UX Research Program Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Program Manager

Company: Google

Location: Bengaluru, KA, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX Research Operations / Program Management

Date Posted: 2025-06-13

Experience Level: 4+ years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Drive operational excellence and streamline processes within Google's User Experience Research organization.
• Manage relationships and performance of external UX Research agencies, ensuring high-quality research delivery.
• Champion compliance, data privacy, and risk mitigation for user research activities globally.
• Implement program metrics, analyze performance data, and identify opportunities for process improvement in UX Research operations.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with, manage, and monitor a portfolio of external UX Research Agencies to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality research services to internal Google UX Researchers.
• Implement and manage compliance processes, including Vendor Security Assessments (VSA) and Data Protection Assessments, to safeguard user data and minimize risks for Google and its users.
• Lead the sourcing and onboarding of new UX Research agencies, including leveraging data for negotiation, drafting statements of work, and executing agreements using internal tools like Simba.
• Collaborate with global colleagues to identify operational efficiencies, implement process improvements, and establish program metrics aligned with leadership goals.
• Act as an advocate, educator, consultant, and advisor on UX Research operational best practices and compliance requirements to internal teams and external agencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience. A degree in a related field such as Business, Design, or Social Sciences is beneficial but not strictly required.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of program management experience specifically within design or UX organizations. Demonstrated experience managing programs independently and working with external suppliers is essential, supported by a portfolio or work examples showcasing program and vendor management successes.

Required Skills:

• Proven program management expertise within a design or user experience context.
• Direct experience with User Research methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Strong background in managing external suppliers, including sourcing, onboarding, evaluation, and issue resolution.
• Demonstrated ability in program or operations management, with a focus on independent execution and driving projects to completion.
• Experience navigating and managing compliance processes, particularly related to data privacy and security (e.g., VSA, Data Protection Assessments).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external agencies across different regions.
• Proficiency in analyzing data to evaluate program performance and identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Solid understanding of UX methodologies, design thinking, and the overall UX craft and culture within a large organization.
• Ability to identify recurring patterns or potential issues across multiple projects and proactively propose strategic solutions.
• Excellent multitasking abilities, combined with strong analytical skills to define approaches and solve complex problems efficiently.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While not a traditional design portfolio, candidates should prepare a document or presentation showcasing their experience in program management within UX or design.
• Include case studies or examples demonstrating successful management of complex programs, particularly those involving external vendors or compliance requirements.
• Highlight examples of process improvements implemented, data analysis used to drive decisions, and successful stakeholder management in a design/UX context.
• Showcase experience in managing budgets, timelines, and resources for UX-related initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for managing vendor relationships, from initial sourcing and negotiation to ongoing performance monitoring and evaluation.
• Document your approach to implementing and managing compliance processes, including how you ensure adherence to data privacy regulations and security protocols.
• Explain your methodology for identifying operational inefficiencies within a UX Research workflow and how you would propose and implement solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ₹1,800,000 - ₹3,000,000 INR per year (Estimated based on typical Program Manager salaries at Google India for this experience level and location. Bengaluru is a major tech hub with a higher cost of living and competitive salaries.)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).
• Retirement savings plans (e.g., EPF contribution).
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options/grants.
• Access to professional development resources, training programs, and internal mobility opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Subsidized meals and transportation benefits (common in large tech offices in Bengaluru).

Working Hours: Typically full-time, standard business hours. Flexibility may be required for collaborating with global teams and managing urgent vendor or compliance issues.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Software Development / Technology

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (approx. 310,000+ globally)

Founded: Founded in 1998, Google has grown into one of the world's largest and most influential technology companies, known for innovation and a user-centric approach.

Team Structure:

• The UX team at Google is multi-disciplinary, including Designers, Researchers, Writers, Content Strategists, Program Managers, and Engineers.
• This role sits within UX Programs & Operations, supporting the broader UX organization, specifically focusing on UX Research operations and vendor management.
• The role will involve extensive cross-functional collaboration with UX Researchers, Designers, Engineers, Product Managers, Legal, and Security teams globally.

Methodology:

• Emphasizes user-centered design principles and data-driven decision making, heavily reliant on insights from user research.
• Likely utilizes a combination of Agile and other project management methodologies adapted for UX workflows.
• Strong focus on collaboration across disciplines and continuous iteration based on user feedback and research findings.

Company Website: https://www.google.com

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is typically positioned at a Mid-Level Program Manager level, requiring independent execution and management of significant programs within the UX Research domain.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Senior UX Program Manager or a UX Research Operations Lead within the broader UX organization.

Design Impact: While not directly involved in design creation, this role significantly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the UX Research function, which directly informs product design and strategy across Google's core products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a Senior UX Research Program Manager role, managing larger programs or leading a team.
• Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of UX Research operations, such as global compliance, vendor strategy, or operational analytics.
• Pathways to transition into broader UX Operations or other program management roles within Google.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site role based in Google's Bengaluru office. These offices are known for their modern design, collaborative spaces, and extensive amenities.

Office Location(s): Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Google has multiple offices in Bengaluru, and the specific location will likely be assigned based on team structure and availability.

Design Workspace Context:

• Google offices in Bengaluru are designed to foster collaboration and creativity, with various types of workspaces including open areas, meeting rooms, and quiet zones.
• Access to high-quality technology, tools, and infrastructure to support program management and collaboration with global teams.
• Opportunities for informal interaction and knowledge sharing with other UX professionals across different disciplines.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time schedule, typically Monday to Friday. Given the global nature of Google's operations, some flexibility may be needed for meetings with teams in different time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening call with a recruiter to discuss your background and interest.
• May include a technical or domain-specific interview focusing on program management methodologies, UX Research operations, and vendor management experience.
• Behavioral interviews assessing your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within Google.
• Case study or presentation round where you may be asked to discuss your experience managing a complex program or a specific challenge in UX Research operations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prepare a structured document or presentation that clearly outlines your relevant program management experience within UX or design.
• Focus on specific programs you've managed, highlighting your role, responsibilities, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved (quantify results where possible).
• Include examples of how you've successfully managed external vendors, navigated complex compliance requirements, or implemented process improvements.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder management, risk assessment, and project planning in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a case study is required, it will likely involve a scenario related to managing a UX Research program, resolving vendor issues, or addressing a compliance challenge.
• Focus on demonstrating your structured problem-solving approach, ability to identify key issues, propose practical solutions, and consider potential risks and trade-offs.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, similar to how you would present a solution to stakeholders.

ATS Keywords: Program Management, UX Research Operations, Vendor Management, Compliance, Data Privacy, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Process Improvement, Operations Management, User Research, Agency Management, Contract Negotiation, Risk Management, Performance Analysis, Cross-Functional Collaboration, G Suite, Asana, Jira, Confluence, Agile, Waterfall, SDLC, UX Design, UX Strategy, User-Centered Design, Problem Solving, Communication, Negotiation, Multitasking, Analytics, Reporting, Metrics, Vendor Security Assessment, Data Protection Assessment, Statement of Work, SOW, Budget Management, Resource Allocation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• While not a hands-on design role, familiarity with tools used by UX Researchers and designers is beneficial for understanding workflows (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite - understanding of their use is more important than proficiency).
• Internal Google tools for project management, documentation, and reporting will be heavily utilized.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Extensive use of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Drive) for documentation, planning, and collaboration.
• Project management tools like Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for tracking tasks, milestones, and project progress.
• Communication platforms like Google Meet, Slack, or internal messaging systems for daily communication with global teams and vendors.

Research & Testing:

• Understanding of tools used in UX Research (e.g., survey platforms, usability testing tools, participant recruitment platforms) is necessary for managing vendors and understanding research needs.
• Likely use of internal Google systems for managing vendor contracts, payments, and compliance documentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Strong emphasis on user-centered design and research, driven by a desire to create products that solve real user problems at scale.
• Culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging experimentation and learning from data.
• Value placed on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional partnership across disciplines.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and protecting user data and privacy.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative environment requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills to work effectively with internal teams and external vendors globally.
• Emphasis on proactive communication, clear documentation, and efficient meeting management.
• Expectation of contributing to a positive and inclusive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Managing a diverse portfolio of external agencies across different regions with varying capabilities and cultural nuances.
• Navigating complex internal compliance processes and ensuring adherence to global data privacy regulations.
• Optimizing operational workflows to improve efficiency and scalability for a large and growing UX Research organization.
• Balancing the needs of internal UX Researchers with the capabilities and constraints of external vendors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunities to deepen expertise in global compliance and data privacy regulations relevant to user research.
• Development of advanced negotiation and vendor management skills at a large scale.
• Exposure to a wide range of UX Research methodologies and practices by supporting various research projects.
• Potential to take on leadership responsibilities in future roles, guiding operational strategy and managing teams.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience managing programs that support the UX Research lifecycle, from planning and execution to data delivery and analysis.
• Provide examples of how you have streamlined operational processes within a design or UX context.
• Discuss your approach to managing project timelines, budgets, and resources for UX-related initiatives.

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Google's core values and how they apply to the UX and Research organizations.
• Be prepared to discuss how you prioritize user privacy and ethical considerations in your work, particularly when dealing with external vendors and user data.
• Discuss your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and adapting to different working styles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on presenting specific program management case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage complex initiatives, overcome challenges, and achieve measurable results.
• Highlight your experience with vendor management, compliance, and process improvement, providing concrete examples of your contributions.
• Clearly articulate your role and responsibilities in each project and the impact of your work on the UX Research organization or product development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your resume to highlight your program management experience within design or UX organizations, emphasizing relevant keywords like "UX Research Operations," "Vendor Management," and "Compliance."
• Prepare a document or presentation showcasing your relevant program management case studies, focusing on operational improvements, vendor relationships, and compliance management.
• Research Google's UX Research organization and recent projects to understand the context of the role and potential operational challenges.