Localization Operations Manager

Job Description As a trusted global transformation partner, Welocalize accelerates the global business journey by enabling brands and companies to reach, engage, and grow international audiences. Welocalize delivers multilingual content transformation services in translation, localization, and adaptation for over 250 languages with a growing network of over 400,000 in-country linguistic resources. Driving innovation in language services, Welocalize delivers high-quality training data transformation solutions for NLP-enabled machine learning by blending technology and human intelligence to collect, annotate, and evaluate all content types. Our team works across locations in North America, Europe, and Asia serving our global clients in the markets that matter to them. www.welocalize.com To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Job Reference: ROLE OVERVIEW The Language Operations Manager oversees a team of linguists and owns deliverables for assigned accounts in partnership with language leads. Working closely with Project Managers, the Manager ensures high-quality client service and smooth project execution. Responsibilities include planning, tracking, and closing projects, as well as onboarding, scheduling, approving hours, and communicating with linguists. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and a clear communicator who thrives in a team environment. This role includes oversight of Longtail language FTEs. JOB DESCRIPTION - Manage linguist team operations: scheduling, hours approval, onboarding, and communication - Build strong relationships with linguists; address questions and escalate issues when needed - Collaborate with Project Managers, Recruiters, HR, and Accounting to ensure seamless delivery - Recruit, train, assign work, and manage the performance of linguists - Monitor KPIs, provide feedback, coach, and support performance improvement - Communicate client and reviewer feedback; guide linguists through corrections and escalations - Act as liaison for terminology, style, and product-related queries - Identify root causes of issues, implement improvements, and ensure training delivery - Support onboarding of new linguists or teams and highlight workflow issues with solutions - Partner with the Quality team on quality planning, RCAs, and SOP updates - Contribute to Welocalize programs (e.g., internships, talent development) - Facilitate client and reviewer interactions MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES - Scheduling & Capacity: Track capacity/utilization, plan resources, manage time off, and ensure client requirements are met - Performance Management: Track KPIs, provide feedback, design improvement plans, and address team issues - Operations Management: Maintain documentation, streamline processes, update SOPs, and facilitate knowledge sharing EDUCATION - Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or equivalent work experience. EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE - People management experience (up to 25 team members) - Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills - Background in BPO, hospitality, airlines, or localization/AI industries preferred - Project management experience in fast-paced, client-centric environments - Proficiency in English (written and spoken) and strong attention to detail - Ability to manage multiple deadlines, prioritize, and problem-solve effectively - Comfort with spreadsheets, MS Office, and common operating systems - Self-motivated, flexible, and collaborative team player NICE TO HAVE - Experience in budgeting or financial management - Process development and improvement experience - Client relationship management expertise - Track record managing large accounts/projects - Tech-savviness and innovative mindset