Translations Supervisor

Digital Product Design at Ford is committed to envisioning and creating simple, thoughtful, enjoyable, and compelling product experiences that our customers need and love.

The Translations Supervisor owns the localization of in-vehicle digital display content, leads the delivery of translations for automotive digital components across all vehicles and projects, and drives the modernization of our workflows through AI-powered tools and automation.

Responsibilities

• Execute the strategy and performance of the Translations function , set the direction, make fast, confident decisions, and hold the team and vendors accountable to results.
• Champion AI adoption across the translation workflow: evaluate, pilot, and scale AI/machine translation tools and quality-check automation to increase speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency.
• Actively promote and "sell" the team's services to new internal audiences , build compelling pitches, present business cases, and win new stakeholders to grow the scope and headcount of the team.
• Manage the development of translations for texts in digital display vehicle components that best fit local market requirements.
• Lead procurement and negotiation of external Language Service Providers, driving competitive terms and high-performance vendor relationships.
• Define requirements and rules for the translation of texts across display catalogs, meeting clarity, consistency, and quality standards.
• Partner with Digital Design, feature owners, and developers to shape new features, resolve terminology trade-offs, and push local-language considerations into prototypes early.
• Drive process discipline globally while continuously challenging the status quo , identify inefficiencies and lead the redesign of processes using automation and AI.
• Support Hardware and Software Prototyping of HMI concepts with translations, and support associated customer clinics.
• Take ownership of program and project translation activities, ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery.
• Review, approve, and be the final quality gate for translations.
• Use AI translation tools and CAT tools proficiently, applying strong judgment to validate and elevate AI-generated output.
• Read and interpret XML files as part of the translation pipeline.
• Maintain and continuously improve the internal translation databases and systems.
• Represent the team in cross-regional forums, influencing alignment and decisions with confidence and clarity.

Qualifications

• Degree in Translation, Linguistics, Localization, International Relations, International Business, or similar.
• Language Proficiency: C1-C2 English level. A2-B1 in one additional language besides Spanish and English.
• Master's degree in related discipline or Project Management desired.

AI & Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience applying AI/machine translation tools and automation to real production workflows.
• Technologically savvy with a good understanding of XML.
• Proficient in CAT tools and other translation-related software.
• Experience in content management systems.
• Data analysis and process automation mindset , comfortable using data to make the case for change.
• Knowledge of Jira for tracking and managing project tasks and issues.
• Experience working with UI specifications and UI/HMI teams is a plus.
• Knowledge of electrical and HMI subsystems and driver assistance features preferred.
• Curiosity and drive to continuously learn and adopt new automotive HMI and AI technologies.
• Working knowledge of GPDS, Ford Deliverables, and Design Studio delivery milestones is a plus.

Communication & Influence Skills:

• Outstanding, persuasive communicator , able to pitch, present, and "sell" the team's capabilities to leadership and new internal customers with confidence and impact.
• Bold and direct communication style; comfortable challenging ideas, negotiating firmly, and driving conversations toward decisions and outcomes.
• Strong executive presence , able to command a room and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
• A natural networker who proactively builds relationships that expand the team's reach and reputation.

Leadership & Organizational Skills:

• Results-driven leadership style: decisive, competitive, and comfortable taking ownership of bold goals.
• Proven ability to grow and scale a team , recruiting, building the case for headcount, and developing talent.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities under pressure.
• Project/product management experience, preferably Agile.
• Skilled negotiator who can propose and defend new solutions while keeping the team's experience in mind.
• Comfortable operating with autonomy and driving initiatives independently as well as leading a team.