Recording Studio Lead

Established in 1998 and working in over 30 languages, the Keywords Group is one of the leaders in the provision of localisation services to the Video games and Software Localisation markets worldwide.

Keywords is an international technical service provider to the global Video Game Industry with offices in Montreal, Dublin, London, Paris, Milan, New Delhi, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Pune, Rome, Barcelona, Mexico City, São Paulo, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Working on a worldwide basis, we provide a range of linguistic, testing, and quality control services to Video Game Developers and Publishers alike.

Job Summary

The Recording Studio Lead with Production Coordination Support oversees local audio production and recording studio operations, reporting to the Recording Studio Manager. The role coordinates the recording team, studio utilization, selected multilingual projects, external freelancers, actors, local unions, vendors, KPIs and financial performance, while supporting Portfolio Directors, Production Managers and client-facing activities. It acts as the local escalation and cross-functional liaison for matters affecting production, while Facilities, IT, Security and Finance retain functional ownership of their respective services. The role ensures profitable, timely and high-quality delivery through standardized, documented Globalize workflows, technology adoption and close collaboration with all Audio Production stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities and Activities

Operational and Local Ownership

• Oversee recording studio operations and act as the final local escalation and decision-making owner for production-related matters, while Facilities, IT, Security and Finance retain functional ownership of their services.
• Maintain regular on-site presence and decision-making coverage throughout studio operating hours, including bank holiday, vacation and absence backup arrangements with other Recording Studio teams.
• Monitor ongoing audio projects, studio utilization and efficiency KPIs; support Portfolio Directors and Production Managers; and implement Globalize practices, workflows and technologies aligned with strategy and targets.
• Act as the operational liaison with Finance, Facilities, IT, Security, M&E, Resource Management and other support functions, ensuring issues affecting production are assigned, followed up and resolved.
• Review technical status reports for recording rooms, equipment, software licenses and maintenance needs, escalating renewals, replacements and investments to the appropriate owners and the Recording Studio Manager.

Production Coordination and Commercial Support

• Manage selected audio localization projects end-to-end and provide production coordination backup during workload peaks, absences and staffing gaps.
• Validate instructions and recording assets, coordinate tasks across Global Production and recording studios, and support cross-country, multilingual, recording and synthetic voice projects.
• Coordinate casting, calculate recording time, support talent bookings, and follow projects through recording, delivery, pickups and closure.
• Negotiate with vendors, actors and directors in line with Globalize requirements, including rates, special budgets, buyouts and Star Talent arrangements; resolve talent or director conduct issues and other production incidents within delegated authority.
• Recruit, assess, onboard and train freelance engineers, directors, Production Coordinators and other studio resources; forecast staffing and capacity needs and maintain trained backup coverage.
• Document workflows, tools, trackers, responsibilities and escalation procedures, ensuring backup access and eliminating critical single points of failure.

Team Management

• Manage and support direct reports, set team and individual objectives, monitor efficiency and KPIs, provide regular performance feedback aligned with the Recording Studio Manager, and attract, retain and develop audio localization talent.

Financial Management

• Analyze project costs, margins and productivity against customer budgets; support monthly forecasts and the local financial strategy; and report results and discrepancies to the Recording Studio Manager.
• Partner with stakeholders to validate proposed budgets, provide initial audio cost estimates, monitor expenses and alert Global Production to cost deviations.
• Review and approve monthly freelance costs, accruals, payroll inputs, actor and director invoices, payment information and BPS supplies prepared by Production or Planning Coordination before submission to Finance.
• Ensure external vendor supplies are entered in internal production systems in coordination with the Planning Coordinator.

Communication, Client Management and Strategy

• Maintain regular, professional communication with Global Production, Recording Studio Production
• Coordinators, Audio Production teams and internal or external stakeholders, anticipating and addressing client needs promptly.
• Maintain close relationships with clients and vendors, support key stakeholders in client-facing activities and represent the studio and Keywords at specific events when required.
• Collaborate with the Recording Studio Manager to improve and integrate production processes, promote collaboration within Globalize Audio Loc and sister Keywords Studios, and optimize Recording Studio efficiency.

Requirements

• +5 years of experience in audio production or localization, with knowledge of production tools and the gaming industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder-management skills; fluent English and Spanish are mandatory, while Portuguese is preferred but not required.
• Proven experience with local unions, including negotiations, inspections, operational and payment-related processes, and professional relationships with union and talent representatives.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating agreements with actors, directors, freelancers and vendors, including rates, buyouts, Star Talent arrangements, project costs and service terms, as well as managing freelance resources and external suppliers.
• Strong team-management, leadership, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced gaming environment.
• Business travel availability required.

Benefits

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavour to create a workplace which provides equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

At Keywords Studios, we value and encourage diversity in all its forms. We foster an inclusive environment and give special priority to the inclusion of people with disabilities, as we believe that diversity enriches and strengthens us as a team. This is why a valid disability certificate will be highly valued.

Keywords Studios is committed to fair and ethical hiring practices. We expect candidates to conduct themselves with honesty and to participate in all applications and interviews independently, presenting their own knowledge and experience. Candidates should refrain from using AI assistance or third-party tools or services that could influence, capture, or otherwise interfere with the authenticity of the assessment process.

When providing your information in this application, you indicate that you understand we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice  https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice/.

Role Information: EN

Studio: Keywords Studios

Location: Americas, Mexico, Mexico City

Area of Work: Audio Development

Service: Media & Entertainment

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent contract

Working Pattern: In-Office

- +5 years of experience in audio production or localization, with knowledge of production tools and the gaming industry. - Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder-management skills; fluent English and Spanish are mandatory, while Portuguese is preferred but not required. - Proven experience with local unions, including negotiations, inspections, operational and payment-related processes, and professional relationships with union and talent representatives. - Experience reviewing and negotiating agreements with actors, directors, freelancers and vendors, including rates, buyouts, Star Talent arrangements, project costs and service terms, as well as managing freelance resources and external suppliers. - Strong team-management, leadership, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. - Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced gaming environment. - Business travel availability required.