Some people think that document translations is an easy task. For some, it is just reading and transcribing in another language, but the truth is that there is much more at stake. There are methods, techniques and processes to be followed so that the client is fully satisfied, which requires the presence of highly competent professionals in this type of project. Among them is the translation project manager.
Have you never heard of this professional? Today we are going to introduce you to you and show you the importance of having a translation project manager at your side whenever you need to translate documents. We will also highlight the skills that this professional must gather to offer a quality service, and what are the advantages of having it close by. Come on?
Who is the project manager in translations
The project manager is the professional responsible for planning, executing, monitoring and evaluating the results of a project. Its mission is to integrate the team, keep it motivated and engaged with the project and, with that, guarantee customer satisfaction with the final delivery.
As responsible for everyone’s success, the project manager must have a holistic view of the project, understand all its phases and know exactly where and when to act to maximize the return on investment made by the client.
When we talk about a project manager in translation, we refer to the professional who plans, executes, monitors and evaluates projects in the translation area. He is responsible for the translation team and also for the communication between company and client, always aiming to offer a unique service and satisfaction experience.
Why a translation project manager is important
The project manager’s duties in translation are many, ranging from analyzing the client’s needs to the final delivery of the translated documents. Along the way, he should be concerned with the following issues:
- Identifying the customer’s need: what type of document does the customer need to translate?
- Material analysis: how complex is the material?
- What is the best timeframe for the project?
- Budget adjustments: how much will it cost the client to have the documents translated?
- Gathering information necessary for translation: glossaries, technical terms, basic readings, reliable resources.
- Selection of the team of translators: which professionals are qualified to work in each project? How can they contribute? What are the responsibilities of each one?
- Translation itself: it is the execution of the project, the most important part of all, where nothing can fail. Therefore, the project manager must be aware of the schedule and the activities distributed, taking care that everyone does their part.
- Review of translated documents: after being translated, the document must be reviewed by another professional, in order to detect misinterpretation, spelling errors, cohesion and coherence. Often, it is the project manager who does this work.
- Document formatting: formatting according to ABNT Norms or other regulations for the presentation of documents.
- Delivery to the client: final delivery of the translation to the client.
- Billing: issuing the invoice and posting financial data.
But the project manager is not solely responsible
It is clear that it is not the project manager who will carry out all these activities. He will select the best professionals for the job and supervise the team’s actions, always guiding and helping in whatever is necessary.
The project manager’s role is to lead the team, motivate it, inspire it to do its best and remain focused on exceeding customer expectations with a service that adds value and brings benefits.
This is where we see the importance of the project manager in translations, as he will be the link that connects the client to the translation team, always striving for client satisfaction in every way. The monitoring that he performs with the team is essential for the client’s objectives to be achieved in the desired time, deadline and quality.
What are the characteristics of a good translation project manager
A translation project manager must have technical and behavioral skills that allow him to perform his duties with excellence, bringing positive results, both for the client and for the company providing the translation services. See what these competencies are and how they influence the project manager’s work:
1. Market experience
The translation project manager must be a professional with market experience, attuned to the most diverse areas of knowledge. He also needs to have an in-depth knowledge of the client’s area of expertise and be willing to learn more, after all, technical content is more complex and constantly evolving.
2. Communication
Communication is also an important factor for the project manager in translations, as he is constantly in contact with both his team and clients. Therefore, verbal and written fluency are essential for this professional to provide an excellent service.
3. Fluency in several languages
As it is a translation service, the project manager must also be fluent in two or more languages, as he must support his team and also the clients. The ideal is that he is always looking for professional updating in this sense, participating in courses, practice groups, postgraduate courses and other training courses that improve his knowledge of the languages with which he works.
4. Organization
Leaving the skills connected to communication, the project manager in translations must also be organized, in order to ensure compliance with project schedules and requirements. In addition, you must be a detail professional, observing all the details of the translations so that a high quality service is delivered to the clients.
5. Knowledge about technologies
Finally, the translation project manager must be aware of technological tools that can facilitate the job, such as translation software. This knowledge is essential for him to offer the appropriate support to his team and optimize everyone’s efforts in favor of greater productivity and efficiency.
Did you like to know more about the project manager’s profession in translations? Do you already have a professional like this to conduct your company’s translations? What benefits do you see in this partnership? These are questions that you should take into account when hiring a technical translation company.
