Localization Program Manager
About the role
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and technically minded Localization Program Manager (LPM) to design, establish, and scale an end-to-end global localization operation.
In this role, you will own the operational framework, TMS architecture, vendor execution, and cross-functional alignment necessary to launch new international markets seamlessly. You will serve as the primary bridge between Product, Engineering, Design, Legal/Compliance, and external linguistic partners, ensuring the product and content scale globally without increasing operational drag or costs.
The ideal candidate possesses deep hands-on expertise with CrowdIn Enterprise, direct experience configuring continuous localization (CI/CD) pipelines, and a strong background in defining governance models, SLAs, and terminology strategies in fast-moving product environments.
Key Responsibilities
Program Strategy & Governance
Establish the overarching localization operating model, including program intake, prioritization frameworks, RACI matrices, SLAs, and escalation pathways.
Define and track key program performance indicators (KPIs) covering turnaround times, quality scores, cost efficiency, and release gate readiness.
Author and maintain reusable market-launch playbooks to streamline entry into subsequent target regions post-launch.
2. Technical Infrastructure & CrowdIn Operations
Own the setup, project architecture, permission levels, and configuration of CrowdIn / CrowdIn Enterprise.
Partner with Solutions Architects, Localization Engineers, and DevOps to configure file parsers, API endpoints, webhooks, and direct repository/CI-CD integrations (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Figma).
Set up automated QA rules, pre-translation workflows, pseudo-localization testing, and machine translation (MT) engine integrations within CrowdIn.
3. Linguistic & Asset Management
Oversee the lifecycle of core linguistic assets, including translation memories (TM), glossaries, style guides, and terminology databases.
Partner with Linguistic Leads and product teams to enforce internationalization (i18n) standards and string-externalization best practices.
Coordinate in-context reviews (LQA), functional testing, and sign-offs for regulated or domain-specific content (e.g., fintech, legal, compliance).
4. Cross-Functional Alignment & Vendor Management
Collaborate with Product Managers, Content Strategists, Design Leads, and Engineering to build localization into the core software delivery lifecycle.
Build, negotiate, and manage direct external vendor models, agency partnerships, and direct freelance linguist networks.
Drive hypercare support during new market launches, monitoring release readiness and resolving technical or linguistic bottlenecks in real time.