Localization Operations Specialist

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

Overview

Smartling is an AI-native translation platform that's redefining how the world's biggest brands go global - ranked #3 on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list. We're growing rapidly at scale and are backed by Battery Ventures, a global technology-focused investment firm. While most companies are still figuring out how to use AI, we've spent years building it into the core of our platform - and we're just getting started.

Overview

Smartling is an AI-native translation platform that's redefining how the world's biggest brands go global - ranked #3 on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list. We're growing rapidly at scale and are backed by Battery Ventures, a global technology-focused investment firm. While most companies are still figuring out how to use AI, we've spent years building it into the core of our platform - and we're just getting started. As a Localization Operations Specialist (previously Localization Project Manager) on the Managed Services team, you'll own the end-to-end localization lifecycle for a portfolio of enterprise clients, serving as both their operational point of contact and a key contributor to how our team delivers value. This is a role for someone who brings real localization experience, thrives in a fast-paced, remote-first environment, and is energized by the challenge of balancing operational precision with strong client relationships. We are looking for a hire based on the US East Coast at this time. More senior levels available.

You Will

• Act as your clients' embedded localization operations expert, serving as the primary operational point of contact and trusted advisor for assigned accounts.
• Foster strong stakeholder relationships, navigate competing priorities, and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution and continuous improvement of clients' localization programs.
• Design and optimize localization processes within Smartling’s platform and client-preferred project management and content management tools, overseeing the end-to-end job lifecycle and tailoring configurations to each client’s unique requirements, including effective use of AI tooling where applicable.
• Solve problems both independently and collaboratively, bringing a solutions-first mindset to client challenges and internal roadblocks.
• Proactively drive operational excellence by identifying and implementing process improvements, documenting best practices, and leveraging automation and AI-enabled solutions to streamline workflows, enhance scalability, and improve team efficiency.

You Have

• At least 2-3 years of experience in localization or translation project management, ideally within a managed services or agency environment
• Solid understanding of localization file formats, content types, and CAT/TMS tooling
• Strong client management skills: comfortable leading calls, navigating difficult conversations, and representing the team externally
• Proficiency with project management and reporting tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Google Sheets, Looker, or equivalent)
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams across engineering, QA, and vendor management
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with sharp attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities across time zones
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred But Not Required

• Hands-on experience with Smartling or other TMS platforms (such as Phrase, XTM, or MemoQ)
• Experience supporting enterprise or SaaS clients in an operational or customer-facing role.
• Fluency or working proficiency in a second language
• Interest in language, technology, or global content strategy

You Are

• Accountable. You take full ownership of your accounts, addressing issues promptly and documenting root causes and preventative actions for future improvement.
• Customer-Focused. You understand that client deadlines and requirements are real business commitments and consistently approach them with urgency, accountability, and care.
• Adaptable. You adjust effectively to changing scope, priorities, and unexpected client inputs without losing focus or execution quality.
• Communicative. You proactively stay ahead of client needs by sharing status updates, surfacing risks early, and contributing insights, guidance, and best practices.
• Process-Driven. You adhere to established processes while actively identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency.

You Will Enjoy

• Freedom - we are remote-first
• Growth - an opportunity to learn and advance your career
• Wealth - we offer competitive salary and 401(k) + company match
• Wellness - health insurance; free medical plan 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

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 United States total pay range for this role is $60-70,000. 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.

We use E-Verify platform for work authorization verifications.

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