Manager, Software Localization Engineering

Manager, Software Localization Engineering

The Localization team is looking for a Manager, Software Localization Engineering reporting to the Globalization Director to architect, scale and operate an intelligence-driven localization system that continuously evaluates, adapts, and improves multilingual product experiences for our international customers. This role presents an outstanding opportunity to combine expertise in AI-driven translation technologies with strong backend engineering and localization workflow knowledge. You will serve as the technical authority, designing advanced localization pipelines integrating TMS, NMT, and LLM capabilities into production-ready systems.

You will lead all localization engineering activities in close partnership with Localization Project Management, Localization QA, product engineering teams and internationalization stakeholders, while acting as a go-to resource across the organization.

The ideal candidate is Madrid-based (OR Glasgow) with the flexibility to collaborate across time zones to deliver world-class, multilingual software.

As a Manager, Software Localization Engineering, you will:

• Lead a team of localization engineers, driving innovation through automation and AI-enabled solutions.
• Set the team's strategic direction and guide execution against business and organizational goals.
• Foster a high-performing culture through coaching, talent development, and performance leadership.
• Drive the evolution of localization platforms, services, and infrastructure supporting global software and content delivery.
• Guide the adoption of next-generation localization technologies, including machine translation and LLM-based workflows.
• Oversee scalable integrations across product systems, content platforms, and development pipelines.
• Partner across engineering, QA, and localization teams to improve quality, efficiency, and delivery outcomes.
• Champion localization best practices, technical standards, and automation strategies across the organization.
• Measure and continuously improve localization productivity and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with secure software development practices and organizational policies.
• Embrace curiosity, passion, authenticity and accountability. These are our values and influence everything we do.

Work Location:

based in Madrid OR Glasgow, with 2 or 3 days per week in-office work is highly preferred. We can consider remote options out of each country for the right person.

Required qualifications:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in a technical localization management role, and 2 years of people management.
• At least 2 years of demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., Team Lead, Technical/Project Lead, or People Manager).
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Business or related field;
• Solid track record of leading engineering teams, setting goals, and overseeing technical projects.
• Ability to work across product teams and influence workflow adoption through clear communication and technical leadership.
• Expertise in AI/ML technologies, especially as applied to developer tools or localization workflows.
• Solid hands on experience with at least one programming language, Type Script, JavaScript, Python, or similar.
• Experience with Translation Management Systems (TMS) tools, workflows and metrics
• Experience with Git Hub Enterprise
• Familiarity with Automated Localization testing frameworks, such as:
  Robot Framework and Playwright
• Flexibility to participate in meetings outside standard working hours to support collaboration with global teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Neural Machine Translation
• Experience developing AI/ML based tools, services, or plug-ins that support developer efficiency and global readiness.
• Experience with JIRA and Confluence
• Master's degree is a plus

Additional competencies, knowledge and skills:

• Global Perspective. Demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to the international market, cultural, technological, political, and legal factors that impact individual and work group priorities and results; leveraging own understanding of the organization's global strategy, global business trends, and regional differences to enhance individual and work group results.
• Strategic Planning. Obtaining information and identifying key issues and relationships relevant to achieving a long-range goal; committing to a course of action to accomplish a long-range goal after developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints, and organizational values.
• Leading Change. Driving organizational and cultural changes needed to achieve strategic objectives; catalyzing new approaches to improve results by transforming organizational culture, systems, or products/services; helping others overcome resistance to change

Benefits highlights:

• SAS supports your well-being with programs that reduce stress and distractions to help you stay healthy and productive.
• You will receive a competitive salary package and fringe…