Production Manager

job Description: Senior Production Manager – Translation &

Localization

Role Overview

The Senior Production Manager will lead and oversee end-to-end translation and localization

projects, ensuring high-quality linguistic output, timely delivery, and cost efficiency. This

role requires deep expertise in translation workflows, vendor management (linguists), and the

use of CAT tools, along with strong leadership and operational capabilities.

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the production team, including Project Managers, Junior Production

Managers, and Coordinators.

• Allocate projects based on team capacity, language expertise, and deadlines.

• Train and mentor team members on translation workflows, tools, and quality

standards.

• Establish clear KPIs for productivity, quality, and turnaround time.

• Build a collaborative and quality-focused team culture.

2. Translation Project Oversight

• Oversee all translation and localization projects from receipt to final delivery.

• Ensure proper analysis of source files, scope, timelines, and resource requirements.

• Monitor project progress to ensure adherence to deadlines and client specifications.

• Review complex or high-priority deliverables before submission.

• Handle escalations, client feedback, and revisions efficiently.

3. Linguistic Vendor Management

• Build, manage, and maintain a strong pool of translators, editors, proofreaders, and

language specialists.

• Evaluate and onboard linguists based on language expertise, domain knowledge, and

quality performance.

• Assign tasks to vendors with clear instructions, glossaries, and style guides.

• Ensure NDAs, rate agreements, and confidentiality compliance are in place.

• Continuously monitor vendor performance (quality, responsiveness, adherence to

deadlines).

4. Quality Assurance & Linguistic Excellence• Define and enforce quality standards, style guides, and glossaries across projects.

• Ensure adherence to client-specific linguistic preferences and terminology.

• Implement multi-level QA processes (translation, editing, proofreading, LQA).

• Analyze errors and feedback to improve processes and vendor performance.

• Drive continuous improvement in translation quality and consistency.

5. Tools & Technology Management

• Ensure effective use of CAT tools such as SDL Trados Studio, memoQ, Wordfast, or

similar platforms.

• Oversee translation memory (TM) and terminology database management.

• Ensure proper file handling, version control, and workflow automation.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology and AI-assisted

translation tools.

6. Financial Oversight & Cost Management

• Plan and control project budgets, including vendor costs and internal resources.

• Negotiate vendor rates and ensure competitive pricing without compromising quality.

• Review and approve vendor invoices based on completed work and agreed rates.

• Optimize cost-efficiency through effective resource and TM utilization.

7. Process Management & Workflow Optimization

• Develop and standardize translation workflows and SOPs.

• Ensure accurate job sheet tracking (word count, language pairs, timelines, effort).

• Monitor productivity metrics such as throughput, turnaround time, and cost per word.

• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements.

8. Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Act as the primary escalation point for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Ensure clear communication of project status, risks, and timelines.

• Collaborate with sales and account management teams for project planning and

delivery.

• Build strong client relationships through consistent quality and reliability.

9. Reporting & Performance Analysis

• Provide regular reports on production metrics, quality scores, and vendor

performance.• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

• Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

10. Risk Management & Problem Solving

• Anticipate potential risks such as tight deadlines, linguistic challenges, or vendor

shortages.

• Develop contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted delivery.

• Resolve critical production and quality issues proactively.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in translation/localization project or production management.

• Strong understanding of multilingual workflows, CAT tools, and QA processes.

• Experience managing linguists across multiple languages and domains.

• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage high-volume, fast-paced projects with strict deadlines.

• Familiarity with translation pricing models (per word, per hour, etc)

• It is a Full Time Back Office / Data Entry job for candidates with 2 - 6+ years Experience.