Please provide a cover letter with your application.

UPS Translations is the trading name of the Language Division of United Publicity Services PLC., established in 1947. Although a public company and among the top ten within the UK translation profession, this is a small office with an in-house staff of 8 people, complemented by a database of some 2,500 freelance translators.

Translation Production Assistant urgently required for the Language Division of UPS Translations.

Located in a small but vibrant office, based in central London. The role involves dealing with a large number of clients and translators to co-ordinate projects

REQUIREMENTS:

• A committed and dynamic person with excellent communication skills and solid knowledge of both spoken and written English.

• Languages: In addition to English, two foreign languages, one of which must be an EU language, to degree standard. Alternatively, English, one EU language and qualifications or experience in Marketing, DTP or IT.

• Excellent MS-Word and Excel skills are essential.

• Desirable: flexibility and positive thinking to work in a busy team always striving to find creative solutions to optimise clients' and translators' satisfaction whilst working in an enjoyable environment


JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Receiving enquiries from new and existing clients, usually by telephone, email or fax, for translation work.

2. Confirming required languages, length, technical difficulty, notarisation or swearing in the case of legal documents, whether design work is involved, audiocassette transcription, film subtitling or dubbing needs, copy format and deadline.

3. Checking word counts, estimating cost and quoting clients in liaison with Head of Translation.

4. Selecting appropriate translator or booking voice artiste/studio and negotiating rates.

5. Arranging any necessary tabulation, typesetting, artwork or page make-up, checking computer compatibility (especially in alphabets other than Latin) and re-formatting computer disks.

6. Proofreading and checking incoming work from translators.

7. Transmission of final job by email, fax, bike or post, on time.

8. Recording job numbers and translators' invoices, checking these and making sure they are passed for payment promptly, invoicing clients.

9. Ensuring effective and efficient provision of office services including telephone, fax, email, reception, typing, filing, photocopying, bank and post.

10. Assisting the Head of Translation and Managing Director as required with purchasing and controlling office stationery, arranging repair and maintenance of equipment and general office duties.

11. Convincing prospective clients that they should use our services and assisting with mailing, exhibitions and other marketing campaigns.

MINIMUM ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

1. Excellent language skills to degree level in at least two European languages other than English.

2. Familiarity with office administrative systems and procedures amounting to the equivalent of one year of full-time work regardless of whether paid or voluntary.

3. Typing/word-processing speed and accuracy equivalent to at least 40 words a minute.

4. A high level of computer literacy and the ability to learn new programs/formats in both IBM compatible and Macintosh systems.

5. Aptitude for adapting to unfamiliar technical equipment, e.g. transcribing machines, audio, video and subtitling equipment.

6. Ability to handle panics severe deadlines and other peoples' fraught nerves at times of crisis.

7. A charming manner on the telephone. Clear, precise, grammatically correct, written English. Ability to present work in a well-designed layout.

8. Sufficient numeracy for invoicing purposes.

9. Availability for work outside normal office hours when pressure of business necessitates working late.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STAFF

The Company
UPS Translations is the trading name of the Language Division of United Publicity Services PLC., established in 1947. Although a public company and among the top ten within the UK translation profession, this is a small office with an in-house staff of 8 people, complemented by a database of some 2,500 freelance translators.

Location
Our offices are to be found above the Post Office on the 4th floor at 111 Baker Street, London W1U 6RR., about 150 yards from Baker Street underground station.

Personnel Contacts
Bernard Silver CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
Justin Silver DIRECTOR

Employment Policy
UPS is firmly committed to a policy of equal opportunities, regardless of nationality, ethnic origin, sex, religion, age or disability.

Photographs
2nd stage applicants are asked to provide a passport-sized photograph, which is required for security purposes only and not as part of the selection procedure.

Hours
The offices are open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm., Monday to Friday.

Services Provided
Translation for publishing, the film industry (subtitling, dubbing, script transcription, voice over artistes), advertising, public relations and the legal profession. Specialist services include engineering, information technology, banking, interpreters and overnight express translation.

Submission of Applications
We receive many CV's from prospective freelance translators and unsolicited jobseekers, so it is important to mention the post for which you are applying. The CV may be sent on its own or be accompanied by a letter of application. For hard copy postal applications it will be helpful if a self-addressed envelope or label accompanies applications, which will not be considered if sent by fax.

Selection Procedure
Applications are short-listed for immediate interview, held for possible interview later or rejected. If you do not hear from us quickly, that can be a good sign, but please do not chase us for a response by telephone.

Travelling Expenses
Regrettably, it is not possible for us to reimburse travelling expenses for interviews. Sometimes, a local Department of Employment may consider making a grant for travelling expenses, if you are invited to an interview.
10. Willingness to be a team member and conscientiousness in promoting the growth of our Company.

Please apply if you think you are right for this role.