1

Localization Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Localization Program Manager Sierra is rapidly expanding globally, and we're looking for a Localization Program Manager to build and scale our international localization efforts across every function ...

New

We're seeking a detail-oriented and strategically minded Localization Program Manager to lead end-to-end localization efforts for our products. In this role, you will work closely with product ...

Localization Program Manager

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$167K - $206K/yr

We're seeking a detail-oriented and strategically minded Localization Program Manager to lead end-to-end localization efforts for our products. In this role, you will work closely with product ...

Program Manager

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$61 - $74/hr

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for managing the production of all screen and hardware ... Manage project screen and hardware deliverables with localization scope in mind * Accountable for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Localization Program Manager information

See California salary details

$21

$45

$75

How much do localization program manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for localization program manager in California is $45.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Localization Program Managers when coordinating global projects?

Localization Program Managers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines across multiple time zones, ensuring consistent quality across languages, and aligning stakeholders from different regions and departments. They must also navigate technical hurdles, like integrating localization tools with existing content management systems. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and a solid understanding of both local cultures and global business objectives are essential for overcoming these challenges.

What are Localization Program Managers?

Localization Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the process of adapting products, services, or content to meet the linguistic, cultural, and regulatory requirements of different target markets. They manage cross-functional teams, set timelines and budgets, and ensure quality and consistency across all localized materials. Their role often involves collaborating with translators, developers, and marketing teams to deliver products that resonate with local audiences while maintaining brand integrity.

What is the difference between Localization Program Manager vs Localization Specialist?

AspectLocalization Program ManagerLocalization Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires project management experience, certifications like PMP, and language skillsRequires language proficiency, translation experience, and sometimes certification in translation tools
Work EnvironmentManages multiple projects, coordinates teams, and oversees localization strategiesFocuses on translation, editing, and quality assurance of localized content
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in global companies, tech, and media industriesCommon in translation agencies, corporate localization teams, and content providers
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for in relation to managing localization projects and programsOften searched for in relation to translation tasks and content localization

The Localization Program Manager oversees the entire localization process, coordinating teams and managing projects, while the Localization Specialist focuses on translating and editing content. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities within the localization industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Localization Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Localization Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, fluency in multiple languages, and a background in localization or translation, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with localization management tools (such as SDL Trados, memoQ, or Smartling), CAT tools, and content management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, cross-cultural awareness, and organizational skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate, timely, and culturally appropriate delivery of localized content across global markets.
What are popular job titles related to Localization Program Manager jobs in California? For Localization Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Localization Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Localization Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Localization Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Localization Program Manager job openings:
Localization Program Manager

Localization Program Manager

Colorwave

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Localization Program Manager

Sierra is rapidly expanding globally, and we're looking for a Localization Program Manager to build and scale our international localization efforts across every function product, marketing, design, and sales. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role sitting at the intersection of operations, product, and go-to-market. You'll be accountable for our end-to-end localization program, acting as both a strategic advisor and a hands-on program manager as we enter new international markets and expand within existing ones. Based in San Francisco.

International Expansion Strategy

  • Contribute to the country expansion playbook: build and document repeatable processes, and coordinate execution across product, marketing, design, sales, and operations
  • Partner with GTM Ops to align localization priorities with country expansion plans and commercial timelines

Program Management

  • Own and communicate the localization roadmap across all workstreams, keeping stakeholders aligned on priorities and timelines
  • Drive cross-functional program management across product UI, product documentation, website, sales assets, and digital campaigns
  • Manage our translation vendors and tooling - including turnaround expectations, quality standards, and delivery - while continuously evaluating whether our tooling is set up to scale with us
  • Establish and own a QA framework across all localization projects, setting quality standards and ensuring consistency across markets and asset types

Marketing & Web

  • Coordinate localization rollout priorities with the marketing team and web producer across website, content, sales assets, and digital/search ads
  • Design and champion best practices for digital localization in partnership with the web producer and translation vendor

Product & Design

  • Partner with Product, Engineering, and Design teams to define and integrate localization requirements into the product development lifecycle
  • Monitor and support internal localization systems and workflows, partnering with Engineering to troubleshoot issues, improve reliability, and maintain scalable translation operations
What You'll Bring
  • 6+ years of experience in localization, international operations, or program/project management
  • Proven track record owning end-to-end localization programs across multiple languages and regions, ideally including building repeatable language or market launch processes
  • Strategic thinker who can zoom out to advise on market entry and zoom in to manage a process. You're equally comfortable in both modes
  • Experience working with TMS platforms (e.g., LILT, Phrase, Smartling) and a track record of owning and improving localization tooling and vendor relationships
  • Exceptional cross-functional skills. You know how to build trust, drive clarity, and move workstreams forward across Operations, Marketing, Design, Product, and GTM
  • Strong written and verbal communicator. Able to operate effectively in fast-moving, ambiguous environments
Even Better...
  • Background in B2B SaaS or AI/tech companies
  • Familiarity with Figma, Sanity CMS, or similar design and content systems
  • Experience building localization programs from scratch at a scaling company
Our Values
  • Trust: We build trust with our customers with our accountability, empathy, quality, and responsiveness. We build trust in AI by making it more accessible, safe, and useful. We build trust with each other by showing up for each other professionally and personally, creating an environment that enables all of us to do our best work.
  • Customer Obsession: We deeply understand our customers' business goals and relentlessly focus on driving outcomes, not just technical milestones. Everyone at the company knows and spends time with our customers. When our customer is having an issue, we drop everything and fix it.
  • Craftsmanship: We get the details right, from the words on the page to the system architecture. We have good taste. When we notice something isn't right, we take the time to fix it. We are proud of the products we produce. We continuously self-reflect to continuously self-improve.
  • Intensity: We know we don't have the luxury of patience. We play to win. We care about our product being the best, and when it isn't, we fix it. When we fail, we talk about it openly and without blame so we succeed the next time.
  • Family: We know that balance and intensity are compatible, and we model it in our actions and processes. We are the best technology company for parents. We support and respect each other and celebrate each other's personal and professional achievements.
What We Offer

We want our benefits to reflect our values and offer the following to full-time employees:

  • Flexible (unlimited) paid time off
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
  • Life insurance and disability benefits
  • Retirement plan dependent on country of employment
  • Parental leave
  • Fertility and family building benefits through Carrot
  • Lunch, as well as delicious snacks and coffee to keep you energized
  • Discretionary benefit stipend giving people the ability to spend where it matters most
  • Free alphorn lessons

These benefits are further detailed in Sierra's policies, may vary by region, and are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefits plans. Eligible full-time employees can participate in Sierra's equity plans subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies.

Be You, With Us

We're working to bring the transformative power of AI to every organization in the world. To do so, it is important to us that the diversity of our employees represents the diversity of our customers. We believe that our work and culture are better when we encourage, support, and respect different skills and experiences represented within our team. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description. We strive to evaluate all applicants consistently without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.