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Sr. Localization Project Manager

United States

Overview

Smartling was founded 16 years ago to make localization and translation seamless. Today, Smartling is profitable and backed by Battery Ventures, a global technology-focused investment firm, supporting company growth and expanding our market share and leadership position. We are the only cloud-based, AI-enabled translation platform that combines a Neural Machine Translation Hub and professional language services, empowering teams to collaborate in real-time to create experiences customers love.

Smartling is seeking a Senior Localization Project Manager located in the US on the West Coast to help lead a large-scale enterprise localization program. This role is critical to the success of our Language Services business and requires a seasoned practitioner who is equally strong in operational execution, process management, and customer engagement. You will need the ability to learn quickly, effectively influence both internal and external stakeholders, roll up your sleeves to tackle the smallest tasks when needed, and keep focus on big picture objectives. Success in this role requires comfort operating at both the detail level (day-to-day execution) and the systems level (e.g., process improvement, scalability, and strategy). 

You Will

  • Oversee the end-to-end delivery of localization work, ensuring projects meet service levels for quality, cost, and turnaround time 
  • Help lead an enterprise localization program, ensuring delivery excellence, translation quality performance, and customer happiness
  • Serve as the customer-facing localization program owner, building strong relationships with customer stakeholders, and function as the primary advisor on localization approach and execution 
  • Diagnose service issues, communicate root causes clearly, and design solutions that meet customer needs 
  • Lead a team of localization project managers that support the enterprise account, setting expectations and ensuring execution and accountability
  • Apply and evolve quality management methodologies, including error analysis, root-cause tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Leverage and help advance AI-driven translation workflows, balancing automation, human review, and quality risk appropriately across use cases
  • Identify and implement process improvements that increase scalability, reduce friction, and improve efficiency without compromising quality
    Partner closely with Customer Success, Sales, Product, and Smartling leadership to align delivery with customer goals and Smartling’s broader business objectives
  • Remain hands-on when required—no task is too small 

You Have

  • 7+ years of localization experience, with a strong foundation in enterprise-scale delivery
  • 3+ years of program management experience, or 3+ years of full ownership of an enterprise account ($1M+ annual revenue)
  • Demonstrated ability to work directly and effectively with customer stakeholders, including senior-level contacts
  • Strong understanding of AI-assisted translation methodologies
  • Experience applying quality management frameworks (e.g., error categorization, root-cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions)
  • Experience supervising the daily work of localization project managers 
  • Experience managing and improving linguist performance
  • Proven ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-ambiguity environment while maintaining execution discipline
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and calmly
  • High attention to detail combined with the ability to think systemically and strategically
  • Strong sense of ownership, resilience, and a positive, collaborative mindset
  • Knowledge of SaaS Dashboards and localization technology platforms 
  • Bachelor’s degree required

You are

  • Adaptable. Accept and embrace changes as situations or objectives evolve
  • Task Management Hero. Demonstrate the ability to work within timelines for successful completion of assigned tasks or projects
  • Results Focus. Exhibit commitment to goals and consistently delivers results
  • Enthusiastic. Maintains optimism through ups and downs; bounces back undaunted
  • Customer Focus. Builds positive and fruitful customer relationships by giving customers’ needs priority and responding quickly to customer concerns
  • Accountable. Maintains consistency in all aspects of their job

You Will Enjoy

  • Freedom 🏡 - we are remote first
  • Growth  - an opportunity to learn and advance your career
  • Wealth 💰 - we offer a competitive salary and 401(k) + company match
  • Wellness - medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
  • Balance - flexible PTO + 11 holidays; generous parental leave
  • Culture 🤝- an energetic, value-driven, and fun culture and team spirit
  • Bonus - employee referral program and Apple equipment

We use E-verify platform for the work authorization verifications.

Smartling is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive global team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, skills, and experiences.

The US national pay range for this role is $90,000 - $110,000. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed.

To all recruitment agencies: Smartling does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias or Smartling employees. Smartling is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

*To work from home, you must have a strong internet connection, a quiet space, and a professional (distraction and clutter-free) background.

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