Senior Localization Talent Specialist

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.

Work Conditions:

• Hybrid Module

• Monday to Friday

• 9AM - 6PM

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.