What does a localization project manager do?
A localization project manager is in charge of overseeing the efforts in localizing campaigns. Their responsibilities revolve around managing projects and programs, setting objectives, handling budgets, and devising strategies to expand product roadmaps. There are also instances where they must produce progress reports and present updates to executives, train new staff, and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Localization project manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real localization project manager resumes:
- Manage translation vendor account with SDL.
- Manage freelance writers in developing content and ensure all content follow SEO best practices.
- Manage a production team of translators, engineers, testers, reviewers and DTP expert.
- Develop and manage recommendations for in-house translation & localization QA process.
- Manage and create requisitions and purchase orders through university PeopleSoft database.
- Perform problem resolution, cost recovery, manage inventory of network components, direct RFP process for procurement of telecommunications services.
- Implement a translation management system (TMS) using SDL WorldServer to improve quality and reduce costs.
- Coordinate internal vendor sourcing as well as client-side language review of translation projects within client CMS.
- Perform improv and sketch comedy.
- Maintain sketch library of dresses for internal use.
- Work as a project manager on the UI Online localization team.
- Maintain and add content for localization to team SharePoint site and Wiki.
- Create HTML promotions display online and in emails deploy to database members.
- Prepare localization files in different formats into .doc format or Trados template format.
- Assign, maintain and update specific TMs for the specific project channels for localization.
Localization project manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Localization Project Managers are proficient in Project Management, Localization Projects, and QA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Localization Project Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 19%
Managed test plans and tasks by collaborating with project management, internal and external stakeholders for international title releases.
- Localization Projects, 6%
Executed high-quality Localization projects within the budget boundaries and exactly on time.
- QA, 6%
Provided technical support throughout entire software localization and QA life cycle
- SDL, 5%
Adhered to SDL project process including the use of Empower, Handover forms, Status reports and MDS forms.
- Content Management, 5%
Communicate project status, issues and updates; evaluated and proposed new Content Management Systems to various teams and stakeholders.
- Project Scope, 4%
Review and validate project scope, deliverables and release requirements.
Common skills that a localization project manager uses to do their job include "project management," "localization projects," and "qa." You can find details on the most important localization project manager responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a localization project manager to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must be able to analyze industry trends to determine the most promising strategies for their organization." Localization project managers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created database (in bento, a mac application) to manage vendor invoices and payments. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform localization project manager duties is communication skills. Localization project managers responsibilities require that "managers must be able to communicate effectively with a broad-based team made up of other managers or staff members during the advertising, promotions, and marketing process." Localization project managers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "maintain and grow client relationships while managing client expectations through clear and effective communication. "
Creativity. localization project managers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to localization project manager responsibilities, because "advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must be able to generate new and imaginative ideas." A localization project manager resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "manage quality assurance according to creative mandatories and deadlines across multiple platforms including jira, basecamp and sling. "
Interpersonal skills. localization project manager responsibilities often require "interpersonal skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "managers must deal with a range of people in different roles, both inside and outside the organization." This resume example shows what localization project managers do with interpersonal skills on a typical day: "demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills with all levels of client management and is management. "
Organizational skills. Another common skill required for localization project manager responsibilities is "organizational skills." This skill comes up in the duties of localization project managers all the time, as "advertising, promotions, and marketing managers must manage their time and budget efficiently while directing and motivating staff members." An excerpt from a real localization project manager resume shows how this skill is central to what a localization project manager does: "ensured outputs are delivered in line with organizational standards and client expectations. "
The three companies that hire the most localization project managers are:
Compare different localization project managers
Localization project manager vs. Project administrator
A project administrator is an individual who assists the project manager in the preparation, reporting, and analysis of projects. Project administrators are given tasks with administrative responsibilities such as managing the budget for supply orders, coordinating meetings with contractors, and doing site visits. They are involved with hiring staff members for a project and creating employee guidelines based on talents, skills, and abilities. Project administrators are also responsible for providing reports on the project's progress to the top management.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, localization project manager responsibilities require skills like "localization projects," "qa," "sdl," and "content management." Meanwhile a typical project administrator has skills in areas such as "purchase orders," "customer service," "powerpoint," and "data entry." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Project administrators tend to make the most money working in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $66,237. In contrast, localization project managers make the biggest average salary, $89,260, in the technology industry.The education levels that project administrators earn slightly differ from localization project managers. In particular, project administrators are 13.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a localization project manager. Additionally, they're 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Localization project manager vs. Project associate
A project associate (PA) is an individual who ensures that the activities of a project are running smoothly and properly implemented. Project associates are required to provide administrative coordination support to assigned projects and maintain project pending lists and meeting agendas. They must review and process invoices from consultants, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure that they are according to the project's requirements. In collaboration with the senior project officer, project associates should also assist in tracking and documenting project deliverables.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real localization project manager resumes. While localization project manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "localization projects," "sdl," "content management," and "project scope," project associates use skills like "data collection," "powerpoint," "data analysis," and "data entry."
On average, project associates earn a lower salary than localization project managers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, project associates earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $69,142. Whereas localization project managers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $89,260.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Project associates tend to reach similar levels of education than localization project managers. In fact, they're 4.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Localization project manager vs. Club manager
A club manager is responsible for overseeing club operations, delegating tasks to the club staff, and ensuring that the team provides the highest customer service and satisfaction for the guests. Club managers inspect the stability of technical tools and equipment, including the adequacy of inventory and food and beverage stocks. They also identify opportunities and services that would increase revenue resources and attract patrons from visiting the club regularly. A club manager responds to the guests' inquiries and concerns, resolves complaints, and monitors sales performance.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, localization project managers are more likely to have skills like "project management," "localization projects," "qa," and "sdl." But a club manager is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "front desk," "cleanliness," and "cpr."
When it comes to education, club managers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to localization project managers. In fact, they're 17.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Localization project manager vs. Project director
A project director is an individual responsible for supervising workers from various departments given specific tasks to complete a given project. They create a budget to complete a job while monitoring the amount of money spent to ensure that overspending is avoided. They provide presentations to investors, business partners, and company executives to inform them about their progress and development. Project directors must have several years of experience and obtain at least a bachelor's degree in business economics or a related field to be hired.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between localization project managers and project directors, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a localization project manager might have more use for skills like "localization projects," "sdl," "content management," and "ui." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of project directors require skills like "oversight," "customer satisfaction," "hr," and "adaptive. "
Project directors enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $106,707. For comparison, localization project managers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, project directors hold similar degree levels compared to localization project managers. Project directors are 1.5% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of localization project manager
Updated January 8, 2025
