Sr. Localization Operations Specialist

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