External Resource Management Lead - Gaming Localization

Employment Type: Full-time Location Type: Remote

Position Overview

Keywords is an international technical services provider to the global games industry. Established in 1998 in Dublin and now with operations in 13 studios across 10 countries, it provides integrated services for localisation, testing, audio, art creation and customer support in over 40 languages and 12 game platforms to the world’s largest games publishers and developers.

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented External Resource Management Lead to oversee and optimize resource management processes within the gaming localization industry. This role focuses on managing a diverse pool of resources, including text translators, audio specialists, and DTP (Desktop Publishing) professionals, to ensure seamless project execution. As the Resource Lead, you will lead a team and work closely with Sr. Production Managers, Project Managers, Quality Assurance teams, and external vendors to deliver high-quality localized gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Planning and Team Management

• Lead the resource management team for a portfolio, ensuring the effective assignment of translators, audio engineers, voice-over talent, and DTP specialists for gaming localization projects.
• Forecast resource requirements based on project pipelines and align allocations accordingly.
• Maintain and expand a database of qualified resources, including freelancers and vendors, to meet project demands.

Operational Efficiency and Workflow Optimization

• Develop and implement resource allocation strategies for text, audio, and DTP tasks, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
• Streamline workflows and tools to optimize collaboration between departments and minimize project delays.
• Monitor resource utilization rates and adjust processes to improve productivity and minimize downtime.

Vendor and Partner Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external vendors, freelance talent, and in-house teams.
• Evaluate vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and ensure adherence to quality standards and delivery timelines.
• Key communicator of senior management and external resources.

Project Collaboration

• Work closely with Sr. Production Managers, Project Managers to understand the specific requirements of each project.
• Ensure the availability of resources skilled in handling complex and large-scale gaming projects across text, audio, and visual mediums.
• Provide insights and recommendations for resource-related challenges and bottlenecks.

Quality Assurance and Training

• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain high standards for translations, audio production, and DTP deliverables.
• Organize training and upskilling programs for resources to meet evolving gaming industry standards and client expectations.

Budget Management

• Monitor resource budgets for localization projects, ensuring optimal use of allocated funds without compromising quality.
• Provide detailed reporting on resource expenses, capacity planning, and cost-effectiveness.
• Make opportunities to use tech-enabled solutions and maximize the use of Machine Translations within your portfolio.

Industry Expertise and Innovation

• Stay updated on localization trends, gaming technologies, and advancements in translation, audio, and DTP tools.
• Proactively identify opportunities to innovate and improve resource management processes.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in resource management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the localization and gaming industry.
• Proven expertise in managing resources for text translation, audio production, and desktop publishing in gaming localization projects.

Technical Knowledge

• Proficiency in CAT tools (e.g., Trados, memoQ), audio production software, and DTP tools (e.g., Adobe InDesign).