Localization Release Manager

Scope of role

The role is responsible for activities and processes associated with setting-up, executing and monitoring continuous localization release flow. It involves a deep understanding of tools and processes associated with localization and LQA specific workflows needed to continuously localize and release game content.

How does this role receive direction/new goals/objectives on tasks and projects?

• The role is expected to receive operational guidance and goals from the Client’s producers but largely operate autonomously on a day-to-day basis.
• Receives work assignments from the Client’s Producers and prioritizes in collaboration with other members of localization discipline and test team.
• Design and implement quality processes that will ensure there aren't any roadblocks due to quality concerns before releasing content to players.
• Monitoring of the LOC Quality health and providing updates to relevant Client and KW stakeholders on it

Degree of responsibilities

• There won’t be direct people or team management responsibilities
• Train and support Client and Keywords teams

Duties

Creation of documents on processes and procedures (10%)

• Supports Client Loc Producers with the creation of documentation relevant to release-specific processes to enable LQA operations
• May support Client Loc Producers with crafting localization release processes and run books for R&D products
• Makes sure to update and maintain an up-to-date library of documents related to localization release processes for a given product

Triage and resolution of issues (65%)

• Monitor the localization health of release at all times and act as a first responder to any problems
• Maintain a holistic view of release quality and continuously prioritize the various emergent issues that arise
• Actively drive the resolution of bugs and problems by using dedicated tools or communicating with the right teams and stakeholders
• Act as an escalation point for emergent issues during release
• Manage risks and resolve issues that affect release scope, schedule, and quality

Tracking and reporting (10%)

• Tracks and reports on critical LOC quality KPIs
• Responsible for tracking and critical analysis of relevant LOC quality KPIs (general KPI trends, LOC bug metrics,)
• Provides regular visibility to both regional and central stakeholders on product health of localization
• Sends out regular reports to provide status updates and highlight risks

Planning and forecasting (5%)

• Active involvement in planning Localization QA during project set-up
• Active contributor to test planning process, providing feedback and coordinating on the vendor side.
• Acts in an advisory capacity on current workload and bandwidth for the testing operation
• Participates in global activities by contributing content and subject matter expertise (in form of trainings, RFCs or other means)
• Participates in recruitment and onboarding of new testing team members
• Advises on performance

Knowledge

• Fluent in commanding English. Other languages a plus.
• Proven experience with bug management software (DevTrack, Jira, BugZilla, TestRail).
• Proven experience with test management software (DevTest, Hansoft, Jira, PractiTest).
• Proven experience in testing AAA GAS either on a vendor or studio side.
• Proven experience in managing localization testers on the floor or remotely to accomplish product quality milestones.
• Experience with game localization CMS and string management software.

Skills/Abilities

• Can think, speak and act with strategic focus while maintaining close control of operational processes.
• Can effectively communicate across cultural, distance, and language barriers.
• Strives under pressure, solution-oriented with ability to identify gaps and propose effective plan of action.
• Effectively navigates ambiguous situations and able to prioritize when not all the information is available.
• Diplomatic communicator, can be trusted to represent the Client effectively with external partners.
• Understands regional, partner and DEV perspectives, as a result able to make effective decisions depending on situation.