Sr. Localization Operations Specialist at Smartling

<p><strong>Overview</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>As a Senior Localization Operations Specialist on Smartling's Managed Services team, you'll own complex, larger-scale customer accounts and serve as an operational advisor to both clients and junior team members. This role blends hands-on execution with strategic thinking - you'll optimize workflows, lead escalation resolution, and help clients mature their localization programs, all while mentoring the next generation of Loc Ops Specialists. We are looking for a hire based on the US East Coast at this time.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>You Will</strong></p> <ul> <li>Own complex or high-volume customer accounts end-to-end - from process design through delivery and retrospective.</li> <li>Design and optimize localization processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and quality across diverse client accounts and operational environments.</li> <li>Lead escalation resolution with minimal oversight, driving issues to closure while maintaining clear, proactive communication with clients throughout the resolution process.</li> <li>Partner with customers and cross-functional teams to improve localization processes and support the scaling of their programs effectively.</li> <li>Proactively identify operational risks - including volume spikes and tooling gaps - and mitigate them before they impact delivery or quality.</li> <li>Mentor junior Localization Coordinators and Operations Specialists on process design, platform usage, and execution best practices.</li> </ul> <p><strong>You Have</strong></p> <ul> <li>3-5 years of experience in localization project management or operations, including ownership of complex accounts.</li> <li>Deep hands-on experience with Smartling or comparable enterprise translation management systems (TMS).</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to design, optimize, and govern localization processes at scale across complex, multi-account environments.</li> <li>Strong track record of managing escalations and navigating challenging customer conversations, providing advisory support, education, and guidance to drive successful resolution.</li> <li>Experience mentoring or coaching junior Localization Coordinators and Operations Specialists, with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts and provide effective training in a localization or operations context.</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience engaging senior client stakeholders.</li> <li>Solid understanding of localization industry trends, AI-enabled tooling, translation memory (TM) strategy, and localization frameworks.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred but not required</strong></p> <ul> <li>Working knowledge of file engineering fundamentals, scripting languages, and localization engineering concepts, including file formats, encoding standards, and placeholder/tag management.</li> <li>Experience supporting global, enterprise-tier clients with complex, multi-stream localization programs.</li> <li>Fluency or working proficiency in a second language</li> </ul> <p><strong>You Are</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Strategic. </strong>You think beyond immediate deliverables, considering how today’s decisions impact the client’s localization program at scale.</li> <li><strong>Resilient. </strong>Escalations and ambiguity don’t destabilize your approach; you stay grounded and focus on driving resolution.</li> <li><strong>Influential. </strong>You build trust across internal and external stakeholders through expertise, consistency, and dependable follow-through.</li> <li><strong>Analytical. </strong>You leverage available data, tools, and AI insights to identify trends and inform clear, actionable recommendations.</li> <li><strong>Mentorship-Minded. </strong>You actively invest time in developing less experienced team members, helping them build skills and grow their capabilities.</li> </ul> <p><strong>You Will Enjoy</strong></p> <ul> <li>Freedom 🏡- we are remote-first</li> <li>Growth - an opportunity to learn and advance your career</li> <li>Wealth 💰 - we offer a competitive salary and 401(k) + company match</li> <li>Wellness - health insurance; free medical plan for you and your family</li> <li>Balance - flexible PTO + 11 holidays; generous parental leave</li> <li>Culture 🤝- an energetic, value-driven, and fun culture and team spirit</li> <li>Bonus - employee referral program and Apple equipment</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p>We use E-Verify platform for work authorization verification.</p> <p><em>*To work from home, you must have a strong internet connection, a quiet space, and a professional (distraction- and clutter-free) background.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>