We are seeking an experienced Senior Localization Talent Manager to lead recruitment and vendor/talent strategies for our localization and language services, with a strong focus on building and managing global freelance networks. The successful candidate will partner with hiring managers, build strong candidate pipelines across multiple language pairs and markets, and drive a best-in-class candidate experience from sourcing through onboarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end sourcing and onboarding of both full-time hires and freelance linguists/vendors, including translators, interpreters, voice-over artists, dubbing providers, QA linguists, and localization specialists.

• Build, manage, and scale a global network of freelance linguists and language service vendors across multiple languages and service types.

• Design and implement assessment workflows for linguistic, technical, and service-based roles (translation tests, MTPE evaluation, voice-over/dubbing samples, CAT tool proficiency, QA checks).

• Collaborate with hiring managers and L&D to define role profiles, competencies, and career pathways for localization teams.

• Manage interview processes, shortlist candidates, provide structured feedback, and support offer negotiation and closing.

• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion in sourcing and selection; ensure unbiased hiring practices across languages and markets.

• Maintain and improve recruitment metrics and reporting (time-to-hire, source effectiveness, quality of hire) and recommend process improvements.

• Maintain candidate data and recruitment documentation in the applicant tracking system; ensure compliance with data protection and local employment laws.

• Own vendor onboarding, qualification, rate negotiation, and ongoing performance management to ensure quality, availability, and cost efficiency.

• Partner with project and operations teams to allocate the right freelance talent to projects based on language, specialization, availability, and performance.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Linguistics, Translation, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in localization recruitment, vendor management, or freelance talent management within the language services industry.

• Strong understanding of localization workflows across translation, interpretation, MTPE, voice-over, and dubbing services..., CAT tools SDL Trados Studio, memoQ, Phrase (formerly Memsource), and linguistic QA processes.

• Excellent sourcing skills across platforms (LinkedIn, specialized forums, freelance marketplaces) and experience building language-specific talent pools.

• Experience designing and implementing practical skills assessments for linguists and localization technologists.

• Proficient in using ATS systems and recruitment analytics to drive decisions and reporting.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills; ability to partner with hiring managers and cross-functional teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; additional languages an advantage.

• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive hiring practices and ability to recruit across diverse geographies and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background or qualification in linguistics, translation studies, localization project management, or similar.

• Experience recruiting for technical localization roles.

• Hands-on experience managing freelance vendors, including onboarding, rate negotiation, and performance tracking.

• Experience working in a global matrix organization or with remote/distributed teams.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with a consultative approach to recruitment and talent advising.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple roles and priorities concurrently.

• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and a focus on continuous improvement.

• Highly adaptable and flexible, with strong punctuality and responsiveness when managing time-sensitive freelance talent and projects.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a global, growing company.

• Collaborative, inclusive culture that values innovation and continuous learning.

• Flexible working arrangements to support work–life balance.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of background. If you are passionate about sourcing world-class localization talent and shaping high-performing language teams, we would love to hear from you.