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: March 25, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in enhancing UX research capabilities within Google's Ads division, focusing on operational efficiency and data accessibility.

• It requires a strong blend of program management expertise, UX research methodologies, and data analytics to drive product innovation.

• The position involves leading the commercialization of internal UX data products and ensuring AI-readiness, democratizing access to critical user insights.

• Success will be measured by the ability to optimize participant recruitment pipelines, manage vendor operations, and integrate infrastructure needs into the research enablement workflow for a seamless researcher experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Google's Ads organization, specifically focused on "Research Enablement." This implies a strong operational component beyond traditional UX program management, focusing on the infrastructure, tools, and processes that support user research at scale. The emphasis on commercializing data tables (QUART) and AI-readiness suggests a strategic, forward-looking operational mandate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the commercialization of internal user product data tables (e.g., QUART), ensuring data integrity and implementing vendor-led quality assurance to empower UX teams.

• Drive adoption of these data tables by democratizing access and integrating user insights into early-stage product ideation and design thinking processes.

• Own and optimize the participant pipeline health program for enterprise recruitment, focusing on improving lead sourcing and expanding pipelines for researchers across Ads and Commerce teams.

• Oversee vendor engagement, including comprehensive budget management and strategic headcount planning, while implementing initiatives to streamline vendor workflows and enhance operational efficiency.

• Lead program management for additional workstreams related to participant pipeline health and data table infrastructure, ensuring alignment with broader UX research enablement goals.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Engineering and Product Management, to translate user insights into industry-leading product improvements.

• Assess project risks, define key milestones, and ensure timely delivery of program objectives, harmonizing the work of diverse UX disciplines.

• Develop and maintain automated dashboards and data tables using SQL to track UX health metrics, program performance, and impact metrics over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into operationalizing UX research. "Commercialization" of data tables implies treating internal data products like external offerings, requiring go-to-market strategies, user onboarding, and ongoing support. Owning the "participant pipeline health program" is a critical operational function for any large-scale research organization, directly impacting the ability of researchers to gather timely and relevant data.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Demonstrated experience with UX-related projects, encompassing user research, UX design, or user-centered development tools and methodologies.

Required Skills:

• Program Management: Expertise in planning, executing, and monitoring complex, cross-functional programs within a technology or design-centric environment.

• UX & User Research: Deep understanding of UX design principles, user research methodologies, and user-centered development processes.

• Data Analytics & SQL: Proficiency in SQL for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis; experience building and maintaining automated dashboards and reporting systems.

• System Thinking: Ability to design, implement, and manage systems for data capture, tracking, and reporting of UX insights and impact metrics.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and other UX disciplines.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Skill in identifying potential project risks and developing proactive mitigation strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Product Development Lifecycle: Familiarity with the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from ideation to launch and iteration.

• UX Analytics: Specialized experience in UX analytics, including building robust systems to capture, track, and report on UX insights and impact metrics.

• Vendor Management: Experience managing external vendors, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and relationship management.

• Budget Management: Proven ability to manage project budgets effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation.

• Headcount Planning: Experience in strategic workforce planning and resource allocation within a program management context.

• Data Integrity & QA: Understanding of data integrity principles and experience implementing quality assurance processes, particularly in data-driven initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between minimum and preferred qualifications emphasizes a progression within UX program management. Preferred skills like "Product Development Lifecycle" and "UX Analytics" suggest that candidates with a deeper understanding of how research translates into product, and how to quantitatively measure that impact, will be highly valued. The explicit mention of "UX Methodologies" in both minimum and preferred sections underscores their centrality to the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Showcase projects where you identified inefficiencies in UX research or program management processes and implemented solutions that improved speed, quality, or resource utilization. Quantify the impact using relevant metrics.

• System Design & Implementation: Provide examples of systems you've designed or managed for data collection, tracking, or reporting (e.g., dashboard frameworks, research participant databases, insight repositories). Highlight the underlying logic and technology used.

• Metrics & KPI Definition: Demonstrate your ability to define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for UX programs, research operations, or vendor performance. Show how these metrics informed strategic decisions.

• Cross-functional Project Examples: Include projects that required significant collaboration with Product, Engineering, or other stakeholders, illustrating your ability to manage diverse needs and drive alignment toward common goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of documented workflows for UX research processes, participant recruitment, or data analysis, particularly those that have been optimized for efficiency and scalability.

• Implementation & Automation: Demonstrate experience in implementing new processes or automating manual tasks within a UX operations context, detailing the steps taken and the outcomes achieved.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you've established frameworks for measuring the performance of implemented processes or systems, including reporting mechanisms and feedback loops for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of program management and operational skills. Candidates should focus on quantifiable achievements, detailing the "before and after" state of processes or systems they've influenced. Evidence of using SQL for analytics and dashboard creation should be prominent.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is $159,000 - $231,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Eligibility for performance-based bonuses.

• Equity: Potential for stock grants or other equity compensation.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.

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

• Parental Leave: Paid leave for new parents.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, and continued learning.

• Perks: Access to on-site amenities (depending on location), employee assistance programs, and other company-specific benefits.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, Google often offers flexibility in daily scheduling, allowing for some adaptation to personal needs while ensuring core business hours are covered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the US. For accurate compensation expectations in New York, this range is highly relevant. Google is known for its comprehensive benefits package, and the listed benefits are standard for large tech companies. The "On-site" work arrangement suggests that while core hours are expected, there might be some flexibility for personal needs, common in operational roles that require focused work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Internet & Technology / Advertising Technology

Company Size: Google is a large, publicly traded technology company with over 180,000 employees globally. This scale offers extensive resources, opportunities for specialization, and a structured environment for program management.

Founded: 1998, with a history of innovation and a user-centric philosophy ("Focus on the user and all else will follow").

Team Structure:

• UX Programs & Operations: This team drives projects by improving communication, streamlining UX design processes, and fostering user-centered development. They operate as a crucial bridge between UX researchers, designers, Product Managers, and Engineers.

• Reporting Structure: This role likely reports into a UX Operations or Program Management leadership within the Google Ads organization. It involves close collaboration with various UX disciplines and cross-functional partners.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect to work closely with UX Researchers, UX Designers, Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and external vendors. The role is inherently collaborative and requires strong stakeholder management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Google heavily relies on data analytics to inform decisions. This role requires a strong aptitude for using data (especially UX metrics) to drive strategy and measure impact.

• User-Centric Design: The core philosophy emphasizes understanding and prioritizing user needs in all product development processes.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: While not explicitly stated, Google typically employs agile methodologies, requiring adaptability, iterative development, and continuous improvement in program execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is characterized by innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong emphasis on user experience. For this role, the "Ads Research Enablement" focus means integrating operational rigor with cutting-edge UX research practices within a high-impact business unit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX operations, research enablement, data product commercialization, and AI-readiness within a massive organization.

• Leadership: Opportunities to lead larger, more strategic programs, potentially influencing organizational best practices for UX research operations.

• Skill Development: Enhance skills in advanced data analytics, vendor management, cross-functional stakeholder management, and product strategy integration.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into leadership roles within UX Program Management, UX Operations, or even into Product Management roles that leverage deep operational and user insight expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with responsibilities like "commercialization" and "AI-readiness" suggests this is a high-impact role with substantial growth potential. Candidates who excel here could pivot into broader operational leadership or strategic product roles within Google.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at a Google office location in New York City. Google offices are known for their collaborative design, state-of-the-art facilities, and amenities aimed at fostering productivity and employee well-being.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and diverse talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace designed for teamwork, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan seating designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Google's internal suite of cutting-edge tools and technologies for project management, communication, data analysis, and research. This includes robust internal infrastructure for data management and analysis.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with UX researchers, designers, product managers, and data analysts, fostering a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours, Monday to Friday, with an on-site presence. While core hours are expected for collaboration, Google often provides flexibility in daily start/end times, allowing for better work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a Google office implies a highly structured and resource-rich work environment. The emphasis will be on in-person collaboration, leveraging Google's internal tools and infrastructure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Recruiter phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, program management skills, and understanding of UX research operations. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based questions.

• Technical/Skills Interviews: Assessment of SQL proficiency, data analysis capabilities, and understanding of UX methodologies. This may involve a live coding exercise or case study related to data analysis or dashboard creation.

• Panel Interviews: Interviews with cross-functional partners (e.g., UX Researchers, Product Managers, Engineers) to evaluate collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing relevant projects, process improvements, and quantifiable results.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., % increase in research efficiency, % reduction in recruitment time, ROI of data table adoption).

• Showcase Process Mastery: Detail the processes you designed, optimized, or managed. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful. Highlight how you ensured data integrity and quality assurance.

• SQL & Analytics Examples: Include concrete examples of SQL queries used for analysis, dashboard designs, and how these insights influenced decisions.

• Collaboration Stories: Prepare narratives that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, manage conflicting priorities, and drive alignment.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to operationalizing research, data commercialization, vendor management, and process automation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Analysis Case Study: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario requiring you to analyze a dataset, identify key UX insights, and recommend actions. Practice using SQL and presenting findings clearly.

• Process Improvement Challenge: You might be asked to outline how you would improve a specific UX research process (e.g., participant recruitment, data synthesis). Focus on structured problem-solving and iterative implementation.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice articulating complex technical or operational information to non-technical audiences and managing expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interview process is notoriously thorough. Candidates should prepare for a multi-stage process that rigorously tests technical skills, operational acumen, and collaborative abilities. A strong, well-documented portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project & Program Management Software: Google's internal tools (likely similar to Jira, Asana, or proprietary systems) for task tracking, roadmap planning, and collaboration.

• Communication & Collaboration Suites: Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Docs, Sheets, Slides) will be the primary suite for daily operations.

• Data Analysis & Visualization:

  • SQL: Essential for querying databases and extracting data.
  • Internal Google Data Tools: Proficiency with Google's internal data warehousing and analysis platforms (e.g., BigQuery, internal dashboarding tools).
  • Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Looker, or Google Data Studio for creating dashboards and reports.

• UX Research Tools: Familiarity with tools used for surveys, user testing, and qualitative data analysis (though the focus here is enablement, not direct research execution).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Warehousing: Experience with large-scale data warehouses (e.g., BigQuery).

• BI Tools: Ability to leverage Business Intelligence tools for reporting and creating actionable insights.

• Dashboarding: Creation and maintenance of automated dashboards to track UX health, research pipeline, and program performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and accessed is key.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with tools or scripting for automating data pipelines, reporting, or recruitment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SQL and internal Google data/analytics platforms is crucial. Candidates should highlight any experience with large-scale data warehousing and BI tools, as this role is heavily data-centric.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all operational and product decisions.

• Data-Driven Excellence: A commitment to using data rigorously to inform strategies, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in operational processes.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A drive to build and maintain robust, scalable systems and processes that enable research operations to support a rapidly growing product portfolio.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment of open communication, knowledge sharing, and strong partnerships across diverse teams.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and embracing new technologies (like AI) to enhance research enablement.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Partnership: Actively seeking out and engaging with cross-functional teams to understand their needs and align on operational strategies.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Using data and insights as the foundation for discussions and decision-making.

• Process Improvement Focus: A culture of continuous feedback and iterative refinement of operational workflows and systems.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share best practices, insights, and learnings across teams to elevate the collective capabilities of the UX research organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture emphasizes impact, data, and collaboration. For this role, operational efficiency and enabling research at scale are key. Demonstrating how you embody these values through past actions will be critical.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Research Operations: Managing and growing participant pipelines and data infrastructure to support the immense scale of Google Ads research demands.

• Data Commercialization & Adoption: Successfully driving adoption of internal data products (QUART) requires strong stakeholder buy-in, clear communication of value, and seamless integration into existing workflows.

• Navigating Complex Systems: Understanding and integrating with Google's vast and complex internal data systems and research platforms.

• Vendor Management at Scale: Effectively managing relationships, budgets, and performance for multiple vendors supporting research operations.

• AI-Readiness: Ensuring that current operational frameworks and data infrastructure are prepared to leverage and support AI-driven research insights and tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Analytics & AI: Opportunities to work with cutting-edge AI technologies and advanced analytics techniques within the research enablement space.

• Strategic Program Leadership: Developing expertise in leading large-scale, strategic operational initiatives that have a significant impact on product development.

• Industry Best Practices: Gaining insights into how a leading tech company operationalizes UX research at an unparalleled scale.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Broadening understanding of product development, engineering, and business strategy within the advertising technology domain.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders and peers within Google's UX and Operations communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to scale and innovation, particularly with the "AI-readiness" aspect. Success here offers substantial opportunities for professional growth in a highly dynamic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the commercialization of an internal data product or service. What were the key challenges and how did you ensure adoption?" (Focus on go-to-market strategy, stakeholder management, and value proposition.)

• "How would you approach improving the participant recruitment pipeline for a large UX research team? What metrics would you track?" (Demonstrate structured problem-solving, data-driven approach, and understanding of recruitment best practices.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Focus on the user and all else will follow' mean to you in the context of this role?" (Connect Google's core philosophy to operational efficiency and user insight enablement.)

• "How do you ensure data integrity and quality assurance in your operational processes, especially when working with vendors?" (Showcase your understanding of QA principles and vendor oversight.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your role and responsibilities at previous companies. Then, select 2-3 key projects that best align with the requirements of this Senior UX Program

Manager role.

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The Problem/Challenge
  • Your Role & Responsibilities
  • The Solution/Process Implemented
  • The Tools & Technologies Used (especially SQL, dashboards, internal systems)
  • The Quantifiable Results/Impact (metrics are crucial!)
  • Key Learnings

• Data Visualization: Be prepared to walk through examples of dashboards or reports you've created, explaining the insights derived and their impact on decision-making.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging, informative, and fits within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google interviews often involve deep dives into past experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Candidates should prepare specific, quantifiable examples that demonstrate their operational, analytical, and program management capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Google Careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your experience in UX program management, operational process optimization, SQL-based data analysis, dashboard creation, and vendor management. Prioritize quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Program Management," "UX Research Enablement," "SQL," "Data Analytics," "Dashboard Building," "Vendor Management," and "Process Optimization." Ensure your experience clearly aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational interview questions using the STAR method. Prepare clear, concise explanations of your portfolio projects and be ready to discuss your approach to data analysis and operational challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Google's Ads division, its mission, and the "Focus on the user" philosophy. Understand the implications of "Research Enablement" and "AI-Readiness" within this context.

⚠️ 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.