Localisation Manager

Team Description The Localization team at Booking.com ensures that the company’s products, content, and customer experiences are tailored to global audiences. They develop and implement localization strategy, manage relationships with translation vendors, set and uphold rigorous quality standards, and collaborate with internal partners like Marketing and Product. The team leverages automation and internal/external expertise to deliver culturally relevant, high‑quality translations at scale across multiple languages and regions. Their work enables Booking.com to connect with users worldwide, drive engagement, and support strategic initiatives like the Connected Trip, all while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and effectiveness across diverse markets. Role Overview The Localization Manager - Berlin oversees a portfolio of languages, managing a team of Localization Leads and Sr Localization Specialists responsible for the strategic delivery of localization requirements with a focus on quality, efficiency and cost‑effectiveness. They work with multiple vendors to ensure excellence in all localisation streams, including translation, quality assessment and product testing. They are responsible for key business‑focused metrics in their portfolio, identifying systemic issues across multiple languages and solving or escalating to ensure smooth resolution, performing root cause analyses and implementing improvement plans where necessary. Working closely with the Central Localization Team and their peers, they are key contributors to the overall Localization strategy and support the move to automation of certain workstreams and content types, as well as the flawless execution of high‑impact transcreation/native copywriting for business‑critical content assets. In addition, they act as an ambassador for localization in their markets, providing guidance on opportunities for Booking.com to provide a more locally‑relevant and customer‑centric experience. Key Job Responsibilities and Duties Evaluate, drive and optimise localization performance against all KPIs for a portfolio of languages Implement strategic delivery plans to optimise for KPIs Monitor, evaluate and guarantee vendor performance across all languages in the portfolio Support the implementation of new localisation solutions for key content types, working closely with the Central Localization Team Implement a localisation strategy at language/market level, identifying, recommending and implementing changes to our platform that create a more culturally‑adapted and locally‑relevant user experience Mentor, coach and sponsor Localization Leads and Sr Localization Specialists, finding or creating career growth opportunities to support their professional development Build strong working relationships with central and regional leadership teams Advocate for and promote localisation opportunities in and for the group of languages; function as our regional localisation ambassador to bridge central strategy with execution to meet the needs of our customers Role Qualifications and Requirements Master’s Degree in language, translation, localisation or related field 8+ years of experience in a management function Extensive background in localisation (e.g. managing operations, projects or vendors in a translation environment) Experience leading and coaching international teams Experience managing external localisation vendors Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and presence; ability to manage and influence stakeholders. Deep knowledge of localisation technology, incl. CATs, TMSs, MT and post‑editing Deep understanding of internationalisation, with experience in product testing and bug reporting Experience with e‑commerce product localisation and marketing and creative content translation and transcreation Proactive and initiative taker, both when working independently and in collaboration with a team Ability to operate effectively under pressure and in ambiguous, agile environments. Experience analysing complex data sets and interpreting them to make business decisions. Inclusion at Booking.com Take it from our Chief People Officer, Paulo Pisano: “At Booking.com, the diversity of our people doesn’t just create a unique workplace, it also creates a better and more inclusive travel experience for everyone. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a place where you can make your mark and have a real impact in travel and tech.” Read all about DEI and the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Booking.com here. Total Reward Philosophy The benefits and perks offered by the company can be found here. Career Development Opportunities Learn more about Your Career Journey here. Become a Mentee and benefit from a mentoring relationship with a more experienced person to help you identify and achieve your professional and personal development goals. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Booking.com is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to move well beyond traditional equal opportunity and work to create an environment that allows everyone to thrive. Pre‑Employment Screening If your application is successful, your personal data may be used for a pre‑employment screening check by a third party as permitted by applicable law. Depending on the vacancy and applicable law, a pre‑employment screening may include employment history, education and other information (such as media information) that may be necessary for determining your qualifications and suitability for the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr