We are seeking an experienced and proactive Vendor Manager to lead the recruitment and management of linguists, with a particular focus on interpreters across the EMEA region. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining a robust network of interpreters, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the availability of high-quality talent to meet our clients needs. Key Responsibilities:
Identify, recruit, and onboard qualified interpreters and linguists in the EMEA region across various languages and specializations.
Build and maintain relationships with freelance interpreters, agencies, and other language service vendors to ensure a reliable pool of talent.
Negotiate rates and terms with linguists and vendors, ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining high-quality standards.
Maintain an up-to-date vendor database, including tracking interpreter performance, availability, and certifications.
Work closely with the project management team to ensure that the recruited interpreters meet the required linguistic and technical standards.
Ensure all interpreters comply with industry standards, certifications, and any client-specific requirements.
Keep abreast of industry trends and interpreter availability in the EMEA region, identifying opportunities to expand the vendor network.
Partner with the project management and sales teams to understand upcoming demand and ensure the timely availability of qualified interpreters.
Monitor interpreter costs and vendor spend, ensuring projects remain within budget while maintaining high-quality service.
Evaluate and report on the performance and availability of interpreters, ensuring optimal resource allocation for various projects.
Required Qualifications:
3+ years of experience in vendor management, talent acquisition, or recruitment in the localization or language services industry, with a focus on interpreters.
Strong understanding of the interpretation industry and interpreter qualifications.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively liaise with linguists and internal teams.
Strong negotiation skills to secure competitive rates and build mutually beneficial relationships with vendors.
Ability to manage multiple vendors and projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
Familiarity with translation management systems (TMS), and interpreter scheduling tools.
Knowledge of the EMEA linguistic landscape, particularly in relation to interpreting services and market conditions.