Senior Localization Manager – Product Operations & Global Expansion

About the role

The Senior Localization Manager will lead and scale global localization efforts for hardware and software products, focusing on the Japanese market. This interim full‑time position (3–6 months) involves adapting payment products and help‑center content to ensure compliance, linguistic accuracy, and culturally tailored experiences.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute end‑to‑end localization strategy for Japan, establishing i18n and l10n best practices across engineering and product teams.
• Manage localization schedules, budgets, resource planning and launch readiness for multiple regions, including hardware interfaces, mobile apps, web dashboards and customer communications.
• Oversee vendor selection, onboarding and performance of LSPs, freelancers and LQA testers, tracking KPIs for accuracy, turnaround time and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, risk and local banking partners to ensure content meets regional financial regulations and data‑privacy laws.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing end‑to‑end localization programs for software/digital products across multiple markets.
• Experience localizing fintech or payment products, with knowledge of regulated financial environments.
• Strong vendor management skills and ability to communicate technical and regulatory requirements.
• Native or near‑native Japanese fluency is a plus.

Required skills

• Hands‑on experience with CAT tools or translation management systems such as Smartling.
• Proficiency with project‑tracking tools like Jira.
• Practical experience using large language models (LLMs) and AI‑assisted translation workflows.
• Understanding of i18n, l10n, LQA processes and terminology management.