Manager, Localization - English writing

Nintendo•Redmond, WA

44d•Onsite

About The Position

From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System more than 30 years ago, Nintendo's mission has been to create smiles through unique entertainment experiences. Here at Nintendo of America Inc., we deliver on this mission by partnering closely with Nintendo Co., Ltd., to bring Nintendo's iconic and cherished franchises including Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Animal Crossing, Pikmin and Splatoon across the Americas through our video games, hardware systems, and collaborations with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like feature films and theme parks. Based in Redmond, Wash., Nintendo of America serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Americas. We are an equal opportunity employer offering a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, and the diverse consumers and communities we call home. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at https://www.nintendo.com/. The Localization team strives to deliver quality experiences for players who enjoy our games in American English, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Our team is made up of translators, writers, editors, language QA and technical specialists, and coordinators who work in closely with internal and international teams, and external development partners to translate, culturalize, and test products developed in Japan and the world over. In addition, whenever possible, Localization supports various promotional efforts to help get the word out about our products to consumers across our markets. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Manages localization of Nintendo products from the Japanese to the North American and Latin American markets. Makes recommendations based on knowledge of Nintendo Of Europe (NOE) market needs. Works with the Planning team and Localization Management to help develop schedules and coordinate workflow with other localization team members. Tracks project spend, alerting the management team if deadlines or budget is at risk. Coordinates and owns biannual budget updates for Comprehensive projects. Investigates and implements feature enhancements to Localization Support Platform tool, including but not limited to actual coding. Works with Management and project teams in creating and coordinating Post Mortem meetings and reports. Manages team of writer/editors or translators under heavy workloads in fast-paced environment. Manages contractors as needed. Occasionally manages outsourcing of game text and scripts as needed. Recommends adaptations and changes to make products more appealing for North American and Latin American markets. Manages development of game scripts, voice actor casting, and voice recording process. Provides detailed and summary reports to upper management regarding localization status and changes. Builds and maintains strong working relationships with Japanese development teams and with other Nintendo Company Limited (NCL) subsidiaries. Communicates products strengths and features to upper management and other departments including Marketing and Corporate Communications. Acts as spokesperson for Nintendo by presenting games to media, participating in interviews, presenting on live streams, and supporting other promotional efforts. Monitors and evaluates performance, provides feedback, guidance, development, training and task direction to assigned staff.

Requirements

Minimum of six (6) years of related experience required.
One to two years in a supervisory capacity.
Ability to manage a team of writers or translators under heavy workloads in fast-paced environment.
Strong awareness and understanding of Japanese, US, French-Canadian or Latin American localization issues and market preferences.
Ability to communicate effectively with international contacts.
Ability to make recommendations regarding cultural/localization issues for software.
Ability to grasp and preserve the creative vision for products during the localization process.
Experience in audio production required.
Thorough knowledge of Nintendo properties, products, and history.
Ability to communicate product features and details and to present products effectively.
Valid passport may be required for international travel.
Manages a team of professional individual contributors and/or supervisors.
Applies understanding of the business and how own area integrates with others to achieve departmental objectives.
Undergraduate degree in English, Creative Writing, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Internal software development experience.
Understanding of network systems (including Subversion and Proxies).
Knowledge of Windows applications.
Experience in collaboration tools a plus.

Responsibilities

Manages localization of Nintendo products from the Japanese to the North American and Latin American markets.
Makes recommendations based on knowledge of Nintendo Of Europe (NOE) market needs.
Works with the Planning team and Localization Management to help develop schedules and coordinate workflow with other localization team members.
Tracks project spend, alerting the management team if deadlines or budget is at risk.
Coordinates and owns biannual budget updates for Comprehensive projects.
Investigates and implements feature enhancements to Localization Support Platform tool, including but not limited to actual coding.
Works with Management and project teams in creating and coordinating Post Mortem meetings and reports.
Manages team of writer/editors or translators under heavy workloads in fast-paced environment.
Manages contractors as needed.
Occasionally manages outsourcing of game text and scripts as needed.
Recommends adaptations and changes to make products more appealing for North American and Latin American markets.
Manages development of game scripts, voice actor casting, and voice recording process.
Provides detailed and summary reports to upper management regarding localization status and changes.
Builds and maintains strong working relationships with Japanese development teams and with other Nintendo Company Limited (NCL) subsidiaries.
Communicates products strengths and features to upper management and other departments including Marketing and Corporate Communications.
Acts as spokesperson for Nintendo by presenting games to media, participating in interviews, presenting on live streams, and supporting other promotional efforts.
Monitors and evaluates performance, provides feedback, guidance, development, training and task direction to assigned staff.