Translation Blog

Project Management is a fast-growing field and it is tailored differently for specific industries.

A translation Project Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall coordination of translation-related projects for their clients. The objective of a translation Project Manager is to be the bridge that connects the client’s needs with the vendors that are best prepared for the project. Translation Project Managers establish the proper steps and procedures for the translation process, starting with the initial project analysis and developing the project plan, to contracting and overseeing the appropriate team members.

The PM must be focused on the process and on the client’s requirements in order to successfully complete the assignment. It is essential to take into account that the role of a translation Project Manager is not to translate. Language knowledge and translation experience is advantageous as this information helps the PM to better understand the process, and educate and manage the client. Translation Project Managers outsource most of the translation work to qualified freelance linguists/translators.

The ideal translation PM needs to be comfortable multi-tasking and must be attentive to all the details of a project. They should have the following traits:

- Organized
- Able to multi-task, solve problems and prioritize
- Detail-oriented
- Dedicated and perceptive
- Should be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Good team player with a positive attitude, determination, and strong management skills
- Should be able to lead and make decisions for the team
- Excellent communication skills with good negotiation skills
- Should be able to consult with clients, identify requirements, and inform technical information clearly
- Background in the translation and localization industry

The responsibilities of a translation Project Manager are numerous and overlapping and they include at least three areas:

- Administrative
- Managerial
- Sales

A translation Project Manager should understand that their customers often do not have language experience. An important part of the process of translation project management involves setting the client’s expectations. A good Project Manager is patient and walks the client through the process.

To summarize, the translation Project Manager is the bridge that unites the client’s translation requirements with the linguists or vendors who are able to fulfill the request. During the process, the PM acts as a mediator doing his/her best to keep all parties appropriately informed and satisfied.