Manager, Software Localization Engineering

Manager, Software Localization Engineering- Hybrid, Based in Spain or Scotland.

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About the job

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.
• Ensre 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: Madrid or Glasgow, with the flexibility to work from the office 2-3 days per week, are strongly preferred. However, we are open to considering remote candidates within either country for the right individual.

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, TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, or similar. 
• Experience with Translation Management Systems (TMS) tools, workflows and metrics 
• Experience with GitHub 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 benefits.

You will grow in an energizing and flexible environment.

You will enjoy flexibility as we operate in a hybrid model.

You are welcome here.

At SAS, it’s not about fitting into our culture – it’s about adding to it. We believe our people make the difference. Our inclusive workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers.

Additional Information:

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