Localization Operations Lead — Remote-First Growth

Smartling; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

401(k) + company match

Health insurance

Job summary

Smartling is seeking a Localization Operations Specialist on the Managed Services team to own the end-to-end localization lifecycle for a portfolio of enterprise clients. You’ll act as the operational point of contact and trusted advisor, balancing precision with strong client relationships in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.

Based on US East Coast hiring, the role emphasizes process design, AI-enabled tooling, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, QA, and vendor management

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years in localization or translation project management within managed services or agency environments.
• Solid understanding of localization file formats, content types, and CAT/TMS tooling.
• Strong client management: leading calls, navigating conversations, representing the team externally.
• Proficiency with project management and reporting tools (Jira, Asana, Google Sheets, Looker, or equivalents).
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams across engineering, QA, and vendor management.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with attention to detail across time zones.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the client’s embedded localization operations expert and primary operational contact.
• Foster stakeholder relationships, balance priorities, and coordinate cross-functional teams for program success.
• Design and optimize localization processes within Smartling’s platform and client tools, overseeing end-to-end lifecycle and AI tooling where applicable.
• Solve problems independently and with the team, maintaining a solutions-first mindset.
• Drive operational excellence by documenting best practices, implementing process improvements, and leveraging automation and AI-enabled solutions.

Skills

Localization PM

CAT/TMS tooling

Client management

Cross-functional coordination

PM tools

Time management

Communication skills

Tools

Jira

Asana

Looker

Google Sheets

Job description

Smartling is seeking a Localization Operations Specialist on the Managed Services team to own the end-to-end localization lifecycle for a portfolio of enterprise clients. You’ll act as the operational point of contact and trusted advisor, balancing precision with strong client relationships in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.

Based on US East Coast hiring, the role emphasizes process design, AI-enabled tooling, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, QA, and vendor management