Job Description
We're looking for an organised, thoughtful and people-focused Vendor Manager to join our Language Services team, looking after the network of freelance translators and linguists at the heart of so much of our work.
n
It's a varied, hands-on role: building strong relationships, bringing new linguists into the fold, supporting quality and compliance, creating development opportunities, and keeping all the moving parts moving.
n
About the role
n
As Vendor Manager, you'll manage and grow the network of freelance translators and linguists that supports our Language Services team.
n
You'll be responsible for finding and onboarding the right suppliers, maintaining strong relationships, keeping our vendor data and certifications in valuable shape, and supporting quality and compliance with ISO *****.
n
You'll also work closely with our broader teams, including Audience Insights & Engagement, to support research and community engagement projects where language and cultural expertise are needed.
n
Key responsibilities include:
n
n
Recruit translators and linguists across different languages, specialisations and subject areas.
n
Manage supplier onboarding, including competency testing, contracts, qualifications and NAATI certification records.
n
Maintain accurate vendor records covering language pairs, specialisations, availability and other key information.
n
Monitor translator performance, quality, availability and capacity.
n
Provide clear, constructive feedback and support continuous improvement.
n
Build strong, trusted relationships with our freelance translator community.
n
Act as a key point of contact between translators and our internal teams, resolving questions and issues as they arise.
n
Coordinate professional development opportunities, webinars, training and translator events.
n
Support initiatives contributing to translator engagement and NAATI recertification.
n




Help maintain our ISO ***** framework, workflows, documentation, internal training and audit readiness.
n
Maintain our vendor registry and support systems including Monday.com and Smartcat.
n
Raise and reconcile purchase orders and help ensure supplier invoices are submitted and processed correctly.
n
Work with translators and our Finance team to resolve payment, invoicing or reconciliation queries.
n
Support other operational activities across the Language Services team as needed.
n
n
About you
n
You'll be someone who enjoys working with people and detail. You're organised, responsive and comfortable keeping lots of moving pieces on track without losing sight of the relationships behind them.
n
You'll ideally bring:
n
n
Strong administration, coordination or vendor/supplier management experience.
n
Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
n
Confidence building relationships with a diverse network of external suppliers.
n
Clear, thoughtful written and verbal communication.
n
The ability to manage competing priorities and follow things through.
n
Confidence working with systems, databases and operational processes.
n
A practical, collaborative approach to solving problems.
n
n
Experience in translation, localisation, language services, NAATI or ISO ***** would be highly regarded, but you don't need to know everything on day one. Curiosity, good judgement and a willingness to learn matter too.
n
Part-time and flexible work arrangements can be considered. Think HQ is a family-friendly, hybrid workplace.
n
Think HQ values inclusion and diversity. We welcome and actively encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities and cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ people, people from multicultural communities, people who speak a language other than English, people with disabilities, older Australians and parents returning to the workforce.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Vendor Manager - Language Services (Melbourne)
🏢 Think HQ
📍 Melbourne