Primary Purpose Under the direct supervision of a Program Manager (including Associate or Senior level) the Associate Project Manager is a key member of a project team, working closely with the other project team members, Language Delivery (LxD) teams, Technical Services, and Quality Assurance. The Associate Project Manager is responsible for successful execution of standard quotes and projects while simultaneously managing the work of one or more client accounts to ensure client satisfaction, establish consistent high-quality on-time deliverables as well as assisting in identifying and growing the accounts potential based on predefined objectives. As assigned by the supervisor, the role will be to communicate with clients on day-to-day items such as clarification of work to be performed, update project status, and provide timelines for delivery. The Associate Project Manager will actively participate in meetings to discuss open and emerging business issues for assigned accounts and make recommendations for improvements. They may coordinate with the Project Manager/Senior Project Manager to assist junior level team members with the completion of special projects. Essential Functions Client Service Collaborates with the team with regards to client requirements, needs and requests such as asset management, reporting and meetings. Acts as a backup client contact when team members are absent. Contributes to presentations educating clients about specific projects, project types or about RWS Regulated Industries in general. Participates in the client post-mortem process. Supports client relationship and provides regular status reports on projects. Maintains positive client perceptions. Ensures client satisfaction by proactively seeking and offering solutions. Addresses day-to-day client queries and concerns with guidance from immediate supervisor. Escalates client issues related to more complex or general account items to immediate supervisor. Responds to client requests in a timely manner. Project Management Identifies, communicates, and manages production risks as appropriate to eliminate potential pitfalls or obstacles. Engages in quotation preparation. Launches and coordinates standard projects which includes functions such as negotiating budgets, scheduling, resource allocation and work assignments. Performs administrative duties which include project closures, Translation Memory updates and folder structure maintenance. Produces reports and develops internal post-mortems to help improve processes and reduce risk. Ensures strict adherence to deadlines, budgets, and the completion of high-quality deliverables. Follows up on purchase orders, approves invoices and escalates payment issues where necessary. Assists in or leads the creation of custom workflows and project instructions. Approves Project Plans (including vendor purchase orders) for specified accounts prior to project launch. Collaborates with cross-functional teams on CAPAs. Participates in periodic review of projects with senior production team members to ensure quality and consistency. Resource Coordination Collaborates with the Supply Chain team to identify resources meeting cost requirements. Engages with Supply Chain. May create and send POs to resources. Ensures project resources have the necessary tools and information to accomplish tasks. Alerts resources of schedule or scope changes. Provides feedback to Supply Chain on resource performance. Account Development Supports Global Account team to improve overall budget, efficiency, and quality. Gathers information to forecast upcoming work on various accounts and alerts the team as necessary. Assists with account-related meetings and presentations. Supports execution of approved account opportunities and their implementation. Teamwork Collaborates with project team members as necessary to perform and complete daily project tasks. Makes recommendations for process improvements to have a positive impact on profitability and/or quality. Mentors junior staff as needed. Additional Duties Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective completion and delivery of projects. Equipment Uses standard office equipment such as personal computer, scanner/ copier, telephone/headset. Work Schedules Twelve months per year standard work schedule as needed to successfully meet individual and department goals and objectives, and meet employee and client needs, including a reasonable amount of additional hours as necessary. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to provide appropriate guidance to junior employees when needed. Ability to communicate effectively through changes in procedures, clients requirements, and other production processing issues. Strong organizational skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Ability to prioritize and coordinate competing work demands and maintain composure under pressure. Fluent communication skills of written and verbal English. Ability to report work orally and in writing as required. Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications. A team player who can collaborate effectively with a diverse group of individuals. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in relation to performance of work responsibilities, working with supervision. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding company financial and other information. Ability to resolve customer service and production issues in a professional and efficient manner. Quality focus and detail oriented Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards Works in standard office building environments. See the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position. Qualification Profile Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: Four-year college degree or equivalent in Business, English, Foreign Language, Social or Applied Sciences, or related field. One to three years of hands-on experience coordinating projects within the localization or translation industry. Demonstrated successful customer service/account management experience, generally a minimum of one year. Computing skills, including experience with TRADOS or other translation management tools (CAT, or Computer Aided Translation tools) and publishing applications (e.g., FrameMaker, InDesign, etc.). Demonstrated successful mentoring experience preferred. Verbal and written fluency in at least one foreign language a plus.
