Project Manager - UX Research Vendor Operations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Manager - UX Research Vendor Operations

Company: Linda Werner & Associates

Location: Remote - CST and PST Time Zones

Job Type: Contract 12 Month Position

Category: Operations Management / Vendor Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage a high-volume portfolio of UX Research vendor engagements from initial intake through contract execution, purchase order issuance, and final invoicing, ensuring seamless operational flow.

• Act as the central point of contact, driving proactive communication and swift resolution of blockers for over 700 UX Research projects annually, bridging the gap between researchers, contract associates, vendors, and leadership.

• Own the end-to-end vendor lifecycle, focusing on process optimization, data integrity for KPI and SLA tracking, and identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency within the procurement and contracting workflows.

• Leverage AI tools to boost productivity and throughput, while maintaining meticulous documentation and compliance with relevant policies for all vendor engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an "ownership" role rather than traditional project support, emphasizing a proactive, self-directed approach to managing vendor relationships and operational processes within UX Research. The focus on a high volume of projects (700+ annually) indicates a need for robust process management and efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and guide for UX Researchers navigating complex vendor and procurement processes, ensuring a clear and efficient path from research need to vendor engagement.

• Own the complete lifecycle of UX Research vendor engagements, including meticulous Statement of Work (SOW) creation, contract execution, purchase order (PO) issuance, and final invoice processing.

• Manage a dynamic portfolio of active vendor engagements concurrently, rigorously ensuring each case progresses steadily towards its completion milestones with minimal oversight.

• Coordinate seamlessly across multiple internal stakeholders including UX Researchers, contract associates, and leadership, as well as external vendors, to facilitate timely approvals and task completion.

• Proactively follow up with all stakeholders to create a sense of urgency for outstanding actions or approvals, thereby maintaining project momentum and preventing delays.

• Rapidly identify potential project blockers, recommend viable solutions, escalate issues appropriately when necessary, and diligently drive all impediments through to successful resolution.

• Provide consistent and proactive written updates to managers and stakeholders, detailing current progress, identified risks, critical dependencies, and any outstanding blockers.

• Anticipate the needs of internal stakeholders and potential issues that could impede an engagement, taking preemptive action to mitigate risks.

• Maintain accurate tracking of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for vendor engagements, ensuring high data integrity for reporting and analysis.

• Maintain and update critical documentation, including vendor resources, process documentation, team wikis, and essential toolkits, ensuring they are current and accessible.

• Identify recurring friction points within the intake-to-contract process and proactively recommend actionable process improvements to enhance efficiency and user experience.

• Manage and execute projects specifically aimed at implementing identified process improvements, ensuring successful adoption and measurable impact.

• Provide clear guidance on compliance policies and procedures associated with all vendor engagements, ensuring adherence and mitigating risk.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process ownership, proactive stakeholder management, and a "get-it-done" mentality. The scale of projects managed (700+ annually) and the need to "create urgency" suggest a fast-paced environment requiring excellent time management and communication skills. The mention of "AI tools to increase productivity" points towards a forward-thinking operations team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required. Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in project coordination, project management, program management, procurement, vendor management, or operations management.

• Demonstrated track record of independently owning and successfully driving workstreams from inception through to completion with minimal day-to-day supervision.

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects or cases effectively, coordinating efforts across diverse cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Experience in proactively communicating project status, potential risks, and identified blockers through regular, structured written updates. Required Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail, strong prioritization capabilities, and a commitment to thorough follow-through on all tasks and commitments.

• Demonstrated experience using AI tools to enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall throughput in project or operational contexts.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to adapt communication style and content effectively for peers, cross-functional stakeholders, and senior leadership.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions in ambiguous situations, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving acumen.

• Proficiency in managing high-volume portfolios, maintaining momentum, and ensuring consistent progress with minimal direct supervision.

• Experience coordinating complex workflows involving multiple parties, including researchers, contract associates, vendors, and approvers. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in procurement, sourcing, contracting, or comprehensive vendor management functions.

• Experience specifically supporting research, R&D, UX, or creative organizations, understanding their unique operational needs.

• Project or program management training or certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM) to demonstrate a foundational understanding of project management methodologies.

• Experience with case management, ticketing, or workflow management systems (e.g., Jira, Asana, Salesforce Service Cloud) for tracking and managing engagements.

• Familiarity with UX Research methodologies or the operational aspects of Research Operations (R&D Ops).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4+ years of experience and the emphasis on independent ownership suggest a mid-level role. The specific mention of "AI tools to increase productivity" is a key differentiator and suggests candidates should highlight any experience with AI-powered productivity software. The preferred qualifications indicate a strong advantage for candidates with direct procurement/vendor management experience or a background supporting research-oriented teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate case studies showcasing successful management of vendor engagements from initiation to completion, highlighting process adherence and efficiency gains.

• Provide examples of how you have tracked and reported on KPIs and SLAs, illustrating your ability to maintain data integrity and drive performance improvements.

• Showcase instances where you identified and implemented process improvements within procurement, contracting, or vendor management workflows, detailing the impact.

• Include documentation or examples of proactive communication strategies used to keep stakeholders informed and manage project momentum. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and maintaining clear, concise process documentation for vendor intake, contracting, and invoicing procedures.

• Examples of workflow diagrams or process maps that illustrate the end-to-end engagement lifecycle and highlight areas for optimization.

• Demonstrate how you have used process documentation to onboard new team members or ensure consistency in execution across a high-volume operation.

• Showcase any experience in developing or contributing to team wikis and toolkits that support operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly articulates their project management methodology, with a strong emphasis on process optimization and vendor lifecycle management. Specific examples of how they have proactively managed blockers, improved workflows, and ensured compliance will be highly valuable. Demonstrating proficiency with AI tools for productivity will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a 12-month contract Project Manager role with 4+ years of experience in vendor operations and procurement, remotely based in the US, a competitive hourly rate or equivalent salary range is estimated between $45 - $65 per hour (approximately $93,600 - $135,200 annually). This estimate is derived from analysis of similar contract roles in tech and operations, considering the specified time zones (CST/PST) and the emphasis on specialized skills like vendor management and process improvement. Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Health savings account (HSA)

• Life insurance

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Retirement plan

• Vision insurance Working Hours:

• Expected commitment of 40 hours per week, typically structured as an 8-hour shift, Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a 12-month contract position with potential for extension, which typically means the compensation is offered as an hourly rate rather than an annual salary. The provided benefits package is comprehensive for a contract role and indicates a commitment to supporting the well-being of their contractors. The salary estimate is based on national averages for similar contract roles, adjusted for the specified experience level and remote nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• The company operates within the professional services sector, specifically focusing on providing expertise and support related to User Experience (UX) Research. This means the operations team is integral to enabling and scaling the output of a critical function within product development and innovation. The context implies a need for efficiency and high-quality output to support the company's research initiatives. Company Size:

• While specific size data isn't provided, the mention of supporting "more than 700 UX Research projects annually" suggests a substantial operation, likely within a mid-sized to large organization or a highly specialized agency. This volume indicates a need for structured processes and robust project management to handle the workload efficiently. For operations professionals, this size implies opportunities for significant impact and exposure to a wide range of projects. Founded:

• Information on the founding date of Linda Werner & Associates is not provided. However, the established nature of the company, evidenced by its presence on a professional job board and its ability to manage a high volume of UX research projects, suggests a mature organization with established operational frameworks. Team Structure:

• The Project Manager will join a "collaborative and welcoming team" that supports UX Research. This team likely comprises individuals focused on operationalizing research efforts, potentially including other project coordinators, research operations specialists, or administrative support staff.

• The reporting structure is not explicitly detailed, but the role's emphasis on owning workstreams and communicating progress suggests a degree of autonomy within the team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect of this role, requiring close interaction with UX Researchers, contract associates, procurement departments, and potentially finance for invoicing and PO management. Methodology:

• The team's methodology centers on efficient project and vendor management to support a high volume of research initiatives. This includes structured intake processes, rigorous contract execution, proactive follow-up, and diligent problem-solving.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the requirement for KPI and SLA tracking and the identification of process improvements based on performance metrics.

• The explicit mention of leveraging AI tools suggests an embrace of modern technologies to enhance workflow planning, automation, and overall efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on UX Research operations means this role is deeply embedded in the product development lifecycle. Understanding the importance of timely and efficient research is key. The volume of projects implies a structured, process-oriented environment where efficiency and proactive management are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 4+ years of experience and the ability to work independently. It's an "ownership role" rather than a support function, indicating a significant degree of responsibility and autonomy in managing vendor engagements and processes. The scope involves end-to-end management of a high volume of projects, which offers substantial experience in operationalizing research. Reporting Structure:

• While not explicitly stated, the role likely reports into a Manager of Operations, Research Operations, or Vendor Management. The emphasis on proactive communication suggests that direct reports to senior leadership are expected, but the primary reporting line will be to a functional manager. The collaborative nature of the team implies regular interaction with peers and cross-functional partners. Operations Impact:

• The Project Manager's impact is critical to the velocity and efficiency of the UX Research function. By ensuring smooth vendor engagements, timely contract execution, and proactive problem-solving, they directly enable UX Researchers to conduct their studies without operational delays. This operational efficiency translates into faster product development cycles and better-informed product decisions, ultimately impacting the company's ability to innovate and deliver successful user experiences. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in vendor management, procurement processes, contract lifecycle management, and research operations. This role provides a platform to refine skills in process optimization, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making within a high-volume environment.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further within Research Operations (R&D Ops), focusing on areas like vendor strategy, tool implementation, or compliance.

• Leadership Potential: Successful performance in this ownership role, particularly in driving process improvements and managing complex relationships, can pave the way for future leadership opportunities in operations management, program management, or vendor relationship management. The exposure to a large volume of projects and cross-functional teams provides a broad understanding of business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers significant hands-on experience in a specialized area of operations. While it's a contract position, successful performance can lead to internal opportunities or a strong resume for future roles in operations management and vendor relations, especially within tech or research-focused organizations. The emphasis on ownership and process improvement makes it a valuable stepping stone.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is a fully remote position, requiring no physical presence in an office. The environment is therefore home-based, necessitating self-discipline and effective remote work practices. Office Location(s):

• The role is remote and specifically requires candidates to be located within the Central Time Zone (CST) and Pacific Time Zone (PST) in the United States. This is crucial for effective collaboration with the primary stakeholders and other team members who operate within these time zones. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is home-based, demanding a dedicated and organized personal workspace conducive to focused work and virtual meetings.

• Access to reliable internet connectivity and necessary personal equipment (computer, headset) is assumed. The company likely provides access to necessary software and cloud-based tools.

• Collaboration occurs primarily through digital channels, including video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms. The ability to communicate effectively and build rapport virtually is essential. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, with an expectation of 40 hours per week. This typically translates to 8-hour shifts. While a set schedule is implied, the remote nature may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times, provided core business hours for collaboration are met and all responsibilities are fulfilled.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature and time zone requirements are critical for this role. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work effectively and independently from a home office, while also being available for real-time collaboration within the CST and PST business hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit, including confirmation of time zone adherence and remote work capability.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your project management experience, vendor management skills, process improvement initiatives, and your approach to ownership and proactive communication. Expect behavioral questions related to handling blockers and managing stakeholders.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be presented with a scenario related to vendor onboarding, a procurement challenge, or a process improvement opportunity. You'll be expected to outline your approach, potential solutions, and how you would manage the situation, possibly involving a presentation.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members or key stakeholders (e.g., UX Researchers) to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and how you would integrate into the team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss your overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative in your portfolio, clearly state the quantifiable results. Use metrics like "reduced vendor onboarding time by X%", "processed Y contracts per month," or "improved SLA compliance by Z%."

• Showcase Process Improvement: Dedicate specific examples to how you identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions. Detail the problem, your proposed solution, the implementation steps, and the resulting impact.

• Highlight Proactive Communication: Include examples of your communication strategies, such as status reports, risk assessments, or proactive updates you've provided to stakeholders and leadership.

• Demonstrate Ownership: Use language that emphasizes your accountability and proactive nature. Frame your contributions as taking initiative and driving outcomes, rather than just executing tasks.

• Tailor to UX Research Operations: If possible, highlight any experience that relates to supporting research, product development, or creative teams. Emphasize how your operational skills directly enabled creative or research work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a high-volume workload with competing priorities.

• Practice articulating your problem-solving process for common operational challenges (e.g., delayed approvals, vendor disputes, data discrepancies).

• Prepare to explain how you use AI tools to enhance your work. Be ready to provide specific examples of tools and their impact on your productivity or efficiency.

• Develop talking points on how you ensure compliance and data integrity in vendor management.

• Think about how you would onboard yourself into this role, given the high volume and need for quick impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily focus on demonstrating your ability to manage a high volume of tasks independently, your proactive communication style, and your problem-solving skills within a vendor operations context. A portfolio that clearly articulates process improvements and quantifiable results will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, or Monday.com for tracking project progress, task management, and workflow visualization.

• Collaboration Suites: Experience with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) or Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive) for document creation, sharing, and collaboration.

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

• AI Productivity Tools: Demonstrated experience with AI tools for tasks such as drafting communications, summarizing information, automating repetitive tasks, or data analysis. Specific examples could include AI writing assistants, scheduling tools, or AI-powered data analysis platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, KPI tracking, and creating reports. This includes functions, pivot tables, and data visualization.

• Data Integrity Tools: Familiarity with practices and tools that ensure data accuracy and consistency across different systems.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, or others is beneficial for understanding the broader business context and how vendor engagements integrate with sales or customer success processes, though not explicitly required.

• Workflow Management Systems: Familiarity with systems designed for managing workflows, ticketing, or case management is preferred, as mentioned in the qualifications.

• Contract Management Software: Exposure to tools for managing contracts, SOWs, and procurement processes (e.g., DocuSign, Coupa, SAP Ariba) would be a strong asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not mandated, candidates should highlight their proficiency with common project management, collaboration, and communication platforms. Crucially, any experience with AI-powered productivity tools should be emphasized, as this is a stated requirement. Familiarity with procurement or contract management software will also be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Proactivity: The team values individuals who take initiative, drive tasks forward without constant supervision, and anticipate needs and potential issues. This is central to their "ownership role" philosophy.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A strong emphasis is placed on maximizing throughput and minimizing delays, especially given the high volume of projects. The integration of AI tools underscores a commitment to leveraging technology for greater efficiency.

• Collaboration & Communication: While independent work is encouraged, effective collaboration and clear, proactive communication with researchers, vendors, and leadership are essential for success.

• Process Orientation: A structured approach to managing workflows, documentation, and compliance is crucial. The team values individuals who can maintain high data integrity and contribute to process improvements.

• Problem-Solving: The ability to identify blockers, devise solutions, and drive issues to resolution is highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a collaborative environment where individuals support each other in navigating complex processes and resolving issues.

• Communication is expected to be proactive, clear, and tailored to the audience, whether it's an internal researcher, an external vendor, or senior leadership.

• There's an expectation of mutual support in problem-solving and a shared commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of UX Research initiatives.

• A culture of continuous improvement is evident, with encouragement to identify and recommend process enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture strongly emphasizes self-sufficiency, proactive engagement, and a results-oriented approach. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values align with these operational priorities, particularly regarding ownership, efficiency, and communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume Management: The primary challenge is managing a large portfolio (700+ projects annually) with competing priorities and tight deadlines, requiring exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Coordinating and maintaining momentum across diverse stakeholders (researchers, procurement, vendors, leadership) with potentially conflicting priorities can be demanding.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating independently in situations where processes may not be fully defined or where unexpected issues arise requires strong judgment and problem-solving abilities.

• Process Optimization: Identifying and implementing effective process improvements within established workflows requires analytical skills and the ability to influence change.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Vendor Operations: Gain extensive experience managing the full lifecycle of vendor engagements, from SOW to invoicing, within a high-volume, specialized research context.

• Process Improvement Expertise: Develop skills in analyzing operational workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing strategic improvements that enhance efficiency and user experience.

• AI Tool Integration: Learn to leverage AI tools effectively to boost personal and team productivity, a valuable skill in today's evolving work environment.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhance understanding of how procurement, legal, finance, and research operations intersect, broadening business acumen.

• Contract Management Fundamentals: Gain practical experience with contract execution, SOWs, and compliance, which are foundational skills in many operational and business roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to hone skills in high-volume project management, vendor relations, and operational efficiency. The challenges are directly tied to growth opportunities, providing a clear path for skill development and career advancement within operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a high volume of concurrent projects. How did you prioritize, and what tools or strategies did you use to stay organized and ensure no tasks fell through the cracks?" (Focus on prioritization, organization, and time management.)

• "This role requires proactive communication. Can you give an example of a situation where you identified a potential blocker or risk and communicated it to stakeholders before it became a major issue? What was the outcome?" (Highlight proactive communication, risk identification, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach ensuring compliance and data integrity within vendor engagements or procurement processes? What steps do you take to maintain accuracy?" (Focus on attention to detail, process adherence, and data management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about Linda Werner & Associates and this role, what do you see as the biggest operational challenge for UX Research vendors, and how would you help mitigate it?" (Demonstrates understanding of the business context and proactive thinking.)

• "This role emphasizes ownership. How do you define ownership in a project management context, and can you share an example of when you demonstrated this principle?" (Assesses initiative, accountability, and self-direction.)

• "How do you adapt your communication style when dealing with different stakeholders, such as researchers who may be focused on project goals and procurement teams who focus on compliance?" (Evaluates communication adaptability and stakeholder management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each example, clearly define the objective, your role, the actions you took, the challenges you faced, and the quantifiable results achieved. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a guide.

• Emphasize Process Improvement: If you have examples of process improvements, detail the "before" and "after" state, highlighting the specific metrics that improved (e.g., reduced cycle time, increased efficiency, cost savings).

• Showcase AI Tool Usage: Be ready to discuss specific AI tools you've used and how they tangibly improved your productivity or efficiency. Quantify this impact if possible (e.g., "saved X hours per week by using AI for drafting emails").

• Highlight Proactive Management: Use your portfolio to illustrate how you anticipated needs, managed risks, and kept stakeholders informed without being prompted.

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on examples most relevant to vendor operations, project management, procurement, and supporting research or creative functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating your proactive nature, organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and comfort with process management in a high-volume, remote environment. Be ready to provide concrete examples that align with the "ownership" and "proactive communication" themes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Project Manager," "Vendor Operations," "Procurement," "Contract Execution," "Stakeholder Management," "Process Improvement," and "AI Tools." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects or accomplishments that best demonstrate your experience in managing vendor engagements, improving processes, and maintaining high-volume workloads. Be ready to discuss these in detail, focusing on outcomes and your proactive approach.

• Practice Your Responses: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and situational interview questions, particularly those related to ownership, proactive communication, problem-solving, and managing ambiguity. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Linda Werner & Associates and the broader field of UX Research Operations to understand the context of the role and demonstrate genuine interest. Review their website to grasp their mission and services.

⚠️ 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.