Linguist Contractor - Japanese

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!