Program Manager - Research Operations

Imagine contributing to a global leader that shapes the future of technology, where innovation is at the core of everything they do. This organization is dedicated to creating groundbreaking experiences that impact millions worldwide. We are seeking a visionary individual to join their dynamic team and elevate their user experience research capabilities. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in designing and scaling global programs, directly amplifying the impact of world-class UX Research. Your work will remove barriers, streamline processes, and connect critical insights, ensuring that research drives innovation and shapes the next generation of products.

This role is crucial for helping to research and grow innovative product features within a suite of cutting-edge tools. You will contribute to vital research program support, foster robust stakeholder and supplier engagement, and expertly manage research tools and infrastructure.

**A Typical Day in This Role Will Involve:**

* **Program & Process Design:** Build and scale research programs that reduce friction and enhance researcher impact. Develop operational systems for Experience Reviews, Audits, and Customer Programs. Establish scheduling protocols, governance frameworks, and compliance processes. Manage and evolve the team's visual identity and brand presence.

* **Tools & Infrastructure:** Manage the research technology stack (e.g., various user research platforms and data collection tools). Oversee licensing, training, vendor relationships, and budget allocation. Evaluate and implement new tools, including AI-driven solutions. Oversee budget allocation and ensure compliance with best practices across research tools.

* **Knowledge Management:** Create systems for organizing and sharing research insights. Maintain libraries of templates, guides, and best practices. Ensure that internal collaboration pages are current and up to date. Implement tagging and search functionality for easy knowledge retrieval.

* **Stakeholder Engagement:** Partner with legal, procurement, and security teams to streamline approvals. Develop communication strategies for internal and external research updates. Scale research impact through enablement programs and community-building. Ensure research insights reach key stakeholders through multiple channels including monthly newsletters, internal sites, and communication channels.

* **Onboarding, Project Allocation & Offboarding:** Partner with legal, procurement, and security teams to streamline approvals. Develop communication strategies for internal and external research updates. Negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness. Facilitate comprehensive onboarding for new hires and contractors, including research tool access, knowledge base orientation, and process training. Manage offboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions and knowledge preservation.

**Qualifications:**

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, UX, or a related field (or equivalent experience, e.g., demonstrated experience working in product or service design or using design thinking to solve problems).

* 3+ years of experience in research operations, user research, or related roles.

* Proven ability to build and scale operational systems and processes.

* Strong project management skills and experience with research tools.

* Understanding of research methodologies and the research lifecycle.

* Resourceful, highly organized, and detail-oriented with strong leadership and collaboration skills.

* Ability to operate independently and embrace ambiguity.

* A passion for enabling research and driving impact at scale.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* Experience in enterprise technology or high-growth environments.

* Background in UX research or customer insights.

* Familiarity with legal, procurement, and compliance processes for research.

* Knowledge management and vendor negotiation experience.

* Awareness of AI and automation trends in research operations.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.