Senior Localization Program Manager

Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.•Fort Mill, SC

About The Position

As the Senior Manager of Localization Operations at Sunbelt Rentals, this vital role drives the overall globalization strategy by overseeing the planning, execution and optimization of the localization program across the organization for international markets and audiences including Quebec (French Canadian) and Spanish. This senior manager plays an important role in the Sunbelt Rentals localization strategy to support and execute efficient development of content types that need translations such as written communications, marketing and advertising, website and social media, training and systems. Accountable for developing comprehensive localization strategies and establishing roadmaps that align the localization program with the company's expansion and growth objectives. Given translations is a new capability for Sunbelt Rentals, this leader is responsible for setting the foundation for approach, workflows, accuracy and delivery of all content produced to support operating in Quebec, which requires all aspects to be fully in French Canadian, and for how the company provides content for Spanish speaking stakeholders. Content that is translated is internal and external facing and is essential to represent how the brand is represented accurately. The Senior Manger partners with cross-functional stakeholders including Digital & Technology, Enterprise Project Management, Marketing and Local leadership to build a robust, scalable localization ecosystem that balances quality and cost, enabling the organization to engage effectively with team members and customers in their preferred language. Serves as the primary point of contact responsible for budget and vendor management including LSP (language service providers) and accountable to maintain critical resources such as Style Guides, Glossaries and Translation Memories to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Requirements

10-12 years of experience in localization, globalization or program management within a fast paced environment, with B2B experience preferred.
Ability to effectively communicate technical requirements to meet standards.
Proficiency with CAT tools, translation management systems and localization workflows to ensure consistency and cost-efficiency.
Experience working with international cross-functional teams from different cultures including mitigating risk with potential cultural missteps or bottlenecks with translation content delivery.
Current understanding with the rapid shifts in the industry with the AI and LLMs to optimize human-in-the-loop workflows.
Deep expertise in industry-standard platforms such as Phrase for managing workflows and automating content development.
Demonstrated knowledge of internationalization and localization standards as well as localization testing best practices.
Degree in translation, localization, a related technical discipline or equivalent working experience.
Fluency in at least one other language to bring tangible insights to the translatability or content and nuances of quality assurance.
Expertise with Project and Stakeholder management including informing progress updates, managing complex timelines, budget and competing priorities.
Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to influence leadership and align cross-functional teams.
Experience working between technical and creative teams (departments) to help bring understanding to the work and the varying audiences to consider.
A bachelor's degree is required.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive localization strategy aligned with corporate goals, ensuring scalability across product, marketing, training and support content.
Design and implement a localization program that includes direct staff and third-party support aimed at delivering end-to-end solutions supporting localization and translation needs across the organization.
Work closely with Legal team to ensure compliance with distinct laws and regulations.
Manage the budget and track expenses tied to resources supporting localization.
Own localization metrics to ensure quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Establish KPIs and quality frameworks for language deliverables and report quarterly.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost savings, leveraging data-driven insights to refine localization workflows and adapt strategies to evolving business needs.
Oversee the selection and implementation of localization technologies (such as a translation management system and automation tools).
Develop and manage relationships with localization service providers, linguist vendors and internal SMEs.
Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate localization early in the development cycles and advocate for internationalization best practices and oversee project plans and workflows leading to continuous improvement of Sunbelt global operations.
Build, lead and mentor a high-performing localization team and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
Develop localization-related training materials to raise awareness throughout the organization.