UX Program Manager, UX team

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Program Manager, UX Team

Company: DeepMind

Location: San Francisco, California, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Program Management / User Experience Operations

Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on driving complex, high-impact UX programs within Google DeepMind's AI research and development initiatives.

• It requires a strategic blend of program management expertise and a deep understanding of user experience principles to shape the future of AI interactions.

• The position involves fostering innovation, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of AI-powered user experiences across Google's product portfolio.

• Success is measured by the ability to establish clear program objectives, effectively mitigate risks, and cultivate a sustainable culture of innovation within a cutting-edge technology environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "UX Program Manager," its core responsibilities and the context of DeepMind (AI research) strongly suggest a significant operational component. This role will likely involve defining, optimizing, and managing the operational processes that enable the UX team to deliver on complex AI projects. The emphasis on "operational excellence," "resource planning," and "budgeting" further solidifies its connection to operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Program Strategy & Initiation: Collaborate with UX Leads to define and launch new programs of work, establishing clear project briefs that outline goals, priorities, success metrics, and timelines.

• Operational Process Establishment: Design, implement, and maintain robust operating processes and tools to effectively manage the UX team's organization, streamline workflows, and enhance design process efficiency.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactively identify, assess, and manage program-level risks, developing and executing mitigation strategies to ensure project success and minimize disruptions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Partner effectively with multidisciplinary UX, engineering, product management, marketing, legal, and finance teams to drive strategic initiatives and ensure alignment across the organization and within Google DeepMind (GDM).

• Stakeholder Management & Reporting: Serve as the central communicator, managing project plans, providing regular updates, and facilitating decision-making with executive leadership, team members, and all relevant internal and external stakeholders.

• Strategic Narrative Development: Create compelling strategic narratives for the business and effectively communicate the UX team's strategy to management and key stakeholders.

• Resource & Budget Management: Oversee resource planning and budgeting for UX programs, ensuring efficient allocation of personnel and financial resources to meet program objectives.

• Specialized Design & Research Facilitation: Support UX leaders in planning and executing specialized design sprints and rolling programs of user research (UXR) to gather critical insights.

• Generative AI Project Delivery: Contribute to the successful delivery of projects with a generative AI component, leveraging understanding of this rapidly evolving technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong operational oversight. "Establish and lead operating processes and tools for effectively managing the team’s organization and streamlining the UX design process" is a direct mandate for operations management. Furthermore, "Partner effectively on behalf of the business internally and cross-functionally to drive key strategic processes and initiatives" implies a deep involvement in operationalizing strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in a program management or agency account management role, with a proven track record of managing complex, multi-faceted projects.

Required Skills:

• Program & Project Management: Expertise in establishing program objectives, managing timelines, scope, and budgets for multiple concurrent programs and sub-projects.

• User Experience (UX) Acumen: Strong understanding of UX principles, design sprints, and user research (UXR) planning and execution.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including UX designers, engineers, product managers, marketing, legal, and finance.

• Risk Management: Demonstrated ability to identify problems, proactively solve blockers, and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, credibility, and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.

• Operational Excellence: Strong understanding of operational best practices and experience working with legal and finance departments to ensure compliance and efficient execution.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to create strategic narratives, articulate vision, and make data-driven recommendations.

• Analytical Skills: Solid analytical capabilities to assess program performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

• PMP Certification: PMP certification through PMI is a mandatory requirement.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing programs within a large technology organization, specifically in AI research or development.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and their application in UX and product development environments.

• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques for reporting on program progress and impact.

• Understanding of AI ethics and safety considerations in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PMP certification and 8+ years of experience positions this role at a senior level, implying a need for sophisticated program and operational management skills. The emphasis on "operational excellence" and collaboration with legal/finance directly points to operational rigor.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Program Management Case Studies: Showcase 2+ complex programs of work managed, detailing scope, objectives, key initiatives, and successful outcomes. Highlight the management of multiple sub-projects within these larger programs.

• Operational Process Improvement Examples: Provide examples of established operating processes and tools that streamlined team organization or the UX design process, demonstrating measurable efficiency gains.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Present specific instances where you identified significant program risks and successfully implemented mitigation plans, detailing the process and impact.

• Cross-Functional Project Integration: Include examples of projects where you facilitated seamless collaboration between UX, engineering, marketing, legal, and finance, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex organizational structures.

• Generative AI Project Experience: Detail your contributions to 2-3 projects involving generative AI, explaining your role in their lifecycle and the specific challenges or innovations encountered.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to map, document, and optimize complex workflows, particularly within a UX design and AI development context.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Provide examples of SOPs you have created or implemented for program management, risk assessment, or cross-functional communication.

• Metrics & Reporting Frameworks: Showcase frameworks you have developed for tracking program progress, measuring success metrics, and reporting to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing program management and operational excellence, a portfolio is crucial. The "Portfolio Essentials" section has been inferred based on the responsibilities and qualifications, focusing on demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage complex programs, optimize operations, mitigate risks, and deliver on AI initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including PMP certification support and advanced training in AI/UX.

• Access to cutting-edge AI research and development resources.

• Relocation assistance (if applicable).

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be expected to accommodate cross-functional team needs, global collaboration (DeepMind is a global organization), and critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided, so a competitive range for a senior-level role in San Francisco within the tech/AI sector has been estimated. Benefits are standard for a large tech company like Google/DeepMind, with specific additions relevant to a research-focused, high-expertise role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence Research & Development, Technology. DeepMind operates at the forefront of AI, pushing the boundaries of machine learning and its applications for scientific discovery and societal benefit.

Company Size: DeepMind is a significant entity within Google, known for its large, highly specialized workforce focused on advanced AI research. Exact figures for the UX team are not provided, but it operates within a large, global organization.

Founded: DeepMind was founded in 2010 and acquired by Google in 2014. This history implies a culture that blends startup agility with the resources and structure of a global tech giant.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely operates as a specialized unit within Google DeepMind, collaborating closely with research scientists, ML engineers, product managers, and other cross-functional teams.

• The UX Program Manager will report to UX leadership (e.g., Head of UX, UX Director) and will work closely with multiple UX Leads and individual contributors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data, research, and analytical insights to inform program strategy and operational processes.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Likely adoption of agile principles for managing projects, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement in a fast-paced research environment.

• User-Centric Design: A core tenet of the UX team, ensuring that user needs and experiences are central to AI development and product integration.

• Collaborative Innovation: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional collaboration drives breakthroughs.

Company Website: https://deepmind.google/

📝 Enhancement Note: DeepMind's reputation as a leader in AI research suggests a culture that is intellectually stimulating, highly collaborative, and focused on ambitious, long-term goals. The UX team's role is critical in translating complex AI capabilities into usable and beneficial user experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Program Manager, indicating a level of responsibility and autonomy well beyond entry-level or mid-level program coordination. It requires strategic input, significant operational oversight, and the ability to manage large, complex initiatives. This level often serves as a bridge between individual contributors and leadership, influencing team direction and operational strategy.

Reporting Structure: The UX Program Manager will likely report to a senior UX leader (e.g., Director of UX, VP of UX) and will work very closely with UX Leads, Project Managers, and potentially directly with research and engineering directors. This structure implies frequent interaction with leadership and a need for clear, concise communication.

Operations Impact: The operations managed by this role directly impact the successful translation of cutting-edge AI research into tangible user experiences and product integrations. By ensuring efficient program execution, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment, the UX Program Manager enables DeepMind to achieve its mission of advancing AI for public benefit. Effective operations management here means faster time-to-market for AI-driven features and more robust, user-friendly AI products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in AI UX: Advance to lead larger, more strategic UX programs, potentially managing a portfolio of initiatives or a team of program managers focused on specific AI domains.

• Specialization in Generative AI: Deepen expertise in managing programs within the rapidly evolving generative AI space, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Operational Strategy Influence: Contribute to shaping the overall operational strategy and process frameworks for Google DeepMind's UX organization.

• Cross-Organizational Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader program management roles within Google or transition into product management roles, leveraging a deep understanding of AI and user experience.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior program managers and contribute to the development of operational best practices within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior UX Program Manager at a company like DeepMind is typically focused on increasing scope, strategic influence, and leadership. The role demands not just execution but also the ability to define and improve the operational frameworks within which complex AI UX projects are managed.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at DeepMind's San Francisco office. The environment is expected to be a high-tech, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, US. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool. Specific details about office amenities and accessibility would be available upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office will feature spaces conducive to brainstorming, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings, facilitating close interaction with UX designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to state-of-the-art computing resources, specialized software for AI development and UX design, and robust communication tools will be standard.

• Dynamic Research Setting: The workspace is part of a leading AI research organization, meaning it's an intellectually stimulating environment where cutting-edge work is the norm.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the nature of R&D and program management in a fast-paced tech environment often requires flexibility. Candidates should anticipate occasional needs to work beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines, facilitate global team collaborations, or manage urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The San Francisco office of DeepMind is likely a hub for high-impact AI research. The work environment would be characterized by intense collaboration, a focus on cutting-edge technology, and a demanding yet rewarding pace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, program management philosophy, and approach to UX and AI projects.

• Panel Interviews: Several interviews with cross-functional team members (UX leads, PMs, Engineers) to evaluate your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical understanding. This stage will heavily scrutinize your approach to operationalizing UX within an AI context.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your program management expertise, operational process improvements, risk mitigation strategies, and experience with generative AI.

• Executive/Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with DeepMind's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 of your most impactful programs that best showcase your ability to manage complex initiatives, drive operational improvements, and deliver results in AI or technology-related fields.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the program's objectives, your specific role, the operational processes you implemented or improved, the risks you managed, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, successful product launches, user adoption metrics).

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Streamlined the design review process, reducing turnaround time by 20%," or "Managed a $X million budget for Y programs."

• Highlight Generative AI Experience: Ensure at least one case study specifically addresses your experience with generative AI projects, detailing challenges and successes.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations to tell a compelling story about each program, highlighting challenges, your problem-solving approach, and the lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing conflicting priorities, resource constraints, or unexpected project roadblocks within a UX/AI context.

• Process Design Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would design or improve operational processes for a new AI product feature or a large-scale UX initiative.

• Risk Assessment: Practice articulating your process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in complex, fast-moving technical projects.

• Stakeholder Communication Strategy: Be ready to explain how you manage communication and expectations with diverse stakeholders, from individual contributors to executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at DeepMind, especially for a role involving program management and operational responsibility, will be rigorous. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just what they've done, but how they've done it, with a strong emphasis on process and measurable outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Program & Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms for task tracking, workflow management, and project planning.

• Collaboration Suites: Expertise with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) is highly probable given the company. Microsoft Office Suite familiarity is also valuable.

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for real-time communication and team coordination.

• Diagramming & Whiteboarding Tools: Miro, Mural, Lucidchart, Visio for process mapping, brainstorming, and collaborative design sessions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for data aggregation and analysis, potentially including SQL, Python (for data manipulation), or BI tools like Tableau, Looker, or Power BI for performance tracking and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting dashboards to monitor program health, KPIs, and stakeholder updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding CRM principles and how UX programs integrate with sales and marketing operations (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for understanding broader business impact.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can streamline UX processes or program management tasks.

Specialized Tools:

• UX Research Tools: Familiarity with tools used for user research, such as UserTesting.com, Lookback, or survey platforms like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics.

• Design Tools (Awareness): Understanding of the capabilities and workflows of design tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, even if not a primary user.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given DeepMind's association with Google, familiarity with Google Workspace is almost a given. The emphasis on operational processes and data-driven decision-making suggests a need for proficiency in project management software and potentially basic data analysis tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on delivering tangible, measurable impact through well-managed programs that advance AI for societal benefit.

• Intellectual Rigor: A culture that values deep thinking, analytical excellence, and a commitment to scientific and operational precision.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, shared knowledge, and a willingness to work across disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouragement of new ideas, experimentation, and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and serving user needs in the development of AI technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively fosters collaboration between UX, research, engineering, and product teams, breaking down silos to ensure cohesive product development.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: An open culture where constructive feedback is encouraged and valued as a means of continuous improvement for both individuals and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and projects, often through internal presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: DeepMind's culture is characterized by a blend of academic rigor and cutting-edge technological advancement. The UX team, while focused on user experience, operates within this high-impact research environment, valuing intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a drive for impactful innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of AI Evolution: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in AI, particularly generative AI, and translating these into stable, user-friendly programs.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Managing programs in a research-intensive environment where objectives and technical approaches may evolve quickly.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively bridging the communication gap between highly technical AI researchers and UX/product teams.

• Balancing Innovation with Execution: Ensuring that the drive for groundbreaking AI research doesn't compromise the operational rigor needed for successful program delivery and user experience.

• Ethical AI Considerations: Integrating ethical considerations and safety protocols into program planning and execution for AI products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge AI Exposure: Direct involvement with leading AI research and development, providing unparalleled learning opportunities.

• Advanced Program Management Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in managing complex, high-stakes technical programs within a world-class organization.

• Specialized Training: Access to training in generative AI, advanced UX methodologies, and leadership development programs.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by leaders in AI and program management, and to mentor others.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant AI, UX, and program management conferences, and maintaining PMP certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are inherent to working at the forefront of AI research. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to shape the future of AI interaction and develop highly specialized skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX program you managed involving multiple sub-projects. How did you establish program objectives, manage risks, and ensure successful delivery within budget and timeline?" (Focus on your operational approach, risk mitigation process, and stakeholder communication.)

• "Walk me through your process for establishing and streamlining operating processes for a UX team. What tools have you used, and what were the measurable impacts?" (Highlight your operational excellence and process optimization skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DeepMind and our work in AI? How do you see your role contributing to our mission of advancing AI for public benefit?" (Research DeepMind's recent breakthroughs and align your motivations.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within your program teams, especially when working with highly specialized technical experts?" (Discuss your leadership style and experience building high-performing, cross-functional teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Objective -> Your Role & Strategy -> Operational Processes/Tools Used -> Challenges & Solutions (especially risk mitigation) -> Results & Impact (quantified).

• Emphasize Operational Rigor: Clearly articulate the operational processes you implemented or optimized, the tools you utilized, and how they contributed to efficiency and success.

• Showcase AI Relevance: If possible, highlight how your previous work, even if not directly AI-related, demonstrates transferable skills for managing AI projects (e.g., complex data, rapid iteration, novel technology).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect interviewers to ask detailed questions about your specific contributions, decisions, and the rationale behind your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just project management skills, but also a strong understanding of operational processes, risk management, and the unique challenges of working with AI and UX teams. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link, ensuring your resume and any requested documents are uploaded.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of program management experience, PMP certification, specific experience with generative AI projects, and examples of operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-4 strong case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage complex programs, improve operational processes, mitigate risks, and deliver impactful results. Ensure these are ready for presentation.

• Research DeepMind: Understand their latest AI advancements, mission, and values. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their innovative and research-driven culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common program management, operational, and behavioral questions, focusing on providing structured, data-driven, and impact-oriented responses.

⚠️ 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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