Global Localization Programs Lead - Tech & Automation

airbnb, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Employee Travel Credits

Benefits

Job summary

Airbnb, Inc. is seeking a Lead Localization Operations Program Manager in the United States to drive cross-functional localization programs and scale our technology-enabled localization efforts globally.

This role partners with engineering, product, and external vendors to deliver high-quality, culturally resonant experiences for Airbnb users. The TPM will own end-to-end localization initiatives, define technical roadmaps, and lead scalable AI-driven solutions including MT pipelines to improve

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience in Technical Program Management or Product Management, with a strong track record of delivering global, technically complex solutions and programs independently.
• Deep domain knowledge in localization and internationalization, with specific experience implementing end-to-end localization solutions, or integrating AI-driven tools such as machine translation engines, LLMs, or AI driven content evaluation systems.
• Strong technical fluency, including an understanding of language technology APIs and MT pipelines relevant to localization and content processing.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and influence the development of technical roadmaps in collaboration with business owners, internal users, engineering, product, and external partners.
• Outstanding communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with a focus on translating technical innovation into operational excellence and business value.
• Proven ability to distill complex technical and AI/ML concepts into clear, actionable narratives for non-technical stakeholders, including senior operations and functional leadership.
• Track record of partnering directly with senior leadership as a strategic advisor.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive complex, cross-functional localization programs from strategy through execution, acting as the single point of accountability for technical localization operations.
• Serve as a trusted operating partner to Localization Operations and Localization leadership, translating strategic priorities into executable technical roadmaps and surfacing tradeoffs early.
• Lead the design, innovation, and implementation of scalable solutions leveraging technology including AI and machine translation to improve on the quality, cost and efficiency of localization delivery.
• Shape the technical direction of Localization at Airbnb through alignment with Localization Leadership on vision and business goals, leveraging SME expertise across the Localization organization and in strategic collaboration with internationalization engineering partners to influence long-term tech roadmaps.
• Manage technical relationships and integration solutions with external Language Service and Technology providers, ensuring alignment with Airbnb’s evolving needs.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, automation, and quality frameworks for localization and translation at scale.

Skills

Localization

Internationalization

Program management

AI/ML in localization

Communication

Stakeholder management

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Master's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

Language Technology APIs

MT pipelines

Job description

Airbnb, Inc. is seeking a Lead Localization Operations Program Manager in the United States to drive cross-functional localization programs and scale our technology-enabled localization efforts globally.

This role partners with engineering, product, and external vendors to deliver high-quality, culturally resonant experiences for Airbnb users. The TPM will own end-to-end localization initiatives, define technical roadmaps, and lead scalable AI-driven solutions including MT pipelines to improve