Working at an LSP

Considering a career in translation? Ever wondered what it is like to work at a Language Service Provider (LSP)? In this blog we cover what it is like to work at an LSP, what roles and responsibilities there are, what an average day looks like, and what skills and qualifications are required.

An LSP offers a wide range of language-related services, encompassing translation, interpretation, localisation and more. Business Language Services (BLS) has over 30 years of experience providing high-quality translation services, working in many different specialist sectors and in over 500 language combinations. Our expert team members all contribute to the seamless delivery of a wide range of language solutions.

Roles and Responsibilities

While the structure and size of Language Services Providers (LSPs) can vary – from small boutique agencies to large multinational organisations – the core functions tend to remain consistent across the industry. Each role plays a crucial part in delivering high-quality linguistic services efficiently, accurately and on time. The following are some of the most common and essential positions within an LSP:

Project Managers

Project managers (PMs) oversee the lifecycle of language projects, from initial client contact to final delivery.

They act as the bridge between clients, linguists and internal teams, overseeing the entire project lifecycle – from the initial client request to final delivery. Their role is both strategic and operational, requiring a mix of organisational, problem-solving and communication skills to meet client expectations while maintaining efficiency.

At Business Language Services (BLS), project managers handle a diverse range of clients and projects, ensuring that each assignment is completed on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards. Their daily responsibilities involve coordinating resources, managing deadlines and resolving any challenges that arise during a project.

All project managers at BLS are fluent speakers of at least one foreign language alongside English, meaning that they are well-placed to deal with any linguistic challenges too.

A project manager’s responsibilities include:​

• Client Communication: Understanding client needs and providing updates throughout the project.
• Resource Allocation: Assigning suitable linguists to projects based on their availability, language pair and experience with the subject.
• Timeline Management: Monitoring progress throughout a project’s workflow to ensure that every project is completed by its agreed deadline.
• Budget Management: Preparing accurate quotations to ensure that projects are delivered within the client’s budget.
• Quality Assurance: Reviewing translations for accuracy and consistency.​
• Terminology Management: Maintaining multilingual glossaries and translation memories to optimise translation efficiency and consistency for future projects.

PMs must be adept at multitasking and possess strong organisational skills to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

Translators and Editors

Translators convert content from one language to another, maintaining the original message’s intent and tone. Editors then review these translations to ensure linguistic accuracy and adherence to client specifications. Proofreaders then sometimes check the final text monolingually to provide an additional level of verification, most commonly for highly specialist or creative texts. At BLS, in-house linguists work closely with freelance professionals to deliver high-quality translations across various industries.​

Translators are responsible for converting written content from a source language into a target language while preserving the original tone, style and intent. Their role often includes:

• Analysing source texts to understand content, purpose and terminology.
• Translating materials accurately while adapting them for cultural and regional relevance.
• Using CAT tools (Computer-Assisted Translation) and other translation technologies to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Collaborating with editors and project managers to clarify meaning or terminology as needed.

Editors and proofreaders are the gatekeepers of quality. They review translations for errors, consistency and alignment with style guides. Key responsibilities include:

• Editing translated texts for grammar, syntax, punctuation and tone.
• Ensuring consistency in terminology, formatting and style.
• Fact-checking and verifying terminology, especially in technical or regulated industries.
• Providing constructive feedback for translators to support continuous improvement.
• Performing final quality checks before the content is delivered to the client.

Interpreters

The role of interpreters may seem similar to that of translators, but they often work in very different ways. Interpreters translate the spoken word from one language to another, and often in both directions. They can work in many locations, both in-person and remotely, and so are often freelancers.

Key responsibilities of an interpreter include:

• Focus and attention in order to accurately understand and recall the client’s speech and intentions.
• Flawless bilingualism as they need to be able to understand and produce content to the same standard in both languages.
• Compassion and communication to be able to build rapport with clients and facilitate an open and natural conversation.
• Confidentiality to ensure that the content of an interpreted meeting is not disclosed to third parties.

Vendor Managers

Vendor or resource managers are responsible for recruiting and managing freelance translators and interpreters. They ensure that the LSP has access to a diverse pool of language professionals to meet client demand. Their tasks include:​

• Recruitment: Identifying and onboarding qualified linguists.
• Relationship Management: Maintaining communication with freelancers.
• Negotiation: Agreeing on rates and project terms.​

Strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of language services are crucial for this role.

Customer Relationship Managers

A customer relationship manager, sometimes also called an account manager, bridges the gap between customers and the business. Typical responsibilities include:

• Building and nurturing strong, long-lasting relationships with existing clients to drive loyalty and repeat business.
• Proactively reaching out to potential clients through networking, outreach campaigns and referrals.
• Serving as the main point of contact for customer inquiries, resolving issues efficiently and professionally.
• Conducting regular check-ins and feedback sessions to ensure client satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure service delivery aligns with client expectations.
• Tracking client interactions and maintaining up-to-date records in the CRM system.
• Identifying upselling or cross-selling opportunities based on client needs and usage patterns.
• Attending industry events, conferences and networking sessions to generate new business leads.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a client-first mindset, are essential for this role.

Additional Roles

While the above roles are commonly found in all LSPs, the following roles can also be found in some LSPs, depending on their size and specialisms.

• Terminologists are responsible for researching, creating and maintaining multilingual termbases (glossaries) to ensure consistency and quality in translations. They collaborate with translators and subject matter experts to standardise terminology.
• Translation Technology Managers oversee the implementation, maintenance and optimisation of CAT tools and translation management systems. They provide technical support and training to linguists and project teams. Translation technology managers evaluate new tools and drive automation and efficiency in the translation workflow.
• Desktop Publishers / Typesetters format and visually adapt translated content to match the original layout across various media (e.g. brochures, manuals and online documents). They correct font usage, text flow and placement. Typesetters work closely with translators and quality assurance teams to finalise translated files ready for printing and publication.
• Voiceover Artists provide professionally recorded narration or character voices in various languages for multimedia content. They work alongside mixers, dubbers and audio engineers, who handle editing, syncing, sound quality and post-production to ensure polished and culturally appropriate audio delivery. These roles require close collaboration with script translators and production teams.
• Language Tutors deliver language training tailored to individual or corporate learners, either in person or online. They develop lesson plans, assess progress and adapt materials to learner needs and proficiency levels. Tutors may specialise in business, technical or exam-focused language training.
• Copywriters create compelling and culturally resonant content for marketing, websites and branded communications in one or multiple languages. Copywriters work with localisation teams to adapt messaging for different markets and ensure that content aligns with client tone, brand voice and strategic goals.
• Financial/Accounting Staff handle budgeting, invoicing, payroll and financial reporting within the LSP. They may also manage vendor payments and client billing cycles.

A Typical Day

While each day brings new challenges, certain tasks are carried out daily to maintain efficiency and quality.​

• Email Review: Checking for new client requests and project updates.
• Project Planning: Assigning tasks to translators and setting deadlines.
• Team Meetings: Discussing ongoing projects and addressing any issues.​

• Quality Checks: Reviewing completed translations for accuracy.
• Client Communication: Providing updates and clarifying requirements.
• Resource Coordination: Engaging with freelancers for upcoming projects.​
• Project Delivery: Submitting finalised translations to clients.
• Documentation: Updating project records and translation memories.
• Planning: Preparing for the next day’s tasks and deadlines.

Skills and Qualifications Required

Working at an LSP demands a combination of linguistic proficiency and organisational capabilities.​

Essential Skills

• Communication: Clear interaction with clients and team members.
• Language skills: Knowledge of one or more foreign language.
• Organisation: Managing multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring linguistic and formatting accuracy.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and Translation Management Systems (TMS).
• Adaptability: Handling diverse content types and client requirements.​

These skills ensure that LSP professionals can deliver consistent and high-quality language services.

Educational Background

Most roles require a degree in languages, translation or a related field. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s in Translation, are often preferred for translator and editor positions. Project managers may also benefit from certifications in project management methodologies. ​

Working at a language services provider like Business Language Services offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. Whether you are a linguist passionate about languages or a project manager skilled in coordination, the LSP environment provides opportunities to engage with diverse content and clients. With the right skills and a commitment to quality, professionals at BLS and similar organisations play a vital role in bridging language gaps across industries.

Want to know more? Look out for our blog series, Meet the Team, where we look at each team member’s role in more detail.