Senior UX Program Manager, Ads Research Enablement

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Program Manager, Ads Research Enablement

Company: Google

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX Program Management / Operations

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the commercialization and adoption of quantitative UX research data, specifically internal user product table data (QUART), to enhance user-centered product development.

• Manage and optimize the enterprise participant recruitment pipeline and vendor operations to ensure efficient and seamless research enablement for UX teams within Google Ads and Commerce.

• Leverage data analytics and SQL to build and maintain automated dashboards and data tables that track UX health metrics, program performance, and demonstrate impact to cross-functional stakeholders.

• Drive AI-readiness initiatives within UX research, democratizing access to user insights and integrating them into early-stage product ideation and design thinking processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Program Manager, implying a significant level of autonomy, strategic input, and responsibility for complex operational initiatives. The focus on "Ads Research Enablement" and "commercialization of data" suggests a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) operations component, where the program manager acts as a bridge between research insights and product adoption.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end commercialization of internal quantitative UX research data tables, ensuring data integrity, vendor-led quality assurance, and seamless integration into UX workflows.

• Drive adoption of these data assets by democratizing access and embedding UX insights into early-stage product ideation, design thinking sessions, and strategic planning.

• Own and optimize the participant pipeline health program for enterprise recruitment, developing initiatives to improve lead sourcing processes and expand participant pools for researchers across Ads and Commerce.

• Oversee and manage vendor relationships, including budget allocation, headcount planning, and implementing initiatives to streamline vendor workflows and enhance operational efficiency.

• Lead program management for various workstreams focused on participant pipeline health, data table infrastructure, and other research enablement initiatives, ensuring successful project delivery and alignment with broader organizational goals.

• Utilize SQL and data analytics to build and maintain automated dashboards and data tables that effectively track UX health metrics, program performance, and demonstrate the impact of research enablement efforts to cross-functional stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other UX disciplines to ensure research enablement efforts directly support product development goals and contribute to industry-leading user experiences.

• Champion AI-readiness within UX research by identifying opportunities and developing strategies to leverage AI for enhanced data analysis, insight generation, and research automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic program management, operational execution, and data analysis. The emphasis on "commercialization," "democratizing data access," and "driving adoption" indicates a need for strong GTM skills, akin to a product operations or enablement role within a research context. Managing vendor relationships and participant pipelines points to significant operational oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in program management, with a specific focus on design or UX organizations.

• Demonstrated experience managing UX-related projects, including those involving UX design, user research, and user-centered development tools and methodologies.

• Proven ability to work with SQL and data analytics to build and maintain automated dashboards and data tables for tracking UX health metrics and program performance over time.

• Experience managing the product development lifecycle, from ideation through to launch and iteration, with a keen understanding of how UX research informs these stages.

Required Skills:

• Program Management: Proven ability to plan, execute, and close complex programs, managing multiple workstreams, defining milestones, assessing risks, and ensuring timely delivery.

• UX Design & User Research: Deep understanding of UX principles, user research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), and user-centered design processes.

• SQL & Data Analytics: Proficiency in SQL for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis; ability to build and interpret complex data sets.

• Dashboard Creation & Metrics Tracking: Experience developing automated dashboards and data tables to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), UX health metrics, and program effectiveness.

• Vendor Management: Experience overseeing vendor relationships, managing contracts, budgets, and performance to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met and operational efficiency is maintained.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively partner with diverse teams including Product Management, Engineering, UX Research, and Marketing to drive alignment and achieve common objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• 3 years of dedicated program management experience within a UX organization.

• Experience with quantitative UX research methodologies and analytics tools.

• Familiarity with AI-readiness concepts and strategies within research contexts.

• Strong understanding of data integrity principles and quality assurance processes.

• Experience in design thinking workshops and facilitating user-centric ideation sessions.

• Budget management and headcount planning expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong analytical foundation combined with robust program management capabilities. The blend of UX expertise, data skills (SQL, analytics, dashboards), and operational management (vendor, participant pipeline) is critical for success in this role. The distinction between minimum and preferred qualifications suggests a path for growth and specialization within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you have analyzed existing UX research workflows or data management processes, identified inefficiencies, and implemented streamlined solutions that improved speed, accuracy, or scalability. Quantify the impact with metrics.

• Data-Driven Insights & Reporting: Include examples of dashboards or reports you've created using SQL and analytics tools that effectively track UX health metrics, program performance, or user insights. Demonstrate how these visualizations informed strategic decisions or product improvements.

• System Implementation/Enhancement: Provide evidence of your involvement in implementing or enhancing systems related to participant recruitment, data management, or research enablement. Detail the challenges faced, your role in the solution, and the resulting benefits.

• ROI Demonstration: For at least one project, clearly articulate the return on investment (ROI) achieved through your program management efforts, whether through cost savings, increased efficiency, improved data quality, or enhanced researcher productivity.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to map out complex operational workflows (e.g., participant recruitment, data pipeline management) and identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement. Evidence of creating process diagrams or standard operating procedures (SOPs) is valuable.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase projects where you led the implementation of new processes or automated existing manual tasks, particularly those involving data collection, analysis, or reporting using tools like SQL or scripting.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you have established metrics, tracked performance against objectives, and conducted post-implementation analysis to measure the success and impact of implemented processes or systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Program Manager role, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills is crucial. The focus should be on tangible results, process improvements, and data-driven decision-making. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio, explaining their role, the challenges, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $159,000 - $231,000 USD per year (Base Salary)

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Equity: Stock grants or options as part of the total compensation package, providing ownership in Google's success.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Parental Leave: Supportive policies for new parents.

• Wellness Programs: Resources and benefits focused on employee well-being.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the role may require flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, cross-time zone collaboration, and critical operational needs, particularly during product launches or major research initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for the US base salary only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. This range is typical for a Senior Program Manager role at a large tech company like Google, especially in a high cost-of-living area like New York. The inclusion of bonus and equity signifies a competitive total compensation package. Researching compensation for Senior UX Program Managers in New York City on platforms like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and LinkedIn would provide further context. The benefits listed are standard for major tech firms and are highly attractive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet Services & Software)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees)

Founded: 1998; Google has a long history of innovation, user-centricity, and data-driven decision-making, which permeates its culture.

Team Structure:

• UX Teams: This role sits within a multi-disciplinary UX team, indicating a collaborative environment where UX researchers, designers, and program managers work together.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close partnerships with Product Management and Engineering teams within Google Ads and Commerce, as well as other horizontal programs.

• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior UX Program Manager typically reports into a Director or VP level within UX Operations, Product Management, or a dedicated Program Management office. They are expected to manage their own portfolio of programs and influence stakeholders across various levels.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: Google's core philosophy, "Focus on the user and all else will follow," is a guiding principle. This role is instrumental in ensuring user insights directly influence product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data analytics, metrics, and insights to inform strategy, track performance, and demonstrate impact.

• Process Optimization & Efficiency: A continuous drive to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and improve operational efficiency to enable faster and more effective product development.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, Google generally operates with agile methodologies, requiring adaptability and iterative approaches to program management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is renowned for its emphasis on innovation, data, and user focus. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment where process improvements and data-driven insights are highly valued. The sheer scale of Google means that operations roles have the potential for immense impact by optimizing processes that affect billions of users.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Program Manager within UX Operations. This level signifies a deep understanding of the UX product development lifecycle, strong program execution capabilities, and the ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives with significant autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or Senior Manager within UX Programs & Operations or a related GTM function. Direct reports are not indicated, suggesting an individual contributor role focused on program leadership and operational strategy rather than people management.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of UX research within Google Ads and Commerce. By enabling better access to data, optimizing participant recruitment, and driving adoption of insights, the Senior UX Program Manager contributes to the development of more user-centered, high-quality products, ultimately influencing user satisfaction, engagement, and Google's advertising revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in quantitative UX analytics, AI-readiness for research, or specific areas of Google Ads product development.

• Leadership: Transition into management roles, leading teams of UX Program Managers or taking on larger, more strategic program portfolios.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Leverage experience to move into Product Management, UX Research leadership, or GTM Operations roles within other Google product areas.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping industry best practices in UX operations and research enablement through presentations, publications, or internal advocacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google offers significant opportunities for career advancement. For operations professionals, this role provides a solid foundation in a critical area of product development. The "Senior" title suggests a path toward leadership, either through managing larger programs, leading teams, or specializing in highly sought-after areas like AI and data analytics within UX.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within a Google campus.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. This implies working from a Google office in New York City, which typically offers a dynamic and collaborative urban setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Google offices are designed with a variety of collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and informal areas to facilitate teamwork and idea sharing among UX, Product, and Engineering teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Google's internal suite of cutting-edge tools for project management, communication, data analysis, and UX research. High-speed internet and modern workstations are standard.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for in-person interaction with colleagues, fostering strong working relationships, spontaneous brainstorming, and a cohesive team dynamic. This is crucial for aligning complex research enablement initiatives across various functions.

Work Schedule: While the standard work week is 40 hours, the nature of program management, especially in a fast-paced tech environment, often requires flexibility. Employees are expected to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and collaborate across different time zones, which may occasionally involve working outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York City suggests a vibrant, fast-paced work environment typical of major tech hubs. For operations roles, this often means being part of a highly collaborative culture with easy access to cross-functional teams, which is essential for driving process adoption and alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, program management approach, and understanding of UX research and operations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a SQL or data analysis exercise, or a case study focusing on process optimization, vendor management, or participant pipeline strategy.

• Panel Interviews: Expect interviews with cross-functional partners (e.g., Product Managers, UX Researchers, Engineering Leads) to assess collaboration skills and your ability to integrate UX insights into product development.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the problem, the solution, the process, and the quantifiable impact.

• Final Round: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem you solved and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased efficiency by X%, reduced cost by Y%, improved data quality leading to Z insights).

• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your contributions, especially in collaborative projects. Use "I" when describing your direct actions and "we" when referring to team efforts.

• Showcase Process: Detail the methodologies and tools you used. For this role, emphasize your experience with SQL, data analysis, dashboard creation, vendor management, and process optimization.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations logically, guiding the interviewer through the narrative of each project from problem to solution to impact.

• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to answer questions about how you handled challenges, managed stakeholders, dealt with ambiguity, and learned from failures.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design: Be prepared to outline how you would design or improve a process for participant recruitment, data collection, or insight dissemination.

• Data Analysis Scenario: You might be given a dataset or scenario and asked to identify key UX health metrics or propose an analysis plan.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice scenarios where you need to influence or align stakeholders with differing priorities.

• Vendor Management: Prepare to discuss how you would evaluate, onboard, or manage a vendor for research services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google places a high value on candidates who can demonstrate tangible results and a strategic approach to problem-solving. Preparing specific examples that align with the job description's emphasis on data, process, and cross-functional collaboration will be key to a successful application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SQL: Essential for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis from various databases.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Looker, or similar platforms for building automated dashboards and reporting.

• Project Management Software: Google's internal tools (e.g., Moma, Asana, Jira) or industry standards for task tracking, timeline management, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Suites: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Chat) for seamless communication and document creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics Platforms: Tools and internal systems for capturing, analyzing, and reporting UX insights and impact metrics.

• Statistical Software/Languages: R or Python for more advanced data analysis and modeling, beyond SQL.

• Spreadsheet Software: Google Sheets or Excel for data manipulation, basic analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, understanding CRM principles and data flow is beneficial, especially for understanding how user data is managed.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with scripting (Python, Bash) or internal Google automation frameworks to streamline repetitive tasks in data processing, reporting, or workflow management.

• Internal Research Platforms: Experience with or ability to quickly learn Google's proprietary research platforms and data repositories.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SQL and data visualization tools is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with Google's internal suite of tools is a significant advantage. The role requires a strong analytical toolkit, enabling the candidate to not only gather data but also to interpret it and translate it into actionable insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A deep-seated commitment to understanding and serving the user, ensuring that all operational efforts directly contribute to a better user experience.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are made based on rigorous analysis of data and metrics, with a strong emphasis on measurable impact and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Efficiency: A drive to find new and better ways to operate, leveraging technology and process improvements to increase speed, reduce costs, and enhance effectiveness.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of programs and initiatives, ensuring commitment to deadlines, quality standards, and delivering on promised outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with stakeholders across UX, Product, and Engineering to ensure alignment, provide updates, and solicit feedback.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Using data and insights as the foundation for discussions and decision-making, fostering objective and productive conversations.

• Process-Oriented: A systematic approach to problem-solving and project management, focusing on defining, documenting, and optimizing workflows.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, learn from each other, and contribute to a collective knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture values individuals who are not only technically proficient but also strong collaborators and proactive problem-solvers. The operations team likely thrives on efficiency, data integrity, and a shared commitment to enabling product excellence through effective research enablement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Data Integration & Standardization: Ensuring consistency and integrity across diverse data sources and systems for quantitative UX research.

• Driving Adoption: Overcoming inertia and encouraging widespread adoption of new data tools and insights across various product teams with different priorities.

• Vendor Management Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of managing external vendors, budgets, and ensuring service quality at scale.

• Balancing Strategic & Tactical: Juggling high-level strategic initiatives (AI-readiness, commercialization) with day-to-day operational demands (pipeline management, data table maintenance).

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of research enablement on product success and business outcomes can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Analytics & AI: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge AI tools and techniques to UX research data.

• Product & Business Acumen: Deepen understanding of the Google Ads and Commerce businesses, and how UX research contributes to their strategic goals.

• Leadership & Influence: Develop skills in influencing without direct authority, stakeholder management, and leading large-scale operational programs.

• Industry Best Practices: Stay abreast of evolving trends in UX research, program management, and data analytics through internal resources and external conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to tackle complex operational challenges at scale. The learning curve will be steep, particularly regarding Google's internal systems and the specific nuances of Ads research. However, the growth potential in areas like AI, data science, and strategic operations management is substantial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the commercialization or adoption of a new data product or insight initiative. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on GTM, adoption strategies, and stakeholder buy-in.)

• "How would you approach building and managing an enterprise participant recruitment pipeline? What metrics would you track, and how would you ensure diversity and quality?" (Prepare to discuss recruitment strategies, vendor management, and data integrity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Google? What interests you specifically about the Ads Research Enablement role?" (Research Google's mission, UX philosophy, and the specific challenges of Ads research.)

• "How do you foster a culture of user-centricity within a product development team?" (Connect your past experiences to Google's core value of focusing on the user.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in program management, UX operations, data analysis (SQL, dashboards), and vendor/pipeline management.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., % improvement, cost savings, efficiency gains).

• Structure Your Narrative: Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method or a similar storytelling approach to guide the interviewer through your experience.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, the tools you used, the challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, operational execution, and analytical prowess. Candidates should be ready to articulate how their past experiences directly align with the core responsibilities of enabling UX research through data and robust operational processes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Google Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight achievements in program management, UX research enablement, SQL/data analytics, and vendor management. Prepare your portfolio with specific case studies demonstrating your impact in these areas.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with UX methodologies, data analysis tools, and operational process improvements, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common UX Program Management interview questions, focusing on your experience with data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and operational efficiency. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Google's UX philosophy, the Google Ads business, and the company's approach to data and innovation. Understand how this role fits into the broader organizational strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.