Senior Program Manager, Localization
Affirm
full-time
Posted on:
Location: California • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $142,000 - $210,000 per year
Job Level
Senior
About the role
- Own the Localization Program: define and execute localization strategy aligned with international expansion roadmap, set success metrics and report to leadership
- Drive Cross-Functional Initiatives: partner with product, engineering, legal, marketing, and customer operations to plan and execute localized launches, lead working groups and mitigate risks
- Manage Tools & Vendors: evaluate and manage third-party localization vendors and technology platforms (TMS, CAT tools), establish quality standards and integrate tools
- Ensure Global Readiness: work with legal, risk, and compliance to ensure content and product compliance with local regulations and support user testing in-market
- Champion Cultural & Linguistic Excellence: advocate for global users, ensure tone, messaging, and design are culturally appropriate and incorporate regional insights
- Drive Efficiency and Optimization: identify and implement process improvements and technology enhancements to optimize localization efficiency and scalability
- Develop and manage localization budgets: manage budgets tied to maintenance and expansion, ensure cost-effectiveness and resource allocation
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience in program or project management
- At least 2 years of direct experience managing localization efforts for global products
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Linguistics, Translation, International Business, Computer Science, or related discipline)
- Expert at managing complex, cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders across different time zones
- Deep understanding of localization tools, processes, and best practices (e.g., CAT tools, TMS, CMS, machine translation)
- Strong project management skills with ability to prioritize, plan, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously
- Highly aware of global cultural, regulatory, and UX differences and experience working with international markets
- Solid understanding of internationalization (i18n) and globalization (g11n) concepts
- Experience with vendor management, including contract negotiation and performance evaluation
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Ability and willingness to work flexible hours outside of the normal business day to accommodate meetings across the United States, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia