smartling.com/professional-services/