Senior UX Program Manager, Search Trust

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Program Manager, Search Trust
Company: Google
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: UX Program Management / Operations
Date Posted: September 26, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic operational initiatives within Google's Search UX organization, focusing on enhancing user trust and safety through program management excellence.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the execution of complex projects, ensuring alignment on roadmaps, milestones, and delivery timelines.
• Leverage advanced data analysis and insights to inform decision-making, identify project obstacles, and implement effective solutions for process improvements.
• Champion user-centered design principles and integrate trust considerations into the product development lifecycle, particularly for AI and LLM-powered features.
• Foster a collaborative environment that promotes shared knowledge, cohesion, and high product quality across UX, Engineering, and Product Management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Program Manager, indicating a need for substantial experience in program leadership, cross-functional team management, and strategic operational oversight. The focus on "Search Trust" and AI/LLM regulatory considerations suggests a highly specialized and impactful area within Google's UX operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead operational execution for a high-performing UX and cross-functional team, encompassing meticulous project management (task tracking, milestone management, resourcing, prioritization, and escalation handling) to ensure consistent velocity and roadmap delivery.
• Collaborate closely with senior UX and Program Management leads to proactively identify project and program-level obstacles, then design and implement robust solutions and support continuous process improvements aimed at increasing velocity, cohesion, and overall team performance.
• Facilitate seamless communication and knowledge sharing across diverse teams working towards shared objectives, ensuring alignment, cohesion, and ultimately enhancing team effectiveness and product quality.
• Guarantee the successful delivery of critical Trust programs, providing essential tools and capabilities that enable the creation of excellent and trustworthy products.
• Streamline operational processes, optimize resource allocation across projects, and drive measurable progress toward Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
• Integrate user needs and trust considerations into the design and development of AI-powered products, fostering innovation to actively grow user trust and mitigate risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on tactical execution (project management, resourcing) and strategic influence (process improvement, risk management, user trust integration). The emphasis on "Trust programs" and "AI and LLM Regulatory Trust" points to a specialized domain requiring a deep understanding of user protection and ethical AI deployment within a large-scale product context like Google Search.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: Minimum of 6 years of experience in analyzing data, translating findings into actionable insights, delivering recommendations for improvements, and presenting results to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in program management within design or User Experience (UX) organizations, demonstrating an ability to manage complex projects and teams.
• Demonstrated experience in Trust and Safety, Regulatory compliance, or Risk Management domains, with a strong understanding of associated challenges and best practices.
• Experience driving and coordinating operational efforts across multiple organizations and cross-functional teams to achieve unified goals.
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets, derive meaningful insights, and translate them into strategic recommendations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, essential for collaborating with diverse stakeholders and leading high-performing teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience navigating and contributing to the entire product development life-cycle, from ideation through launch and iteration.
• Expertise in analyzing data and leveraging insights to effectively drive product and operational strategy.
• Experience in proactive risk management, encompassing operational, product, and team health risks, with a track record of successful mitigation.
• Specific experience with AI and LLM Regulatory Trust response mechanisms and frameworks.
• Deep knowledge of user-centered design processes and iterative development methodologies, ensuring a user-first approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of core program management expertise, specialized knowledge in Trust & Safety and regulatory environments, and strong analytical capabilities. The preference for experience in AI/LLM trust and user-centered design indicates a forward-looking requirement for a role at the forefront of ethical product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of successful program management initiatives, showcasing clear project scope, execution, and successful outcomes within UX or design-focused environments.
• Case studies demonstrating the ability to analyze complex data, derive actionable insights, and present data-driven recommendations to diverse audiences, leading to measurable process improvements or strategic shifts.
• Evidence of experience in streamlining operational processes, optimizing resource allocation, and achieving defined objectives (e.g., OKRs, KPIs) within a cross-functional team setting.
• Examples of contributions to product development lifecycles, particularly those involving user trust, safety, or regulatory considerations, highlighting a structured approach to problem-solving and delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase structured approaches to workflow design and optimization, illustrating how complex operational challenges were identified, analyzed, and improved.
• Provide evidence of implementing and automating processes to enhance efficiency, velocity, and team performance, with clear articulation of the methodology used.
• Demonstrate proficiency in measuring and analyzing the performance of implemented processes, using data to validate improvements and identify areas for further refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Program Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only detail project outcomes but also the process by which those outcomes were achieved. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating analytical rigor, strategic thinking in process improvement, and the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, especially those related to user trust and safety.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $151,000 - $222,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonuses are provided, acknowledging individual and company achievements.
• Equity: Stock options or grants are offered as part of the total compensation package, aligning employee success with company growth.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k with company match), paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), parental leave, and other wellness programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and team coordination, especially given the on-site work arrangement.

📝 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 major tech company like Google in a high-cost-of-living area like San Francisco. The benefits listed are standard for Google and reflect a competitive total compensation strategy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet Services & Software)
Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale implies complex organizational structures, extensive resources, and a significant impact potential for individuals. For operations professionals, it means working within established frameworks while also having opportunities to influence process at a broad level.
Founded: 1998. Google's long history signifies a mature organization with deeply ingrained processes and a culture of innovation that has evolved over decades.

Team Structure:

• The UX Programs & Operations team is multidisciplinary, comprising UX Designers, Researchers, Writers, Content Strategists, Program Managers, and Engineers. This role will likely sit within a dedicated UX team focused on Search Trust.
• Reporting Structure: As a Senior UX Program Manager, this role will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of UX Programs or Operations, with direct influence over project teams and close collaboration with UX Leads, Engineering Managers, and Product Managers.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates deep collaboration with UX disciplines, Engineering teams (responsible for building the product), and Product Management (defining the product strategy and roadmap). Strong partnerships with legal, policy, and safety teams are also implied given the "Trust" focus.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: A strong emphasis on using data to understand user behavior, product performance, and operational efficiency to inform strategic decisions and product iterations.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Developing and refining processes to ensure efficient and effective project execution, team collaboration, and product delivery, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology and streamlined workflows to enhance productivity, reduce manual effort, and scale operations effectively across large user bases.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is known for its data-driven approach, emphasis on user experience, and a fast-paced, innovative environment. The "Search Trust" team specifically will likely have a strong focus on ethical considerations, user safety, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes, requiring a blend of technical understanding and a commitment to user well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Program Manager. This level signifies a professional who can operate independently, lead significant initiatives, mentor junior team members, and contribute to strategic planning. They are expected to manage ambiguity, drive complex projects with multiple dependencies, and deliver substantial impact. In operations, this means not just executing but also defining and improving operational frameworks.
Reporting Structure: The role is embedded within the UX organization, likely reporting to a Director or Senior Manager of UX Programs. This position will work closely with UX Leads, engineering leaders, and Product Managers, requiring strong influencing skills and the ability to navigate matrixed organizational structures.
Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the trustworthiness and user experience of Google Search, a product used by billions globally. By ensuring seamless operations, driving process improvements, and integrating trust-centric features, this role contributes significantly to user retention, product adoption, and Google's reputation. Operational efficiency directly translates to faster product iteration and better user outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in program management methodologies, cross-functional leadership, and specialized areas like AI/LLM risk management and regulatory compliance within a UX context.
• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into lead program manager roles, manage larger or more critical programs, or transition into management roles overseeing teams of program managers.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Chance to develop a broad understanding of Google's product development ecosystem, potentially leading to opportunities in product management, operations strategy, or other strategic roles within Google.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior role at Google, growth is typically lateral or into more specialized leadership. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain deep expertise in a critical and evolving area of UX operations (AI/LLM trust) within a highly influential product.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," meaning it requires regular presence at a Google office location in San Francisco. This fosters in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and a strong team presence.
Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, USA. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and is one of Google's major hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Google offices are designed to facilitate collaboration, with open spaces, meeting rooms, and common areas that encourage interaction among team members. This is crucial for a UX Program Manager who needs to connect with diverse disciplines.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to Google's internal suite of project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools will be standard, enabling efficient workflow management and data-driven decision-making.
• Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face interactions with UX Designers, Researchers, Engineers, Product Managers, and fellow Program Managers will be a cornerstone of the daily work, fostering strong working relationships and facilitating problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While the core work is full-time, Google often provides a degree of flexibility in how work hours are structured, provided that team collaboration needs and project deadlines are met. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of synchronous collaboration during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is a key differentiator, signaling a preference for in-person collaboration which is often valued for complex, cross-functional program management roles, especially in highly sensitive areas like user trust.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and potentially conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• Technical/Skills Interviews: Expect multiple rounds focusing on program management skills, data analysis capabilities, and experience with UX, Trust & Safety, or regulatory environments. These may include behavioral questions and scenario-based problem-solving.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Preparation for this is critical.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers and stakeholders from UX, Engineering, and Product Management to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Committee Review: For senior roles at Google, applications and interview feedback are often reviewed by a hiring committee to ensure consistency and fairness in decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and responsibilities, the operational processes you managed or improved, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased velocity, reduced risk, improved user satisfaction).
• Highlight Data & Impact: Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Use metrics related to efficiency, user trust, risk reduction, or project delivery timelines. Show how your operational improvements led to tangible business or user value.
• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with diverse stakeholders (UX, Engineering, PM, legal, policy). Demonstrate your ability to influence, align, and drive consensus.
• Tailor to "Search Trust": Emphasize any experience related to user safety, privacy, ethical AI, regulatory compliance, or risk management. Connect your past projects to the challenges of building trust in AI-powered search.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Problem-Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios where you might need to diagnose operational bottlenecks, propose solutions for cross-functional alignment issues, or manage competing priorities within a complex project.
• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting sample datasets related to user behavior, product performance, or operational efficiency and formulating strategic recommendations.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would communicate with, influence, and manage expectations of various stakeholders in challenging situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interview process is rigorous and designed to assess not just skills but also problem-solving, collaboration, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates impact and process is paramount for senior roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with internal Google tools (potentially similar to Jira, Asana, or proprietary systems) for task tracking, roadmap planning, milestone management, and resource allocation.
• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Chat) for documentation, communication, and real-time collaboration.
• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Google Sheets, SQL, and potentially internal Google data analysis platforms for extracting, analyzing, and visualizing data. Familiarity with BI tools for dashboard creation.
• Process Mapping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools that aid in workflow visualization and process documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Analytics Platforms: Likely experience with Google's proprietary analytics and reporting systems to track UX metrics, product performance, and operational OKRs.
• SQL: Essential for querying databases and extracting raw data for analysis.
• Dashboarding Tools: Ability to create and interpret dashboards to communicate progress and insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how CRM systems (if applicable to certain workflows) integrate with product and operations can be beneficial.
• Automation Concepts: Familiarity with concepts of workflow automation and how to leverage technology to streamline operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific proprietary Google tools are not listed, the core requirement is proficiency in standard enterprise-level project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools. A strong understanding of how these tools integrate to support operational workflows is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the user, ensuring that all operational decisions and process improvements ultimately benefit the end-user experience, especially concerning trust and safety.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong reliance on data and analytics to inform strategy, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in both product development and operational efficiency.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams and disciplines, fostering an environment of shared ownership, open communication, and mutual support.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages experimentation, learning from failures, and constantly seeking ways to optimize processes, enhance product quality, and push the boundaries of what's possible.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and proactively addressing challenges to ensure successful delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working to bridge gaps between UX, Engineering, Product Management, and other relevant teams (e.g., legal, policy) to ensure seamless execution and alignment.
• Process Review & Feedback: Regularly engaging in constructive dialogue to review existing processes, solicit feedback, and collaboratively design better ways of working.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and projects to elevate the collective understanding and capabilities of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's core values of user focus, data-driven approaches, and innovation are fundamental. For a "Trust" role, an added layer of ethical consideration, responsibility, and meticulousness in process execution is implied.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Managing intricate projects with numerous dependencies across large, matrixed organizations, requiring exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Balancing Innovation with Safety: Ensuring that the drive for innovation in AI/LLM features does not compromise user trust or safety, requiring careful risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and driving action among diverse teams with potentially competing priorities, necessitating strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Staying abreast of and adapting to rapidly changing regulations and industry standards related to AI, data privacy, and user trust globally.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced program management, AI ethics, regulatory compliance, and UX best practices.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences, workshops, and engage with industry thought leaders in UX, AI, and Trust & Safety.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Google's UX and Operations organizations, gaining insights into career progression and strategic leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present opportunities for significant professional growth, particularly in specialized areas like AI governance and ethical product development, which are highly sought-after skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "Describe a time you had to significantly improve an operational process for a UX team. What was the problem, your approach, and the measurable outcome?" Focus on your methodology for analysis, stakeholder buy-in, implementation, and impact measurement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "How would you ensure alignment and effective communication between UX, Engineering, and Product Management on a critical feature launch involving AI-generated content?" Prepare to discuss communication cadences, conflict resolution, and shared goal setting.
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a new regulatory requirement impacting how user data is handled for an AI feature. How would you assess the impact, devise an operational plan, and communicate it to stakeholders?" Practice structuring your response around assessment, planning, execution, and communication.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Culture: "What does 'user trust' mean to you in the context of Google Search, and how would you operationalize it within a UX team?" Research Google's stated values and apply them to the specific context of Search and Trust.
• Team Dynamics: "How would you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment within a diverse UX team responsible for a sensitive area like Search Trust?" Discuss your approach to communication, conflict resolution, and team building.
• Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of your operational programs in enhancing user trust for an AI-powered product?" Be ready to discuss relevant metrics beyond standard project delivery, focusing on user perception, risk reduction, and compliance.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "STAR" Method: Structure your portfolio examples using Situation, Task, Action, Result. Clearly define the context, your role, the specific actions you took (especially operational improvements), and the quantifiable results.
• Focus on "How": Don't just present the outcome; explain the process you used. Detail your analytical steps, how you identified bottlenecks, how you designed solutions, and how you managed execution.
• Quantify Impact: Use numbers to demonstrate value. If you improved a process, quantify the time saved, error reduction, or efficiency gain. If you managed a project, highlight on-time delivery, budget adherence, or scope completion.
• Connect to "Trust": Explicitly link your past achievements to the principles of user trust, safety, and ethical product development, making a case for why you are the right fit for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that align with the "Search Trust" mandate and demonstrating a structured, data-driven approach to program management will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Google Careers portal via the provided link.
• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in program management, UX operations, data analysis, trust and safety, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility and showcase your most relevant achievements.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex programs, drive process improvements, and deliver results, especially in areas related to user experience, data analysis, or risk management. Ensure these examples can be clearly articulated using the STAR method.
• Research Google's Search Trust Initiatives: Understand Google's commitment to user trust, safety, and AI ethics. Familiarize yourself with their approach to product development and operations, particularly within the Search domain.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method. Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clarity, impact, and relevance to the role's requirements, particularly in handling complex operational challenges and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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.

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