Associate Program Manager, Localization

Job DescriptionPosting job title: Associate Localisation Operations Manager

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Join our Localisation Strategy and Operations team at Zendesk We are seeking a hard-working and diligent Associate Localisation Program Manager who will play a key role in managing and optimizing the end-to-end localisation operations that power our global product offerings. In this pivotal role, you will coordinate translation projects, manage vendor relationships, oversee budget tracking, and help evolve our AI-driven automation tools to increase operational efficiency among other responsibilities.
Your contributions will enable our products to flourish in over 160 countries and territories, driving user happiness and engagement. Are you enthusiastic about crafting outstanding localised experiences? Do you bloom in a collaborative setting? We invite you to apply and help us make our products accessible and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Manage the full lifecycle of translation and localisation projects, coordinating internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure timely and quality delivery.

• Form relationships with stakeholders, educating them on localisation processes, and advocating for global users.

• Maintain and build strong partnerships with localisation vendors and agencies, facilitating smooth workflows and continuous performance improvements.

• Track, report, and optimize localisation budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources aligned with business goals.

• Utilize, support, and help improve AI agent tools and automation platforms to streamline localisation operations and workflow processes.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Program Managers, Localisation Operations Managers, Internationalization engineers, and other teams to drive alignment and operational excellence.

• Monitor localisation KPIs and quality metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement data-driven solutions.

• Assist in building and documenting localisation processes, best practices, and standards to support scaling across multiple languages and markets.

• Handle day-to-day operational tasks ensuring smooth execution and prompt resolution of issues.

• Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives leveraging new technology and AI capabilities for localisation efficiency.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Localisation, Linguistics, Business, Project Management, or a related field.

• 2-4 years experience in localisation project management, operations, or vendor management ideally in a tech or software environment.

• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and global environment with shown success in project management, execution, and multi-tasking.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working with distributed global teams.

• Familiarity with translation management systems (e.g., Phrase TMS), localisation platforms, and vendor ecosystems.

• Data-driven mindset with the ability to track metrics and identify optimization opportunities.

• Familiarity with internationalisation standards such as Unicode and CLDR.

Please note that Zendesk can only hire candidates who are physically located and plan to work from Karnataka or Maharashtra. Please refer to the location posted on the requisition for where this role is based.

Hybrid: In this role, our hybrid experience is designed at the team level to give you a rich onsite experience packed with connection, collaboration, learning, and celebration - while also giving you flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. This role must attend our local office for part of the week. The specific in-office schedule is to be determined by the hiring manager.

The intelligent heart of customer experience

Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.

Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we're proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to with your specific accommodation request.

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