Lead Localization Operations Program Manager

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

Lead Localization Operations Program Manager

United States

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

The Community You Will Join:

As a key part of the Localization Operations team, you will be responsible for driving the future process, tooling and automation of how Airbnb delivers high-quality, culturally resonant experiences to users around the world at large scale.

The Difference You Will Make:

Airbnb Localization team is seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead high-impact initiatives at the intersection of localization, technology, and global scale. This role calls for a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic program leadership, and the ability to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that transform how localization is executed.You’ll partner across engineering, product, and external vendors to ensure our tools, processes, and technologies evolve in step with the fast-changing global tech landscape.

A Typical Day:

• 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.

Your Expertise:

• 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 (e.g., Directors, Heads of Function) as a strategic advisor — not just executing against requirements, but shaping them.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging:

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: [e-mail] . Please include your full name, the role you’re applying for and the accommodation necessary to assist you with the recruiting process.

We ask that you only reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application.

How We'll Take Care of You:

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.