Mirela
Are you passionate about data and localization? Then the role of data steward might be something worth looking into. Some of your daily tasks will include navigating complex data landscapes, maintaining quality standards, and fostering collaboration across teams. Sounds good? Read on as we provide more details about this interesting job position in the localization industry.
Overview:
- What a data steward is
- What a data steward does
- What tools data stewards use
- How to become a data steward
- How POEditor can assist data stewards
What a data steward is
A localization data steward is an individual responsible for managing, maintaining, and ensuring the quality of localized content within an organization. This includes overseeing the entire localization process, from content creation to translation and distribution.
What a data steward does
Data stewards work closely with localization teams to validate and maintain high data quality standards, setting up validation processes to eliminate discrepancies across languages and regions. They manage metadata and tagging with language, region, and cultural context to ensure that the right content reaches the intended audience, supporting efficient and reliable translations that maintain brand consistency.
Compliance is another critical area where data stewards contribute. They have to make sure that data handling practices meet legal requirements, such as GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California, and align with cultural norms. Localization can easily misstep in culturally sensitive areas, so data stewards establish guidelines that address these sensitivities.
These professionals also facilitate smooth data integration and change management, supporting a seamless flow of information across translation management systems (TMS) and content management systems (CMS). They manage content mapping to ensure accurate correspondence across languages and track updates to maintain version control.
What tools data stewards use
A data steward works with a variety of tools, but the most common ones include software designed to clean, standardize, and validate data. To maintain organized, accessible data across multiple locales, data stewards also utilize master data management platforms, which help manage and standardize metadata.
Since localization involves translating and adapting content, stewards often work within TMS and CMS platforms. A TMS enables them to manage translation workflows and maintain version control of localized content, while a CMS stores and organizes content for easy retrieval and update across different regions.
For managing compliance with data regulations and privacy standards, a data steward uses data governance tools. These are platforms designed to implement data governance frameworks, document compliance requirements, and track data lineage.
How to become a data steward
You don’t need a specific degree to become a data steward, but a background in data-related fields will definitely look good on your resume. It’s common for data stewards to have degrees information systems, data science, computer science, business, or related fields.
If you want to become a data steward, try to develop relevant technical skills. Familiarize yourself with data quality and governance tools as well as metadata and Master Data Management (MDM) tools, and develop strong SQL skills, as you will have to analyze, retrieve, and manage data.
Of course, it is equally important to understand data privacy laws (like GDPR and CCPA) and related tools (like OneTrust) because this is essential for roles that require regulatory compliance.
How POEditor can assist data stewards
Data stewards benefit from using POEditor because they get a centralized platform for managing localization, helping them streamline translation workflows, track progress, and maintain consistency across languages.
The platform’s glossaries feature allows stewards to standardize terminology, ensuring consistent language use across all regional content.
Additionally, POEditor’s quality assurance tools validate translations, identifying issues like missing content or formatting errors, which helps data stewards maintain accuracy and adherence to localization standards.