Daniel Finck

localization

manager - Engineer - pro

Dear Recruiters and Interested Parties,
As a modern alternative to the traditional paper-based format, this CV comes with different viewing options created to make it easier for you to review, while allowing me a more suitable representation of my career and capabilities.
Select at your convenience.
DFinck​

Digital Resume
Full CV Details & Media (recommended)
PDF Version
Limited copy for offline viewing (this file)
Summary
Abbreviated Version for quick reference

Daniel Finck

LOCALIZATION

manager

ENGINEER

PRO

dfinck@loquatics.com
+49 (0) 1711735738
PROFILE

After mastering advanced localization workflows for companies of all shapes and sizes, this seasoned expert is poised to return in-house, bringing a wealth of knowledge to guarantee your products' success.
With in-depth understanding and hands-on experience in all major aspects of the localization process, this versatile professional is the perfect fit for multiple roles within your team.

human-resources
Team
Manager

Expertise in recruiting, coordinating, and motivating language specialists and vendors, demonstrated by successfully building and managing remote teams for diverse projects.
Proven ability to enhance collaboration and efficiency through the implementation of centralized systems and agile workflows.

HIGHLIGHT: Recruited, trained and managed a team of 20 in-house l10n specialists and built a highly-flexible and productive freelance translator network. (see ProSiebenSat.1)
job-enrichment
LOCALIZATION
MANAGER​

Expertly manages large-scale localization projects, ensuring seamless integration and top-quality outcomes across multiple languages and platforms.
Adept at coordinating complex workflows and establishing robust internal localization structures to meet the demands of continuous content release and development.

HIGHLIGHT: Led the localization for VEON's unified mobile app, coordinating efforts across 15 languages and multiple markets, ensuring high-quality delivery and seamless integration for each regional version. (see Veon)
engineer
LOCALIZATION
ENGINEER​

Implements innovative solutions to streamline localization processes and optimize efficiency, consistently delivering proven results despite demanding conditions.
Designs customized workflows and software solutions for translation, project management, and financial operations across various sectors and companies.

HIGHLIGHT: Developed secure API connections between the content management system, translation management system, and project management tool at Trendyol, creating a custom-tailored, synchronized system that enhanced operational efficiency and enabled asynchronous collaboration among various parties without disrupting ongoing processes. (see Trendyol)
cog
TEAM
PLAYER

Thrives in collaborative environments and confidently negotiates cross-functional targets with diplomatic dexterity.
Connects the dots between departments, their needs & tools

HIGHLIGHT: Successfully introduced a smooth default content management workflow by promoting cross-functional teamwork and big-picture thinking. (see Trendyol)
EXPERIENCE
REMOTE TEAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT (FABRIC)
Jan 2024 - present

Consultancy Target: Embedded Gyant’s localization setup after the acquisition by fabric into the new corporate context. Instructed the new teams on how to integrate their endpoints. Managed localization requests in the interim period.

  • Language team recruitment/training and locale management for medical assistant AI in various iterations and connected platforms (Alexa skill, Mobile app, Facebook chat bot, hospital patient reception software)
  • setting up web-based collaboration framework with platforms for project/localization & freelance resources management, billing and bug tracking – enabling continuous localization for the client’s content release process 
Slack
Crowdin
Jira
Monday
consultancy Follow-ups (Wooga, Veon)
Aug 2023 - Dec 2023

Consultancy Target: Completed stretch-goals and additional feature requests for clients VEON and Wooga. Introduction of AI based translation suggestions feature for the former.

Localization Executive (Trendyol)
Jun 2022 - Aug 2023
Consultancy Target: Implemented centralized Translation Management System to the agile content development workflow between design, engineering and localization teams. Created a one-stop location for managing localization needs of any department at Trendyol, catering to their respective CMS tools through secure interfaces.
  • Directing the design and implementation of a centralized Translation Management System
  • Building of a secure interface for seamless and secure data exchange between internal and external sources.
  • Creation of an agile content development workflow, enhancing collaboration between design, localization, and development departments and driving production efficiency.
  • Development and deployment of an internal app centralizing request submission and tracking, thereby simplifying processes and improving departmental efficiency.
  • Creation of a one-stop solution catering to all localization needs, offering a user-friendly platform for internal teams.
  • Implementation of automated status reporting and communication channel creation, fostering transparent and effective communication between stakeholders.
Crowdin
Gitlab
ClickUp
Figma
Slack
WordPress
Linux Server
AWS
GCP
I18n/L10n Workflow revision (preply)
Jul 2021 - Apr 2022

Consultancy Target: Created a language string library and scalable content management solution in Crowdin, introduced internationalization guidelines, and enabled a fully agile localization workflow with Figma.

  • developing a language string library and ensure clarity on how to maintain it for all parties involved in the content development process
  • producing a scalable solution for content (string) management in Crowdin
  • creating internationalization guidelines and best practices for content creators (developers) and localizers
  • Enable fully agile localization workflow with Figma implementation by resolving remaining blockers
Crowdin
Memsource/Phrase
Confluence
Slack
WordPress
L10n + LQA project revision (Bandai Namco)
Sep 2018 - Apr 2020

Consultancy Target: Revamped the localization and QA processes for a delayed MMORPG project by implementing a self-hosted translation solution, introducing efficient bug tracking tools, and creating a transparent budgeting and request management system.

  • detailed expert assessment for the localization and QA components for a 2-year old MMORPG game development project veering of course closing in on its repeatedly delayed release date
  • replacing the existing primary translation vendor and its error-prone  CAT setup with a lightweight and transparent self-hosted solution that allowed the newly recruited BNEA remote l10n team to assume and complete the localization process 
  • introduction of bug tracking tools and workflows that are easy as well as economic to use and monitor by the newly recruited remote LQA team 
  • creating a transparent budgeting and request management interface for the new l10n manager
MemoQ (hosted)
PHP Scripts
Slack
Teamwork
Paperspace
AWS
l10n workflow revision (Outfit7)
May 2018 - Aug 2018

Consultancy Target: Coached Outfit7 L10n for mastering next level targets as adaptive and solution-oriented internal service provider by identifying opportunities for revising or replacing current workflows and tools.

  • identified and implemented a light-weight alternative to the existing CAT platform that yields better flexibility, faster turnarounds, precise scheduling and reduces the overhead of freelancer task assignment
  • integration of the translation tool with with an intuitive PMS for transparent reporting, scheduling and budgeting
  • integration of the PMS with a standardized L10n request system without obstructing ongoing processes
Memsource
MemoQ (cloud)
Crowdin
Zanata (self-hosted)
Jira
Slack
Confluence
Harvest

REMOTE TEAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT (Veon/Beeline)

May 2017 - Jan 2019

Consultancy Target: Setup and support of continuous localization service for the unified mobile app of the Eastern European mobile network carriers belonging to the Veon Group / recruiting, training and management of required language specialists for 6 languages to function as remote team

  • Language team recruitment, tool implementation and training, creating independent continuous translation setups for each new market version
  • establishing cross-functional team workflows between Veon HQ, the stakeholders at its subsidiary telecommunication companies (e.g. Wind, Beeline, Kyivstar) and the remote localization team for the Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Armenian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Bengali, Tajik, French and Italian language version of the Veon iOS and Android flaship app
Phrase
Github
HTML scripts
Teamwork
Slack
REMOTE TEAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT (GYANT)
Oct 2016 - Dec 2023

Consultancy Target: Setup and support of continuous localization service for a medical AI platform / recruiting, training and management of required language specialists for 5 languages to function as remote team

  • Language team recruitment/training and locale management for medical assistant AI in various iterations and connected platforms (Alexa skill, Mobile app, Facebook chat bot, hospital patient reception software)
  • setting up web-based collaboration framework with platforms for project/localization & freelance resources management, billing and bug tracking – enabling continuous localization for the client’s content release process 
Slack
Crowdin
Jira
Monday
client collaboration platform (Anakan)
Jan 2016 - Oct 2016

Consultancy Target: Established a collaboration platform for the LSP that allows clients to to interact with l10n managers for their projects

  • Led the planning and execution of Audio Recording & Translation workflows tailored to suit the diverse needs of both Indie and AAA clients, ensuring continuity in their agile release processes when outsourcing.
  • Established collaboration conditions conducive to delivering localization assets of high quality, efficiency, and targeted market focus for each project.
  • Developed and introduced a custom client frontend seamlessly integrated into Salesforce for enhanced accessibility and operational efficiency.
MemoQ
Salesforce
WordPress
Workflow & tool revision (Wooga)
Oct 2015 - Dec 2015

Consultancy Target: Replaced the proprietary CMS tool with a better suited commercial solution / connecting the various internal dev studios with the new system.

  • Supporting the transformation of the localization department into a dynamic internal service provider catering to all localization needs of the game publisher.
  • Led the planning, budgeting, and execution of introducing centralized CMS & PMS environment, utilizing Podio, Slack, and custom integration scripts.
  • Enhanced workflows to foster seamless collaboration among internal/external resources and language service providers, ensuring readiness for elevated targets while maintaining Agile flexibility.
  •  
Slack
Podio
Wordbee
Crowdin
In 2015 I started working as independent localization expert with my consultancy 'Loquatics'. All of the major projects I have worked on in that capacity were full-time commitments that required me to work as part of the in-house teams until the Consultancy Target set by the client was met. Some of these projects took years to complete and in a couple of instances lead to employment by the client (see Veon + Trendyol).
Head of localization (Prosiebensat.1 Media)
Jun 2012 - Sep 2015

Coordination of all internal and external localization/LQA tasks worldwide. Supervision of the Localization department and its subdivisions. Planning, execution, and optimization of project schedules, workflows, and reports. Defined measurable localization KPIs while promoting best practices and reporting on ROI to stakeholders. Negotiated contracts with language service providers and tool developers.

  • Effective coordination, budgeting and administration of all internal and external efforts related to the localization/LQA of Aeria’s games and associated contents worldwide
  • Supervision of Aeria’s Localization department and its sub-divisions (Translation/Copy-Writing, Localization Management, L10n Engineering and LQA)
  • Planning, execution and optimization of project schedules, request workflows, financial accounting, resource allocation and executive management reporting for all ongoing localization processes
  • Defining qualitative and quantitative KPIs for Localization with a clear communication strategy
  • Proactively promotes and educates external developers and internal stakeholders about game localization best practices and ROI estimates/facts
  • Negotiates prices and details of framework contracts with external language service providers
  • Appointed youth protection commissioner for Aeria Games and direct point of contact to the German Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK)
Clarizen
Jira
Hipchat
MemoQ (self-hosted)
Memsource
DejaVu X2
Pootle
SENIOR LOCALIZATION MANAGER (Aeria Games)
Nov 2010 - May 2012

Planning and coordination of translation/localization/QA tasks for new releases, content updates, and marketing texts. Managed six EU language teams, performed statistical project analysis to ensure optimal cost & progress efficiency. Managed and trained team members in regards to proper file preparation, segmentation, CAT/TMS implementation, and project automation. Recruitment, allocation, and evaluation of in-house and freelance linguists.

  • Planning and coordinating the translation/localization/QA of new releases, content updates for released titles and marketing texts, while managing the 6 EU language teams of the start-up company
  • performing statistical project analysis methods to keep release processes as cost-effective and goal-oriented as possible
  • File preparation, segmentation, CAT implementation and content update automation for all localization/QA projects
  • Linguistic and technical training of in-house translation teams
  • Recruitment, allocation and evaluation of in-house and freelance resources
Jira
DejaVu X2
Pootle
Freelance Translator
2006 - 2010
  • TV and movie projects highlights (subtitle/script translator): One Tree Hill (WB) The Hangover (WB) Supernatural (WB) Terminator Salvation (Sony) Family Guy (Fox) The International (Sony) My Name is Earl (Fox) The Blind Side (WB) How I Met Your Mother (Fox) Inception (WB)
  • Video game project highlights (translator): Castlevania: Harmony of Dispair (Xbox 360), Contra” (Wii), Enchanted Folk and the School of Wizardry (Nintendo DS), Elemental Monster (PSP) and Adrenalin Misfits (Xbox 360)
  • Voice over project highlights (voice actor): Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney series (Nintendo DS / 3DS)
SKILLS
While there are more tools to mention, the list below focuses on the most frequently utilized and illustrates the respective level of familiarity by differentiating between experienced, advanced or admin-level usage.

L10N

Localization & translation software

ADMIN
ADVANCED
EXPERIENCED

CMS/DEV

Content management & development software

ADMIN
ADVANCED
EXPERIENCED

PMS

Project Management & collaboration software

ADMIN
Confluence
ADVANCED
EXPERIENCED

LANGUAGES

English
native-level 100%
German
native 100%
Japanese
casual 50%
French
basic 10%

SOFT SKILLS

Logical

Decision-making grounded in facts and data

RELIABLE

Delivers results self-reliantly, on-time and on-budget

CREATIVE

Thinks outside the box 

DIY Mentality

Creates solutions if no suitable exists (yet)

has been around the block

Knows the major tool and vendor players in the industry –
their strengths and weaknesses

passionate

Loves his craft

ACADEMICS
PRESENTATIONS / KEYNOTES​
“The Q-Factor Turnabout — Adapting Localization Alongside Changing Attitudes toward Quality and Quantity in a Maturing F2P Industry”
LOCALIZATION WORLD BARCELONA | 2017
“L10N OF F2P, ROI, DAU & CO – THE EMERGENCE OF THE QUALITY KPI IN THE METRIC-DRIVEN FREE-2-PLAY GAMES BUSINESS”​
UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG | 2016
“MOBILE GAMES LOCALIZATION: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED”​
LOCALIZATION WORLD BERLIN | 2015
“L10n goes f2p: making in-house localization work at aeria games”
LOCALIZATION WORLD LONDON | 2012
* Details available on request.
EDUCATION

MASTER OF ARTS

Magna cum laude for his master thesis "To Mask a Ninja: Cultural Transfer and the Localization of Cultural Elements on the Example of Japanese Anime Exports for the US market"  
UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG | 2004-2010

CIVILIAN SERVICE (ZIVILDIENST)​

2003
General higher Education
Entrance Qualification (Abitur)
2002
* Official documents available on request.
PERSONAL PROJECTS / INTERESTS
"GLOW - The Game localization & QA management Workshop" series
Founder and organizer of GLOW, a non-commercial and independent conference format for leading l10n specialists working at games publishers and developers. About 2-3 events are hosted yearly by participating publishers on-premise.
MT, LLM & Co enthusiast
Active observer and tinkerer of integrations involving recent AI developments. As the field of localization is regularly transformed by tech, knows that staying ahead of the game and providing clients with optimal solutions requires constant engagement with it.
references

Daniel Finck

LOCALIZATION

manager

ENGINEER

PRO

dfinck@loquatics.com
+49 (0) 1711735738