Localization Project Manager

TransPerfect provides managed localization services to global technology companies, and they are seeking a Localization Project Manager to support Japanese localization initiatives. This role involves coordinating translation and localization of software products, ensuring high-quality delivery to the Japanese market while managing all phases of the localization production process.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Localization Project Manager with all production phases of incoming translation requests from teams
• Coordinate all localization activities, including translation, editing, proofreading, and quality assurance
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all localization-related inquiries and issues, both internally and externally
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to establish project timelines and deliverables
• Manage localization resources, including translators, editors, and company engineers, to optimize efficiency and quality
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders to provide updates on project status, address concerns, and gather feedback
• Identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges that may impact the localization process or timeline
• Monitor project progress and performance metrics to ensure adherence to established goals and standards
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and enhance localization efficiency and quality
• Manage incoming translation requests in Jira, collect reference materials and visual context, and assign work to translators
• Be aware of strings internationalization best practices and flag potential internationalization issues found in strings to the engineering team
• Upload requests into the Smartling platform, set due dates for vendors, and deliver completed extracted translations to engineering teams
• Research and answer translators’ queries about source content to ensure accuracy (use internal resources and interface with writers, product, and engineering teams as needed)
• Ensure adherence to established terminology and style guides

Requirements:

• MUST BE FLUENT IN JAPANESE
• Relevant university degree, certifications, or professional experience
• Experience with terminology management and project management
• Fluency in the target language; knowledge of additional languages is a plus
• Proven experience managing localization projects for software products, preferably for the target language/locale
• Strong knowledge of localization tools (Smartling) and technologies, translation management systems, version control systems, Jira, and Confluence
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness, with a deep understanding of the target market's preferences, norms, and cultural nuances
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically to overcome challenges and drive project success
• 3 - 5 years of relative experience
• Android and Mac environments
• Translation tools (CAT tools) such as Smartling, SDL Trados, XTM, Idiom, Lilt
• Google shared documents and spreadsheets
• Annotating screenshots
• Working with PDFs
• Knowing how to handle software strings, identify text from strings ID's in xml, javascript, .properties, and JSON file formats; knowing how to work with variables/placeholders in text strings
• Familiarity with JIRA or other bug tracking systems
• Understanding of software release cycles and Agile development
• Attention to detail, flexible mindset, independent learner
• Ability to work with multiple product teams around the globe to deliver overall language quality and consistency while maintaining a strong user experience
• Familiarity or past experience in payments, banking, POS systems, and merchant apps is a plus
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum environments is desirable