Why is a Good Translation Project Manager so Important?

One of the most frequent questions that a certified translation services agency is asked by a prospective new client, especially one that has a lot of potential business with the agency is about the project manager. This is a good question for any client to ask because there is a strong correlation between a great project manager and a good quality translation product. So what exactly does a project manager do and why are they so important to the efficiency and optimum output of the translation agency?

The translation process is a multi step operation and several factors make it a success. There are the translators themselves, the proofreaders, the software and the computer technology which nowadays is used so frequently in any extensive translation project. But the person who oversees the whole process is the translation project manager and he or she has to be a successful multi-tasker, a great communicator, constantly flexible as well as being a positive motivator and an effective organiser. That’s a pretty full list!

Every document translation services project manager has to cope with multiple tasks. They help out their translators, assist in developing translation processes, manage multiple projects in several different languages and often do all of the above every single day.

The project manager must be able to communicate effectively with both the client and the different members of their translation team, making sure that deadlines are understood and meant and that translation outcomes meet expectations.

There are often no hard and fast rules with translation tasks and project managers find they have to be flexible and adaptable so they can manage the time constraints, office staff needs and client demands.

Translation work can be stressful and it takes a great project manager to overcome all the little difficulties that present ongoing challenges. This requires a positive outlook which will also help to motivate the other members of the translation team.

Good project managers must be well organised, dealing with schedules and timelines, budgeting and editing. If a project manager fails in being a good organiser, projects fail to meet deadlines, delays are then inevitable and clients become disillusioned and frustrated.