Senior Japanese Linguist

Translation and editorial leadership

You’ll manage translation and copy editing for assigned accounts, taking responsibility for internally and externally produced language deliverables. The work includes lead linguist duties, terminology support, error arbitration and coordination with clients, agencies and freelance contributors.

Delivery responsibilities

• Copy-edit assigned materials and translate content when requested.
• Serve as the lead linguist for designated accounts.
• Take responsibility for completed target-language work across one or more accounts.
• Create and maintain glossaries, style guides and work instructions to the required quality level.
• Manage project questions and resolve terminology or language issues among team members.
• Coordinate internal translators, freelancers and agencies.
• Test and qualify prospective freelancers and vendors when needed.
• Train and develop internal linguists and new or existing freelance contributors.
• Discuss linguistic matters directly with clients as required.
• Propose and help implement improvements to working processes.
• Meet productivity, on-time delivery and quality indicators, along with goals set by the team manager.

Education and experience

A university degree in translation, applied languages or linguistic studies is accepted. Alternative routes are a degree in another subject plus two years of full-time translation experience, or five years of full-time professional translation experience.

The additional experience requirements are at least eight years in translation, localization, editing or content writing and at least five years of review work. Native target-language fluency and strong written and spoken English are required; the description leaves the target language unspecified.

Tools and subject knowledge

Understand the localization process in depth and provide subject expertise for assigned content specialties, services and processes. Strong command of terminology across the relevant subject areas is important.

• Be an experienced user of translation tools such as XTM and SDL Studio.
• Work confidently with issue tracking and query tools such as JIRA.
• Have strong practical knowledge of Windows and Office applications.
• Learn new localization tools and applications quickly.

Communication and problem-solving

Give concise, constructive feedback and coordinate work across internal and external translators. Explain information clearly to managers, clients and linguists, answer questions and share knowledge through training.

The role requires strong interpersonal communication, customer contact at different levels and the ability to meet tight deadlines. Solve practical problems with multiple variables, including situations without fully standardized procedures, and collaborate effectively in a virtual team.