Localisation Program Manager – AI & Product expansion

Overview

Canva is looking for a Localisation Program Manager to help shape how its products, marketing, content, and acquisitions are adapted for users around the world. The role sits in the International group and works across teams spanning customer support, sales, AI features, and the core editor. It is based in Canva’s London campus in Shoreditch, with a flexible approach to where and how work is done.

About the Team

The Localisation function brings together specialists, designers, country leads, and language managers who collaborate across the business to support global growth. Their remit covers Canva’s product and content localisation, the tools and workflows behind it, and localisation needs across acquisitions including Flourish, Cavalry, and Affinity.

Role Focus

This position is centered on bringing Affinity, Cavalry, and Flourish into Canva’s localisation processes. A major objective is to ensure users working in languages other than English can fully access Canva’s professional design tools in their preferred language. The role requires strong localisation expertise, excellent organisation, and the ability to work closely with acquisition and localisation stakeholders to improve efficiency and establish best practices across products.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and put into action localisation strategies for newly acquired products, with an early emphasis on Affinity and Flourish, and potential scope to extend to Cavalry and Leonardo.
• Bring acquired products in line with Canva’s localisation standards, workflows, and operating methods so the approach is consistent and scalable.
• Work with engineering partners to clarify technical localisation needs, including building a localisation approach for Flourish from the ground up and handling varied content structures in Affinity.
• Translate expectations around user experience into a localisation plan that serves professional users who rely on languages other than English.
• Build, curate, and continuously maintain strong localisation datasets used to assess and compare AI and machine translation performance across languages and content categories.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong background in localisation, including AI-based methods such as RAG, COMET, and BLEU, as well as quality systems like MQM.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex programmes across several products while managing different stakeholders, deadlines, and performance targets.
• A user-first mindset with a clear understanding of the needs of users who work in languages other than English, including comfort reviewing user journeys and speaking directly with users.
• Ability to spot and improve user experience opportunities, ideally gained in a SaaS localisation or internationalisation setting.
• Comfort working through ambiguity, simplifying complex topics, and communicating clearly through documentation and visual materials.
• Strong ownership and resilience, with the ability to keep initiatives moving even when priorities change.
• Confidence with technology, including Atlassian project tools and basic web development, plus strong documentation skills.
• Knowledge of a European language would be a significant advantage.

Workplace and Location

The role is based at Canva’s London campus near Hoxton Square in Shoreditch. The office includes shared workspaces, a front-of-house welcome team, food prepared on site, and spaces designed for both team collaboration and solo work. Canva offers flexibility in where and how employees work, while trusting teams to find the balance that helps them deliver results.

Benefits

• Equity packages so employees can share in the company’s success.
• Inclusive parental leave for all parents and carers.
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support wellbeing, social connection, office setup, and related needs.
• Flexible leave options for rest, recovery, or volunteering and giving back.

Additional Information

Canva describes its culture as ambitious, energetic, and collaborative, with a focus on connection, fun, and meaningful work alongside big goals. More information about life at the company is available on its careers and culture pages.