Senior UX Program Manager, Retail Ads

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Program Manager, Retail Ads Company: Google Location: New York, NY, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: UX Program Management / Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-20 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead program management and operational excellence for User Experience (UX) teams within Google's Retail Ads division, focusing on both consumer and advertiser experiences.
• Drive strategic counsel and operational improvements across UX design, user research, and user-centered development methodologies to enhance product offerings.
• Facilitate seamless cross-functional collaboration between UX, Engineering, and Product Management stakeholders to align objectives and address user needs.
• Identify and implement process, tool, and documentation enhancements to optimize UX team efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead and orchestrate multiple complex UX-related projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Program Manager, indicating a need for significant experience in managing complex UX initiatives, influencing cross-functional teams, and driving operational improvements within a large technology organization. The focus on "Retail Ads" suggests a deep dive into the nuances of the advertising ecosystem, both from a consumer engagement and advertiser enablement perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across the Advertiser and Consumer Retail Ads UX teams, ensuring high-quality project interactions and trust-building.
• Leverage deep knowledge of UX craft, methodologies, and analytics to build and scale programs that enable efficient UX operations.
• Serve as a key representative for the UX function in cross-functional collaborations, ensuring clear communication and understanding of interdependencies with Engineering and Product Management.
• Proactively identify team needs related to process optimization, tool adoption, documentation standards, and asset management, driving implementation of necessary changes.
• Lead and collaborate with UX team leadership on critical project decision-making, orchestrating the simultaneous delivery of multiple UX-focused projects.
• Manage project lifecycles, including defining milestones, assessing risks, developing actionable insights, and ensuring adherence to project timelines and deliverables.
• Foster a user-centered development culture by integrating user feedback and research insights into project planning and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic program management, hands-on operational improvement, and strong cross-functional leadership. The emphasis on "trust-building" and "strategic counsel" suggests the candidate will be a key advisor to UX leadership and a facilitator of productive relationships across departments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Computer Science, Business Administration) or equivalent practical experience in program management.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive program management experience, specifically within design or User Experience (UX) organizations.
• Demonstrated experience managing UX-related projects, including familiarity with UX design principles, user research methodologies, and user-centered development tools.
• Proven ability to manage projects using various project management tools and effectively manage vendors.
• Experience partnering on complex, cross-functional projects within dynamic and fast-paced technology environments.
• Track record of collaborating effectively with UX teams, Engineering, and Product Management stakeholders to define and resolve user issues for consumers and advertisers.
• Solid understanding of the product development lifecycle for technology products.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities, with a proven capacity to articulate complex ideas and influence senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in analytical skills to derive actionable insights from data and project performance.
• Experience in documentation, asset management, and risk assessment for UX projects.

Required Skills:

• Program Management: Extensive experience in planning, executing, and closing complex programs within a UX context.
• UX Design & Research Methodologies: Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, user research techniques (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys), and user-centered development processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to partner effectively with Engineering, Product Management, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello, Monday.com) for planning, tracking, and reporting.
• User-Centered Development: Deep familiarity with frameworks and practices that prioritize the user throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Product Development Process: Knowledge of the stages and considerations involved in bringing technology products from concept to launch.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable insights for program improvement.

Preferred Skills:

• Vendor Management: Experience managing relationships and deliverables with external vendors or agencies.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Skills in using data analytics tools and creating compelling data visualizations to support decision-making.
• Stakeholder Management: Expertise in managing expectations and building relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Ability to proactively identify project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Asset Management: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving UX design assets and documentation.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and influence teams without direct authority.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in UX principles and practices coupled with robust program management experience. The "preferred" skills suggest areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves, particularly in areas like vendor management and advanced data analysis, which are crucial for optimizing operations in a large tech company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully managing and delivering complex UX programs from initiation to completion, showcasing clear project objectives, methodologies, and outcomes.
• Include examples of process improvements implemented within UX or design organizations, highlighting the problem, the solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved user satisfaction).
• Showcase experience with system implementations or optimizations relevant to UX workflows, such as design system management, research repository tools, or collaboration platforms.
• Provide evidence of how your work has directly contributed to business objectives or ROI, quantifying impact where possible through metrics and data.
• Highlight experience in defining and managing project milestones, assessing risks, and executing mitigation plans for UX initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of well-documented UX workflows, outlining design processes, research protocols, and collaboration touchpoints.
• Include documentation related to the implementation and optimization of specific UX tools or platforms, detailing configuration, user training, and ongoing maintenance.
• Present examples of how you have established metrics and conducted performance analysis for UX programs, demonstrating a data-driven approach to continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority and focus on operational excellence, a portfolio demonstrating structured program management, process optimization, and quantifiable results will be critical. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the "why," "how," and "what" of their past projects, with a clear focus on driving efficiency and impact within UX initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is $151,000 - $222,000 annually.
• This range is determined by factors such as job level, experience, and work location. The recruiter will provide specific salary details for the preferred location during the hiring process.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus structure.
• Equity: Stock options or grants as part of the overall compensation package.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), and other employee wellness programs.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and career advancement.
• Perks: Access to Google's renowned campus amenities and employee support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be expected to accommodate project deadlines and cross-functional team needs across different time zones, particularly for an on-site role in New York.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior Program Manager role at a major tech company in a high-cost-of-living area like New York. The inclusion of bonus and equity signifies a comprehensive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent. The specific range provided is a good benchmark for candidates to assess their expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet Services & Software) Company Size: Very Large (Google is a global technology giant with hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide). Founded: 1998. Google's mission, "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful," has driven its growth and innovation across numerous sectors, including advertising. The company fosters a culture of innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong emphasis on user experience.

Team Structure:

• The UX Programs & Operations team at Google is integral to the UX organization, acting as a connective tissue that streamlines processes and enhances collaboration.
• This specific role sits within the Retail Ads UX team, which is a specialized unit focusing on the advertising experiences for both consumers and advertisers within Google's retail sector.
• The team likely comprises UX Designers, User Researchers, Content Strategists, UX Engineers, and fellow Program Managers. Reporting structure typically involves a Program Management lead or Director within the UX organization, with close alignment to Product Management and Engineering leads for Retail Ads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, requiring close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and potentially Legal and Business Operations teams to ensure cohesive product development and launch.

Methodology:

• Google's operations emphasize a data-driven approach, utilizing metrics and analytics to inform decisions, measure performance, and identify areas for optimization.
• Workflow planning and optimization are continuous processes, aiming for efficiency, scalability, and seamless integration across different product areas.
• Automation and efficiency practices are embedded in how teams operate, leveraging internal tools and platforms to reduce manual effort and accelerate delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is known for its rigorous approach to data analysis, emphasis on innovation, and commitment to user-centricity. For a UX Program Manager, this translates to a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment where strategic thinking, process improvement, and measurable impact are highly valued. Understanding Google's "Focus on the user" principle is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Program Manager. This level signifies a mid-to-senior career stage, requiring independent execution, strategic input, and the ability to manage complex, high-impact programs. It involves mentoring junior team members and influencing cross-functional processes.

Reporting Structure:

• This role will report to a Director or Senior Manager within the UX Programs & Operations organization at Google.
• Close collaboration and alignment will be necessary with UX Leads, Engineering Managers, and Product Managers for the Retail Ads product suite. The role acts as a key liaison, ensuring smooth information flow and project execution across these functions.

Operations Impact:

• The Senior UX Program Manager plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the UX teams, directly impacting the quality and user-centricity of Google's Retail Ads products.
• By streamlining processes, improving collaboration, and ensuring timely delivery of UX initiatives, this role contributes significantly to the overall success of Google Ads, influencing user engagement, advertiser satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation.
• Strategic counsel and operational improvements can lead to faster product iteration cycles, more innovative user experiences, and better alignment with business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in program management methodologies, UX operations, process optimization, and cross-functional leadership within a leading tech company.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize further within specific areas of UX operations or product domains within Google's vast advertising portfolio.
• Leadership Development: Pathways to move into more senior program management roles, lead larger programs, or transition into management positions overseeing UX operations teams.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining invaluable experience with cutting-edge technologies, user experience strategies, and operational best practices in the digital advertising space.
• Mentorship: Access to mentorship from experienced leaders within Google's UX and operations functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career growth within a prestigious tech company. The "Senior" title implies a clear path toward leadership and specialization, with ample opportunities to develop in-demand skills in program management, operations, and user experience strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, within a Google office location in New York City. Google offices are known for their collaborative design, ergonomic workspaces, and focus on employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): Primarily New York, NY, United States. Google has multiple office locations across New York City, often featuring modern amenities, collaborative zones, and private workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and efficiency. Expect open-plan areas, meeting rooms equipped with advanced AV technology, quiet zones for focused work, and comfortable common areas.
• Access to state-of-the-art technology and tools is standard, supporting seamless communication and project execution.
• Opportunities for informal interaction and knowledge sharing with diverse teams are abundant, promoting a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the nature of program management in a fast-paced tech environment may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, attend meetings across different time zones, and respond to urgent issues. The on-site nature facilitates immediate collaboration and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York City underscores Google's preference for collaborative in-person work, especially for roles that interface heavily with multiple teams. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, amenity-rich office environment designed to support both individual focus and group collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of resumes and applications to assess qualifications against minimum and preferred requirements.
• Recruiter Screen: A preliminary call with a recruiter to discuss background, career goals, and alignment with the role and Google's culture.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth interview with the hiring manager to assess program management skills, UX knowledge, leadership potential, and cultural fit. This may include behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.
• Panel Interviews: Typically involves interviews with UX Designers, Researchers, Product Managers, and potentially other Program Managers. These sessions will likely focus on specific competencies, cross-functional collaboration scenarios, problem-solving approaches, and portfolio review. Expect questions related to process optimization, stakeholder management, and handling complex projects.
• Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece or work through a simulated UX program challenge, demonstrating their strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to communicate effectively.
• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potential interviews with more senior leadership to confirm fit and assess strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-4 of your most impactful UX program management projects. Focus on projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, process improvements, and quantifiable results.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate:
  • The Challenge: The specific problem or opportunity you addressed.
  • Your Role: Your responsibilities and contributions as a Program Manager.
  • The Process: The methodologies, tools, and strategies you employed.
  • The Solution: The key deliverables and outcomes.
  • The Results: Quantifiable metrics demonstrating success (e.g., efficiency gains, improved user satisfaction scores, faster delivery times, ROI).
• Highlight Operations Focus: Emphasize instances where you identified and implemented process improvements, optimized workflows, managed vendors effectively, or improved team efficiency.
• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you successfully partnered with UX Designers, Researchers, Engineers, and Product Managers, highlighting your ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your decision-making process, how you handled challenges, and what you learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Google's UX Principles: Familiarize yourself with Google's user-centric philosophy and how it translates into product development.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to managing conflicting priorities, resolving cross-functional disagreements, or improving a specific UX process.
• Articulate Your Thought Process: Clearly explain your approach to problem-solving, emphasizing logic, data, and user-centered considerations.
• Communication Skills: Practice delivering concise, clear, and persuasive responses. Focus on active listening and engaging effectively with interviewers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interview process is known for its rigor and focus on assessing a candidate's problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and operational acumen will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project & Task Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Smartsheet (for planning, tracking, and reporting on project progress).
• Collaboration Platforms: Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Meet, Google Chat), Slack, Microsoft Teams (for communication and team collaboration).
• Design & Prototyping Tools (Familiarity): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (understanding the UX ecosystem and workflows).
• User Research Tools: UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Lookback (familiarity with how user research is conducted and managed).
• Documentation & Knowledge Management: Confluence, Google Docs, Notion (for creating and maintaining project documentation, process guides, and team knowledge bases).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Google Analytics, Tableau, Looker (for analyzing user behavior, campaign performance, and operational metrics).
• Reporting Tools: Google Sheets, Excel, specialized BI tools (for creating dashboards and reports for stakeholders).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Familiarity): Salesforce, HubSpot (understanding how CRM data interfaces with advertising and user management).
• Automation Tools (Awareness): Familiarity with workflow automation concepts and tools that might integrate with UX processes or advertising platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is focused on UX Program Management, a strong understanding of the tools used in UX design, research, and product development is essential. Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools is a must. Familiarity with Google's internal suite of tools (Google Workspace) is also highly beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A deep-seated commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users (consumers and advertisers) is paramount. Decisions are driven by user impact.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Reliance on data, metrics, and rigorous analysis to inform strategy, measure success, and drive continuous improvement in operations and product development.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, shared ownership, and a willingness to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and disciplines are highly valued.
• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouragement to explore new ideas, experiment with novel approaches, and drive innovation in both product design and operational processes.
• Efficiency & Scalability: A continuous drive to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and ensure that solutions are scalable to meet the needs of a global user base.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A style that actively bridges gaps between UX, Engineering, and Product Management, ensuring alignment and shared understanding of goals and dependencies.
• Process-Oriented Feedback: Encourages constructive feedback loops for refining workflows, tools, and project management practices to enhance team performance.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, learnings, and insights across teams to foster collective growth and operational excellence.
• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on proactive communication to manage expectations, identify risks early, and ensure all stakeholders are well-informed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture emphasizes a blend of individual accountability and collective effort. A successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to data-informed decision-making, and a proactive approach to collaboration and problem-solving within a fast-paced, user-focused environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Managing multiple, high-stakes projects simultaneously within a large, matrixed organization like Google requires exceptional organizational and prioritization skills.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment between diverse teams (UX, Engineering, Product Management) with potentially different priorities and working styles.
• Driving Change: Implementing process improvements and driving adoption of new tools or methodologies within established workflows can be challenging.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Maintaining high standards for user experience and operational excellence while meeting aggressive product launch timelines.
• Adapting to Evolving Landscape: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in UX design, user research, advertising technology, and program management best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Enhancement: Access to internal training programs, workshops, and resources focused on advanced program management, operational efficiency, and leadership development.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with industry leaders in UX, product development, and digital advertising.
• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs with experienced professionals at Google.
• Innovation Labs & Projects: Potential involvement in internal innovation initiatives or special projects that push the boundaries of UX and operational practices.
• Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry conferences and pursuing professional certifications to further develop expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also rich opportunities for professional growth. By successfully tackling these challenges, candidates can rapidly advance their careers and develop highly sought-after skills in program management and operational strategy within the tech industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you identified a significant inefficiency in a UX workflow. What steps did you take to address it, and what was the outcome? How do you approach process optimization?" (Focus on methodology, data used, and impact).
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Tell me about a complex cross-functional project you managed where there were competing priorities or disagreements. How did you facilitate alignment and ensure project success?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you're managing a critical UX project that is falling behind schedule due to unforeseen technical challenges. What is your approach to getting it back on track?" (Demonstrate risk assessment, contingency planning, and proactive problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "Based on your understanding of Google, how do you think your operational approach aligns with our user-centric and data-driven culture?" (Research Google's values and demonstrate how your past experiences reflect them).
• Operations Team Dynamics: "How do you build trust and rapport with cross-functional teams, particularly with Engineering and Product Management, to ensure smooth project execution?" (Provide examples of your collaborative style and communication strategies).
• Operations Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of a UX program that aims to improve both consumer and advertiser experiences in Retail Ads? What metrics would you track?" (Focus on quantifiable results and linking UX efforts to business objectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, prepare a brief, compelling narrative that highlights the problem, your role, the process, and the impact. Aim for 3-5 minutes per project.
• Data-Driven Impact: Clearly articulate the metrics and data that demonstrate the success of your programs. Use visuals (charts, graphs) if possible to illustrate key results.
• Focus on Process: When discussing your projects, emphasize the operational aspects: how you managed timelines, mitigated risks, facilitated communication, and improved processes.
• Interactive Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects, your decision-making process, and the challenges you overcame. Invite questions throughout or at the end.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing concrete examples of program management success, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration, all backed by data and delivered with clear, persuasive communication. Understanding Google's operational ethos and user-centricity will be key to framing your responses effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Program Manager position at Google:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Google Careers website.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your most relevant program management, UX operations, and cross-functional collaboration experience. Select 3-4 key projects for your portfolio that best demonstrate your impact on process efficiency and user experience.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 6+ years of experience in UX program management, using keywords from the job description such as "program management," "UX design," "user research," "cross-functional collaboration," and "process optimization." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics whenever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to leadership, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and driving operational improvements. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is concise, impactful, and data-driven.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Google's Retail Ads business, its user experience philosophy, and its company culture. Understand their commitment to user-centricity and data-driven decision-making to better align your responses during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.