WPP Production | Localization Delivery Manager

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About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world. WPP Production is part of WPP.

Job Role: Localisation Delivery Manager

Overview The Localisation Delivery Manager is responsible for delivering translation, creative translation and transcreation projects on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards for a key client – a leading global cloud computing and technology services provider. In this role, you will act as the dedicated primary contact for client teams. You will provide local, in-region expertise and end-to-end management of agency-supported localisation requests. You will own brief validation, triage to linguists and internal production/studio teams, communication and delivery accountability. This role requires a strong combination of project management expertise, hands-on experience managing internal and/or external linguists, and a willingness to work directly with clients as a key point of contact. The ideal candidate possesses strong client-facing skills and is fully comfortable managing these relationships directly. Additionally, we would highly value candidates who have knowledge of AI-led translation/transcreation tools, alongside utilizing and leveraging AI agents to produce localised copy. Proficiency in tools like Unifyr and Asana is also preferred.

Key Responsibilities：
Client Relations & Communication
• Client Contact: Serve as the dedicated, primary point of contact for clients, managing their expectations, deliverables, and timelines on assigned projects.
• Consultative Communication: Structure and lead regular status updates, confidently guiding clients through project scope, schedules, and changes as needed.
• Brand Alignment: Partner with clients to understand their brand guidelines and localization needs, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
• Issue Resolution: Handle client feedback and complaints professionally, troubleshooting issues as they arise and escalating complex risks to senior management.

 AI & Localization Technology Innovation
• AI Agent Utilization: Leverage AI agents and prompt engineering techniques to generate AI outputs with client-specific brand voices, glossaries, and style guides.

Project & Process Management 
• Brief Clarification & Triage: Own brief validation, triage and delivery accountability. This includes triaging briefs to internal/external linguists and internal Production/Studio teams.
• End-to-End Ownership: Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of delivering diverse language and production scopes independently—from initial briefing and scoping through to final delivery and billing—including but not limited to translation, creative translation, and transcreation. 
• Workflow Optimization: Keep projects on track using clear task lists, timing schedules, and trackers.
• Asset & Database Maintenance: Update client glossaries and maintain Translation Memories (TMs) to capture client feedback and support the training of AI engines for future projects.

Linguist & Talent Management
• Resource Selection: Identify and select the most appropriate internal and/or external linguists for each project based on the client's specific requirements, linguist availability, project timelines, and project budget.
• Performance Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to internal and/or external linguists at the end of projects, where applicable, to drive continuous improvement.

Financial Management :
• Budget Ownership: Manage project budgets, track all costs, reconcile estimates against actual spend, and handle POs and client billing.

Essential Skills & Qualifications
Must-Haves (Essential):
• Availability: Must be able to start immediately.
• Experience: 3+ years of proven experience in a Localisation Project Management role (agency or in-house).
• Linguist Management: Demonstrated experience briefing and managing internal and/or external linguists across copy localisation projects.
• Client-Facing Aptitude: Excellent communication skills with the willingness, confidence, and capability to work directly with local/international clients and stakeholders.
• Language & Creative Industry Knowledge: A deep understanding of the creative development process, localization workflows, design/layout constraints, and quality assurance methodologies.
• Tech Literacy: Solid experience using Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and Translation Management Systems (TMS) such as XTM/XTRF. High general IT literacy.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and Japanese.
• Organization & Resilience: Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.

Nice-to-Haves (Preferred):
• Tool Literacy: Hands-on experience using Unifyr and Asana for workflow and project tracking
 • AI & Translation Tech Expertise: Practical experience working with AI-led translation/transcreation tools. Knowledge of how to use and prompt AI agents/engines for delivering language services is highly preferred.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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