Building a Localization Project Management Career: Skills and Qualifications
| 5 Min Read
As international markets make room for new products, businesses all over the world are expanding globally. Cutting-edge technology assists in global expansion, but it takes much more to turn a local business into a global enterprise.
Businesses need experts who understand diverse markets and cultures and possess the skills to adapt and translate products for global demand. This is where localization project managers come into play.
In this guide, we will explore the role of a localization project manager, what skills are required for professionals in localization management positions, and how to stand out to employers in this fast-growing industry.
What Does a Localization Project Manager Do?
Localization is the customization of an existing product or service to fit a new market.1 Localization project managers prepare locally sold products to be marketed in diverse areas through carefully planned and executed projects. They must identify the need for their business in other markets, translate their products to different languages, and adapt their business to appeal to diverse cultures.
Essential Skills for Localization Project Manager Roles
Localization project manager careers require skills in translation, technology, business leadership, and more. Below, we’ll explore the role each skill plays in achieving organizational goals and expanding a business to international markets.
Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication
A successful localization project manager must be capable of communicating effectively with professionals both inside and outside of their organization. Having the skills to mobilize knowledge and resources across cultural, societal, and institutional contexts is essential in this role.
Media and Audiovisual Expertise
When localizing a product for a new market, understanding the current audiovisual and commercial marketing trends in that area is key to attracting new consumers. For this reason, incorporating media and audiovisual materials into a localization project is essential for professionals in this field.
Strategic Planning for Project Scope
All business projects – especially those involving multiple professionals – require an outline to detail timelines, budgets, and what each of the project’s contributors is responsible for. This outline is often referred to as the project scope.2
When developing a localization project scope, managers in this field must have expert strategic planning skills to coordinate all aspects of the project. They must be capable of setting a clear path for transforming ideas into completed results. Adaptation skills also come into play when faced with unforeseen challenges in project planning and meeting changing deadlines.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Fast-advancing AI technologies have introduced new and exciting opportunities for product localization. Understanding how to utilize cutting-edge AI tools and systems is essential for evaluating, selecting, customizing, and implementing localization projects. AI technology can also assist in localization project manager careers through gathering cultural information and choosing marketing techniques for various products and industries.
International Marketing
Because localization project management involves translating products for consumers on a global scale, managers in this field must have outstanding international marketing skills.
Localization project managers must be able to effectively conduct market research, utilize the latest analysis tools for market data, determine which marketing outlets are appropriate for certain products, and have awareness when it comes to new cultural and social trends that could impact consumerism.
Localization Project Manager Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the project management field to grow by 6% through 2032, which is greater than the speed of growth for the average industry.3 Localization project management is also expected to grow at an accelerated pace as businesses continue to introduce their products to international markets, making this field promising when it comes to professional growth.
Localization project management is a lucrative and competitive field with high salary potential and role diversity. In fact, there are several in-demand roles that support the localization of products and businesses while going beyond project management.
Today’s In-Demand Localization Project Manager Careers:
- Localization Manager: $74,406 per year4
- Localization Producer: $81,873 per year5
- Localization Project Manager: $75,087 per year6
- Translation Project Manager: $117,652 per year7
Begin Your Localization Project Management Career with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Choose a master’s degree unlike any other in the United States with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. The online Master of Arts in Localization Project Management degree delivers the masterful skills and professional credential you need to excel as a leader.
Like all Middlebury Institute Online programs, this master’s degree is taught entirely through a convenient virtual classroom with expert instruction from educators who understand the intricacies of the field. With online access to courses and academic resources, you’ll have the flexibility to study on your schedule and complete your education in just two years without having to travel to campus.
Graduate with the competitive edge and unique skillsets sought by today’s employers and go further in your localization project management career. Request more information to find out how you can accelerate your career with a one-of-a-kind degree today.
Sources
- TechTarget. “DEFINITION, Localization.” Robert Sheldon. (N.D.) Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/localization.
- TechTarget. “DEFINITION, Project Scope.” Katie Terrell Hanna. (N.D.) Retrieved July 17, 2024, from www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/project-scope.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Project Management Specialists, Job Outlook.” Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm#tab-6.
- Salary.com. “Localization Manager Salary.” Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/localization-manager-salary.
- Salary.com. “Localization Producer Salary in the United States.” Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/localization-producer-salary.
- Salary.com. “Localization Project Manager Salary.” Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/localization-project-manager-salary.
- Salary.com. Translation Project Manager Salary. Retrieved August 26,2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/opening/translation-project-manager-salary.