BTS’ North America (NAM) team is seeing an increasing number of requests for Japanese translation projects. To meet this growing demand, we are looking to add a Japanese Linguist/Reviewer (Contractor) to our team to support with overflow work when needed.
We are currently seeking a freelance, native speaking, Japanese Linguist/Reviewer (Contractor) who will contribute to BTS’ work, which specializes in the ‘People Side of Strategy’ for many Fortune 100 & 500 companies.
About the role
BTS partners with global organizations to translate high-impact learning, leadership, and business execution materials. We are looking for an experienced Linguist/Reviewer (Contractor) to support our growing portfolio of multilingual projects. In this role, you will deliver accurate, high-quality translations that meet BTS quality standards and project deadlines.
The Japanese Linguist/Reviewer (Contractor) role will work closely with our NAM Translation team to review and ensure the high-quality of Japanese translated content before it’s finalized and ready for client use. This includes ensuring that the terminology and style of the translated content is consistent with both BTS and client standards and aligns with the needs of the project. The goal is to have the translation read like a natural piece of content created for the local market.
What you will do
- Review and revise AI/machine translated files in Phrase TMS (translation tool/CAT editor).
- Check and edit, or check and provide feedback, on translated materials (outside of Phrase) across a range of formats including assets for both print and digital use (some examples: videos, PPTs, PDFs, docs, eLearning modules, digital assessments, and self-paced digital content).
- Utilize designated glossaries/style guides/translation memories consistently across project deliverables.
- Understand the terminology and preferences of both BTS and the client.
- Flag any scope, timeline or quality concerns proactively.
- Meet all agreed upon project deadlines.
- Work closely with the NAM Translation team on projects/deliverables.
- Access and share files with the team using Box (a cloud-based service).
- An occasional video call with the NAM Translation team, the local BTS team, or the client’s local team (this is very rare, but it could happen for a large-scale, strategic project).
What we are looking for
Required
- A native Japanese speaker.
- Fluency in English (both written and spoken).
- Based in the United States (or North America).
- Minimum 3 years of experience in professional translation, localization, or translation review.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.
- An excellent communicator, able to articulate changes in both English and the target language.
- Meticulous, with high attention to detail.
- Flexible - understands the nature of translations and corporate work and has flexible availability for accepting such work.
- Can maintain confidentiality - will comply with/follow BTS and client data security & IP policies.
- Collaborative and is willing to communicate with the NAM Translation team, the local BTS team, or the local client team (if needed).
Preferred
- Experience with Phrase TMS is a huge plus.
- Experience with corporate training content and/or instructional or eLearning modalities is a benefit.
- Familiarity with BTS or comparable consulting/learning organization content is also beneficial.
How we work
Engagement type - Independent contractor, ad-hoc, project-based
Volume - Varies by project. Typical assignments range from 15,000 to 45,000 words.
Speed - Standard BTS processing speeds in Japanese are:
- In-Country Review (ICR): 2,500-3,500 words per day
- Quality Assurance Check (QA): 7,500-10,000 words per day
Turnaround - Timelines agreed upon per project. Standard BTS timelines are based on word count and processing speed.
Communication - BTS email, Slack, occasional video calls (Zoom/Teams)
Tools - Phrase TMS, Box
We’re proud of the work we do, the positive impact we have as an organization, and the incredible team that makes it happen. If you believe you would fit into this BTS contract role well, we welcome you to apply!
Skills Required
- Native Japanese speaker
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Based in the United States or North America
- Minimum 3 years professional experience in translation, localization, or translation review
- Ability to work independently and manage time to meet deadlines
- Strong communication skills to articulate changes in English and Japanese
- High attention to detail and meticulous proofreading/review skills
- Flexible availability to accept project-based work
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow data security and IP policies
- Collaborative approach and willingness to communicate with internal and client teams
- Experience with Phrase TMS
- Experience with corporate training content or eLearning modalities
- Familiarity with consulting/learning organization content (BTS or comparable)
What We Do
BTS is a global professional services firm headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with over 1,200 professionals in 36 offices located on six continents. For more than 30 years, BTS has helped the world’s leading companies turn strategy into results. Together, with our clients, we create powerful experiences that have a profound and lasting impact on businesses and their people. BTS believes success comes from people understanding how their daily work impacts business results, so BTS provides the skills, tools, and knowledge people need to take the right action at the right moment. BTS has expertise in behavior change and cares deeply about both delivering results for clients, ensuring that people do the best work of their lives. Engagements range from embedded multi-year transformation projects to brief, targeted capability development. It’s strategy made personal. BTS’s services include: • Strategy execution and business transformation • Leader readiness and development • Go to market • Talent selection and succession BTS’s areas of expertise include: • Strategy execution • Business acumen • Leadership development • Leadership coaching • Executive coaching • Assessment • Change and transformation • Executive and team performance • Innovation and digital transformation • Sales and marketing • Diversity, equity, and inclusion • Digital services We’ve partnered with over 1,200 organizations, including over 40 of the world’s 100 largest global corporations. Our major clients are some of the most respected names in business: Microsoft, SAP, AT&T, Chevron, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Citigroup, Salesforce, and Tencent. BTS is a public company listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm and trades under the symbol BTS B. For more information, please visit www.bts.com
