Senior Japanese Linguist

About this task

Job Responsibilities:
This role involves managing translation and copy-editing tasks, ensuring high-quality linguistic deliverables for assigned projects or accounts. Responsibilities include coordinating with freelancers and agencies, maintaining language resources, resolving terminology queries, and collaborating with clients and internal teams to enhance workflow efficiency. The position also supports broader team efforts through editing, error arbitration, and active participation in quality initiatives. Job Reference: #LI-JC1
The following is a non-exhaustive list of responsibilities and areas of ownership for this role:

Performing copy-edit tasks on assigned projects or accounts
Performing on-demand translation tasks
Performing lead linguist role on assigned accounts
Taking ownership of deliveries that were translated internally or by external partners for one or more accounts into Japanese language
Preparing, managing and maintaining the language materials (including glossaries, Style Guides, work instruction) up to the quality standards and up to date as required by the account or project
Managing project-related queries
Ensuring good interaction among team members and resolving questions on terminology and language matters
Coordinating with freelancers, agencies and internal linguists on assigned projects or accounts
Testing and qualifying new freelancers and vendors as required
Developing and training of internal linguists/new and existing freelancers according to the accounts’ and Welocalize’s needs
Interacting with clients on linguistic matters as required
Participating in the development of new and improved working processes. Propose process improvements.
Meet or exceed the KPIs in terms of productivity, on time delivery, quality
Achieving the goals set by the team manager

Additional Job Details:
REQUIREMENTS
Education Level
University degree in Translation/Applied Languages/Linguistic Studies or equivalent combination of education and experience (University degree in other fields plus 2 years of full time experience in translation; OR 5 years of full time professional experience in translating)

Experience and Skills
Fluent in English, both written and spoken
Native fluency in Japanese language
8+ years of relevant experience in translation/localization/editing or content writing
5+ years of review experience
Thorough understanding of the localization process
Excellent knowledge of terminology used various subject matters
Subject-matter expert within company for assigned content specialities, service lines and processes
Excellent user experience of standard CAT tools, e.g. XTM, SDL Studio and issue tracking and query management tools, e.g. JIRA
Ability to learn new localization tools and applications quickly
Excellent user experience of standard software, such as Windows and Office applications
Ability to give clear, concise and constructive feedback
Ability to coordinate internal and external translators
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
Ability and willingness to train/teach others and pass on knowledge.
Ability to work with tight deadlines
Excellent problem solving skills
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, linguists
Ability, willingness and experience in communicating with customers at various levels
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Ability to work in a virtual team