Utku T.-Program Manager – Localization & Multilingual AI
Check rate
Experience
Program Manager – Localization & Multilingual AI
Uber
- Led localization, data annotation and transcription projects in 20+ languages with AI-based human-in-the-loop workflows. Executed budget and schedule control methodologies aligned with tailored customer specifications.
- Managed key accounts and led projects from client scoping through delivery and performance analysis.
- Worked with engineering, product and sourcing teams, enterprise vendors and freelancers to fulfill project requirements.
- Acted as the primary contact for clients, including Fortune 500 technology companies.
- Used Google Sheets, Phrase and internal platforms to optimize workflows and ensure data integrity.
- Automated repetitive tasks through AI-assisted scripting.
Accomplishments:
- Despite significant client-tool access and resource-monitoring limits, a two-step workflow was optimized into a simplified procedure that eliminated important project delays and maintained high-quality standards
- Eliminated client quality issues from 2-3 per delivery to zero by spearheading automated script development and optimizing vendor performance for an underperforming program, driving increased account volume.
Localization Solutions Architect
Altuent
- Performed A/B testing and pricing analysis of translation management systems (TMS) against client requirements.
- Developed a translation error rate (TER) calculation methodology that led to an 8% revenue increase by synchronizing invoicing and cost calculation with client requirements.
- Set up and ran new TMS, brought on board teams and vendors, developed training materials.
- Developed AI-based SharePoint semantic search service using LLM-based taxonomy and ontology tools.
- Tested out localization use cases on Amazon Bedrock, built workflows for quality estimation with machine translation, LLMs and human review.
- Automated internal processes to support decision making and reduce manual work. Developed Power BI and QuickSight Dashboards.
- Collaborated with content and IT teams to enhance information sharing and support a complete content strategy.
Accomplishments:
- Secured an average 8% client rate increase by implementing data-driven Translation Error Rate analysis across high-match projects to successfully justify and negotiate higher weighted word counts.
- Architected a pioneering LLM-driven SharePoint search framework 2 weeks ahead of schedule, empowering the company's strategic AI rebranding initiative through cross-functional taxonomy research and advanced semantic integration.
Senior Localization Solutions Analyst
Sony Electronics
- Supervised TMS and localization tools and integrations with internal stakeholders and vendors.
- Set up TMS for various content types, automated workflows and conducted end-to-end user acceptance testing.
- Collaborated with global marketing, product and engineering teams on CMS integrations & TMS customization. Managed requests through Jira and Confluence.
- Led TMS migration, strategized machine translation for client-specific needs and provided technical support to vendor teams.
- Handled XML, HTML, XLIFF, SRT and JSON file formats for localization support and automated video localization workflows.
- Used Excel, Tableau and Power BI to aggregate data from multiple sources and produce monthly vendor KPI reports and dashboards.
Accomplishments:
- Developed 100% automated Power BI dashboards to consolidate data from 2 disparate TMS systems, eliminating manual Excel reporting and empowering the team via comprehensive training guides.
- Engineered a 100% seamless PIM-TMS migration with zero operational overlap across 4 departments by establishing automated file specifications, leading vendor strategy and standardizing B2B and consumer localization workflows.
Senior Linguist & Localization Project Manager
PwC Turkey
- Managed outsourced translations with two language service providers, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with company guidelines. Translated client documents between departments.
- Provided CAT tool support and maintained translation memories and glossaries in conjunction with vendors.
- Evaluated HR language skills.
Translator & Interpreter
LC Waikiki
- Provided translation and interpreting assistance; outsourcing translation workflows.
- Delivered simultaneous and consecutive interpretation for internal meetings and training sessions.
Certified Translator
Kuzey Localization Services
- Translated legal and financial documents, news articles and subtitles, ensuring accuracy and appropriate terminology.
Industry experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Information Technology, Professional Services, Fashion, Retail, Banking and Finance, and Media and Entertainment.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Project Management, Business Intelligence, Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, and Product Development.
Summary
Localization and multilingual Gen AI professional with over 13 years of experience spanning translation, localization technology, product ownership and program management. Managed projects across 20+ languages for global clients, including Fortune 500 technology companies, coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners from scoping through delivery. Served as product owner for Sony's translation management system and worked directly with Uber's engineers on product improvements and new feature requests for an internal AI data annotation tool. Combines expertise in TMS migration, workflow automation and vendor management with hands-on experience integrating LLMs, machine translation and human review. Delivered measurable improvements in quality, efficiency and commercial performance through data-driven analysis and tailored localization solutions, supported by a strong linguistic foundation.
- Despite significant client-tool access and resource-monitoring limits, a two-step workflow was optimized into a simplified procedure that eliminated important project delays and maintained high-quality standards
- Eliminated client quality issues from 2-3 per delivery to zero by spearheading automated script development and optimizing vendor performance for an underperforming program, driving increased account volume.
- Secured an average 8% client rate increase by implementing data-driven Translation Error Rate analysis across high-match projects to successfully justify and negotiate higher weighted word counts.
- Architected a pioneering LLM-driven SharePoint search framework 2 weeks ahead of schedule, empowering the company's strategic AI rebranding initiative through cross-functional taxonomy research and advanced semantic integration.
- Developed 100% automated Power BI dashboards to consolidate data from 2 disparate TMS systems, eliminating manual Excel reporting and empowering the team via comprehensive training guides.
- Engineered a 100% seamless PIM-TMS migration with zero operational overlap across 4 departments by establishing automated file specifications, leading vendor strategy and standardizing B2B and consumer localization workflows.
Skills
Areas Of Expertise
- Localization Program Management
- Vendor Management
- Localization Solutions Design
- Multilingual Ai Project Delivery
- Saas Product Management
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Ai Data Annotation
- Localization Quality Assurance
Technical Tools
- Ai Data Labelling/Annotation: Ulabel (Uber Ai-Supported Platform)
- Translation Management Software (Tms): Globallink Enterprise, Trados Cloud, Phrase, Sdl Tms 12.6, Plunet
- Computer Assisted Translation (Cat) Tools: Trados Studio Professional 2022, Wordfast
- Professional Productivity: Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Apps Script), Office 365 (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Visio, Sharepoint, Power Automate), Slack
- Data Visualization: Power Bi, Tableau, Quicksight, Data Studio
- Llm/Automated Translation Platforms: Intento, Amazon Bedrock
- Project Tracking: Jira, Trello
- Media & Subtitling Tools: Captionhub, Maestra, Adobe Premiere Pro (Subtitling Functions)
- Misc: Regexr, Hoppscotch, Taus Estimate Api, Notepad++, Goldpan Tmx Editor
Languages
Education
University of Anglia
Master's Degree · Development Studies · Norwich, United Kingdom
Istanbul University
Bachelor's Degree · Economics · Istanbul, Turkey
Certifications & licenses
Knowledge Engineering Training
Semantic Web Company (SWC)
Linguistic Prompt Design
RWS
Learning Regular Expressions
Excel: Advanced Formulas and Functions
Power BI Desktop for Business Intelligence
Udemy
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Utku is based in Istanbul, Turkey and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.
Utku speaks the following languages: Turkish (Native), English (Advanced).
Utku has at least 14 years of experience. During this time, Utku has worked in at least 6 different roles and for 6 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 4 months. Note that Utku may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Utku would be well-suited for roles such as: Program Manager – Localization & Multilingual AI, Localization Solutions Architect, Senior Localization Solutions Analyst.
Utku's most recent position is Program Manager – Localization & Multilingual AI at Uber.
In recent years, Utku has worked for Uber, Altuent, and Sony Electronics.
Utku is most experienced in industries like Fashion, Retail, and Banking and Finance. Utku also has some experience in Media and Entertainment, Information Technology, and Professional Services.
Utku is most experienced in business areas like Project Management, Business Intelligence, and Information Technology. Utku also has some experience in Quality Assurance, Customer Service, and Product Development.
Utku has recently worked in industries like Information Technology and Professional Services.
Utku has recently worked in business areas like Project Management, Business Intelligence, and Information Technology.
Utku holds a Master in Development Studies from University of Anglia and a Bachelor in Economics from Istanbul University.
Utku has 5 certificates. Among them, these include: Knowledge Engineering Training, Linguistic Prompt Design, and Learning Regular Expressions.
Utku is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.
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Average rates for similar positions
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The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 27 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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