Localization Manager

Duration: 1 year

Pay: $35-56/hr. We are seeking an experienced Localization Manager to lead an enterprise translation and localization program supporting Commercial, Medical, and Government Affairs teams within a pharmaceutical environment. This individual will own the localization process end-to-end, including translation workflows, vendor management, quality oversight, documentation, budget management, process improvements, and technology enablement. The ideal candidate will have strong enterprise translation/localization experience and demonstrated leadership in managing complex translation programs and external language service providers. Experience supporting pharmaceutical or other highly regulated environments is strongly preferred.100% REQUIREDThese are the core requirements we would expect a candidate to have: Strong enterprise translation/localization program management experience Must understand the translation process from end to end. Experience managing translation workflows, vendors, quality, and deliverables. Translation process expertise Demonstrated ability to manage and improve translation processes. Experience establishing or improving workflows, processes, documentation, and operational standards. Vendor / Language Service Provider management Experience managing external translation vendors or Language Service Providers (LSPs).Ability to address vendor quality issues, missed deadlines, SLAs, and performance concerns. Leadership experience This is a team-lead/program-lead level position, not simply a day-to-day translation coordinator. Must demonstrate ownership, decision-making, problem-solving, and responsibility for broader program operations. Ability to work with translation technology Knowledge of CAT tools, localization file formats, and/or Translation Management Systems (TMS).Experience with enterprise translation/localization technology. Strong communication and stakeholder management Ability to work with internal stakeholders, vendors, and senior leadership. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to support Pacific Time hours The position is fully remote, but candidates must be able to support Pacific Time business hours.

Translation & Localization Program Management: Own the localization lifecycle from intake and scoping through final delivery and quality control. Manage multilingual content across digital, print, web, social, email, campaigns, and other enterprise content. Ensure translation workflows are efficient, scalable, documented, and compliant.

Vendor Management: Manage relationships with Language Service Providers and external translation vendors. Monitor vendor performance, quality, timelines, and SLAs. Resolve vendor performance issues and implement corrective actions when deadlines or quality standards are not met. Conduct vendor evaluations and support contract and budget management.

Process Improvement: Identify gaps and inefficiencies within existing translation workflows. Implement process enhancements that improve quality, speed, consistency, and cost efficiency. Develop documentation, best practices, and standardized operating procedures.

Quality & Linguistic Asset Management: Establish and maintain translation quality frameworks. Manage linguistic assets, terminology, translation memories, and termbases. Ensure translated content meets quality, brand, and regulatory requirements.

Technology & Innovation: Partner with technology and product teams to improve localization workflows. Evaluate and implement translation technology and automation. Support the evolution of AI-assisted and machine translation capabilities while maintaining appropriate human review and quality controls.

Budget & Program Governance: Support program budgeting and financial oversight. Track KPIs related to translation quality, cost, turnaround time, vendor performance, and overall program health. Provide reporting and recommendations to leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Medical Affairs, Government Affairs, Legal/Regulatory teams, and external agencies. Support localization requirements for product launches and ongoing pharmaceutical content.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Translation/Localization, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent professional experience.8+ years of enterprise localization/translation program management experience. Strong understanding of translation workflows, localization operations, and quality management. Experience with enterprise Translation Management Systems (TMS) and localization technologies. Experience managing translation vendors / LSPs. Demonstrated leadership and process improvement experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to operate effectively in complex, ambiguous environments.

Preferred Qualifications: Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or other highly regulated industry experience. Experience working under FDA/regulatory requirements. Experience with Veeva. Experience with Jira and/or Workfront. Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop. Multimedia localization experience, including video subtitling and voiceover. Experience with AI/ML, machine translation, or LLM-assisted translation workflows. Experience building a Localization Center of Excellence. Professional Spanish proficiency or experience with US Spanish localization. Multilingual experience. If you are interested in hearing more about the position please respond to this posting with your resume attached!