senior project manager, UX Research Operations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Project Manager, UX Research Operations

Company: Starbucks

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations / Project Management / UX Research Operations

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days onsite)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on optimizing and managing the operational backbone of UX research initiatives, ensuring efficient execution of research studies.

• It involves streamlining processes, managing critical logistics, and implementing research tools to enhance team efficiency and data collection.

• The position requires strong cross-functional collaboration, particularly with UX research teams, digital product teams, and Coffeehouse partners.

• Key responsibilities include managing participant recruitment, panel management, and ensuring compliance with data usage policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Senior Project Manager, UX Research Operations" indicates a specialized role within operations, focusing on the infrastructure and processes that support user experience research. This is distinct from traditional Sales or Revenue Operations, but shares many core operational principles such as process optimization, tool management, and cross-functional alignment. The emphasis on "operations" within UX research implies a need for individuals who can bring structure, efficiency, and scalability to research activities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Streamline UX research operations by identifying process gaps and implementing improvement plans to enhance efficiency and scalability.

• Manage the end-to-end logistics for research studies, including but not limited to, setting up collaboration tools (e.g., Miro boards), coordinating equipment, booking observation rooms, and managing any necessary travel arrangements.

• Improve the overall efficiency of UX research teams by managing and implementing essential research tools and technologies.

• Track and manage the progress of research recruiting requests, ensuring timely and effective participant acquisition for studies.

• Execute participant recruitment and scheduling for research studies across US and Canadian company-owned markets, ensuring diverse representation.

• Partner effectively with Coffeehouse leaders and partners to facilitate research participation and gather crucial on-the-ground insights.

• Manage participant panels, ensuring proper handling of consent forms and adherence to data usage reviews and privacy policies.

• Develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with UX research, design, product, engineering, and store operations teams.

• Mentor and guide junior research professionals on best practices in research operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of project management, process optimization, and direct operational support for UX research. The need to "streamline research operations processes" and "improve team efficiency by managing and implementing research tools" highlights a core focus on operational excellence within the UX research function. The mention of "Coffeehouse leaders and partners" suggests an operational challenge in bridging the gap between corporate research needs and in-store realities, requiring strong stakeholder management and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree is typically required for this level of project management and operational oversight.

Experience:

• 5+ years of dedicated research operations management experience, encompassing scope, time, cost, risk, quality, procurement, and communications management.

• 5+ years of experience working directly with UX research teams, managing complex or mid-sized research projects.

• 5+ years of proven success in building and maintaining strong cross-functional relationships within large, matrixed organizations.

• 2+ years of experience mentoring research professionals specifically in research operations best practices.

• 5+ years of corporate experience within large, matrixed organizational structures. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of research operations management principles and methodologies.

• Proven ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement effective improvement plans.

• Experience in recruiting and scheduling research participants, including familiarity with panel management.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a structured, process-oriented mindset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams, with a plus for experience with Teams Live events.

• Experience using UX design and collaboration tools such as Figma and Jira.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Miro boards for collaborative research planning and synthesis.

• Familiarity with research participant screening and incentive management platforms.

• Knowledge of data privacy regulations and best practices for handling research data.

• Experience in mentoring and developing talent within an operations function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirements (5+ years in multiple areas) and the specific mention of mentoring indicate this is a senior-level role demanding deep expertise in research operations. The preference for specific tools like Figma and Jira, along with Microsoft Teams, points towards a tech-forward environment where seamless integration and tool proficiency are critical for operational success. The requirement for experience in "large, matrixed organizations" is a key indicator for candidates to highlight their ability to navigate complex internal structures.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of implemented process improvements within research operations, detailing the "before" and "after" states and measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate experience in managing the logistical complexities of research studies, including participant recruitment, scheduling, and tool setup.

• Provide evidence of system implementation or optimization projects related to research tools or operational workflows, highlighting efficiency gains.

• Include case studies that illustrate how you have supported UX research teams in achieving their project goals through effective operational management. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for research participant recruitment and screening processes.

• Examples of process maps or standard operating procedures (SOPs) for managing research logistics and tool utilization.

• Records of process audits or reviews conducted to identify and address operational bottlenecks within research functions.

• Evidence of establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track the performance and impact of research operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not just list responsibilities but demonstrate tangible contributions to operational efficiency and research effectiveness. The emphasis on process documentation and measurable outcomes is crucial for showcasing an operations-focused mindset and the ability to drive scalable improvements. For this role, portfolio items should highlight specific instances of streamlining research workflows, managing participant recruitment cycles, and implementing or optimizing research tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Project Manager title, 5+ years of experience, and location in Seattle, WA, a competitive salary range for this role would typically fall between $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar project management and operations roles in major metropolitan areas, considering the tech-adjacent nature of UX research operations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Basic and supplemental life insurance coverage.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Paid parental leave and family expansion reimbursement.

• Generous paid vacation time, sick time, eight paid holidays, and two personal days annually.

• Eligibility for a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.

• Participation in discounted company stock programs (S.I.P.) and the Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock).

• Access to incentivized emergency savings and financial well-being tools.

• 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan with Arizona State University.

• Student loan management resources and other educational opportunities.

• Backup care and DACA reimbursement are also provided.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to manage research study timelines. The role requires onsite presence 4 days per week at the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and similar job board data for Senior Project Managers in Seattle, WA, with specific experience requirements. The benefits package detailed by Starbucks is extensive and highly competitive, particularly the tuition coverage and stock programs, which are significant draws for employees. The hybrid work arrangement with 4 days onsite is a key factor in the compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Coffeehouse chain, with a significant focus on technology and digital experiences for both customers and partners. Starbucks operates within the Food & Beverage industry but has a strong innovation arm in digital product development.

Company Size: Large, publicly traded corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This implies a structured environment with established processes and ample resources.

Founded: 1971. Starbucks has a long history of innovation and customer service, which informs its current approach to partner and customer experience.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is part of a larger User Experience (UX) division, which collaborates closely with Product, Engineering, and Store Operations.

• The UX Research Operations Project Manager will likely report into a leadership role within UX Research or a broader UX Operations function.

• This role necessitates strong collaboration with UX Researchers, Designers, Product Managers, and potentially field leaders (Coffeehouse partners and managers). Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging insights from both customer and partner feedback.

• Emphasis on agile development methodologies for digital products.

• Focus on creating delightful and efficient experiences through user-centered design principles.

• A strong culture of partnership and service, extending from corporate teams to frontline employees.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Starbucks is known for its partner-centric culture and commitment to employee well-being, which is reflected in its extensive benefits. For an operations role, understanding the large, matrixed structure and the need for cross-functional collaboration is key. The company's focus on digital transformation means that operational roles supporting technology teams, like UX Research Operations, are critical to its success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Project Manager role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position with significant responsibility for managing complex operations and potentially mentoring others. It sits above a standard Project Manager but may be below a Director-level role.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a Manager or Director of UX Research or UX Operations. The direct reports are unlikely, but the role involves significant influence and collaboration with individual contributors and potentially managers across multiple departments.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of UX research, which in turn influences the quality and user-centricity of Starbucks' digital products. By ensuring seamless research operations, this role helps product teams make better, data-informed decisions, leading to improved partner and customer experiences and ultimately contributing to business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX Research Operations, potentially leading to roles focused on specific areas like participant recruitment strategy, tool management, or research program scaling.

• Leadership: Progress into management roles overseeing a team of Research Operations professionals or broader UX Operations functions.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Leverage operational expertise to move into roles within Product Management, Program Management, or other strategic operations functions within Starbucks.

• Mentorship & Training: Continue to develop leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and contributing to the development of operational best practices across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and explicit mention of mentoring suggest a clear path for career progression. Starbucks' commitment to internal development and its broad range of business units offer significant opportunities for operations professionals to grow and diversify their skill sets within the company. Candidates should highlight their experience in developing processes and enabling others, which are key indicators of leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle, which functions as a corporate office environment. It is designed to foster collaboration and productivity for corporate teams.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington, at the Starbucks Support Center. This is a central hub for many of Starbucks' corporate functions.

Workspace Context:

• A hybrid work environment requiring 4 days per week onsite, fostering in-person collaboration and team synergy.

• Access to modern office amenities and technology infrastructure to support project management and research operations.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with UX researchers, designers, product managers, and other corporate partners, facilitating a connected and collaborative work experience.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, dynamic, and focused on delivering high-impact digital solutions.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, likely Monday through Friday, with potential for occasional flexibility to accommodate research study needs or critical project deadlines. The 4-day onsite requirement is a key aspect of the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a significant onsite component suggests a company culture that values in-person collaboration, especially for roles requiring close coordination with other teams. For an operations role, this means being present for key team meetings, workshops, and spontaneous problem-solving sessions. Candidates should emphasize their ability to thrive in such an environment and leverage the in-office presence for maximum impact.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your experience in research operations, project management methodologies, and ability to handle complex operational challenges. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Team/Peer Interviews: You will likely meet with members of the UX Research team and potentially other operations or cross-functional partners. These interviews will assess your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and how you would integrate into the team.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A crucial step where you will be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on process improvements, project management successes, and operational impact. This might involve a prepared presentation or a live demonstration.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the broader UX or operations organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your experience in research operations, project management, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Focus on projects that demonstrate measurable impact.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented (processes, tools, logistics), and the quantifiable results (e.g., time saved, efficiency gained, research quality improved).

• Highlight Operational Metrics: Emphasize how you've used data and metrics to track progress, identify issues, and demonstrate the value of your operational contributions.

• Tailor to Starbucks: Research Starbucks' UX initiatives and digital products. Frame your examples in a way that resonates with their likely challenges and goals.

• Prepare for "How": Be ready to explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved. Detail your methodologies, decision-making processes, and collaboration strategies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Mapping Exercise: You might be asked to map out a hypothetical research operations process or identify areas for improvement in a given scenario.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Be prepared for questions about how you would handle specific operational challenges, such as managing conflicting research priorities, dealing with recruitment issues, or implementing a new tool.

• Stakeholder Management Discussion: Practice articulating how you would communicate with and manage expectations of various stakeholders (researchers, product managers, field partners).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and case studies is critical for operations roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to translate strategic operational thinking into tangible, documented results. The interview process will likely test not only technical skills but also problem-solving, communication, and the ability to navigate a large corporate structure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Jira (explicitly mentioned), Confluence, or similar tools for task tracking, workflow management, and documentation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams (explicitly mentioned, including Live events), Miro (preferred).

• Research Participant Management: Experience with or ability to quickly learn dedicated platforms for participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, and consent management.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma (explicitly mentioned) for understanding the UX design process and potentially interacting with design files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in using reporting features within project management tools (e.g., Jira dashboards).

• Ability to leverage data from various sources to track research operations KPIs and generate insights for stakeholders.

• Experience with basic data analysis and visualization to communicate findings effectively. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary focus, familiarity with CRM concepts for managing participant databases or understanding customer data is beneficial.

• Experience with workflow automation tools could be advantageous for streamlining repetitive operational tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mentions of Jira, Figma, Microsoft Teams, and Miro are key indicators of the technology stack. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these tools, focusing on how they leverage them to enhance operational efficiency and support research workflows. Understanding how these tools integrate or can be integrated is also a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality operational support with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on reliability.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: An attitude of anticipating challenges, identifying potential issues before they arise, and developing robust solutions.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A strong belief in working closely with cross-functional teams, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous drive to improve processes, leverage technology, and eliminate waste to maximize productivity and resource utilization.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing data and metrics to inform decisions, measure performance, and demonstrate the impact of operational initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with UX researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers, ensuring operational support is integrated seamlessly into their workflows.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication channels, providing regular updates, managing expectations, and being receptive to feedback.

• Process Improvement Culture: Fostering an environment where team members are encouraged to suggest improvements, experiment with new approaches, and share best practices.

• Empowerment & Support: Empowering team members with the resources and autonomy needed to perform their roles effectively, while providing guidance and support when required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Starbucks emphasizes its partner culture, which translates to strong values around collaboration, service, and continuous improvement. For an operations role, demonstrating an understanding of these values and how they apply to enabling research teams is crucial. Highlighting a proactive, data-driven, and collaborative approach will resonate well with the company's culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Managing numerous research studies simultaneously, each with unique logistical and recruitment needs, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Navigating Large Organizations: Effectively collaborating and influencing stakeholders across different departments and levels within a large, matrixed company like Starbucks.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Keeping pace with the dynamic needs of UX research and digital product development, requiring flexibility and a willingness to adapt processes and tools.

• Ensuring Data Privacy & Compliance: Meticulously managing participant data, consent forms, and usage reviews in accordance with company policies and relevant regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen UX Research Operations Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of advanced research methodologies, participant recruitment strategies, and specialized research operations tools.

• Develop Leadership Skills: Opportunity to mentor junior professionals, lead operational initiatives, and potentially move into management roles.

• Expand Cross-Functional Understanding: Gain exposure to different areas of product development, from design and research to engineering and market strategy.

• Industry Best Practices: Stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in UX research operations through internal knowledge sharing, industry events, and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges within a well-established company. The challenges are typical for senior operations roles in large organizations, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and strong stakeholder management skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Starbucks' commitment to employee development and its diverse business operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you streamlined a complex research operations process. What was the challenge, your approach, and the quantifiable impact?" (Focus on process mapping, gap analysis, and measurable outcomes.)

• "How would you manage conflicting research priorities from different product teams? What metrics would you use to inform your decisions?" (Highlight prioritization frameworks, stakeholder negotiation, and data-driven decision-making.)

• "Walk me through your experience managing participant recruitment for a large-scale study. What strategies did you employ, and how did you ensure diversity and quality?" (Emphasize recruitment channels, screening processes, and panel management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see UX Research Operations contributing to Starbucks' overall business goals and partner experience?" (Connect operational efficiency to business impact and the partner-first culture.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with teams remotely and onsite. How do you ensure effective communication and productivity?" (Address hybrid work dynamics, tool utilization for collaboration, and proactive communication strategies.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and tools in research operations and project management?" (Showcase continuous learning, industry engagement, and proactive skill development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business problem or operational challenge that each portfolio project addressed.

• Detail Your "How": For each project, explain your specific role, the methodologies you used (process mapping, tool implementation, stakeholder management), and the steps you took to achieve success.

• Quantify Your Impact: Present clear, data-backed results. Use metrics like time saved, cost reduction, increased participant pool size, improved researcher satisfaction, or faster study completion rates.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Demonstrate how you effectively used tools like Jira, Figma, Miro, and Teams to manage projects, facilitate collaboration, and drive operational efficiency.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation like a narrative, making it engaging and easy for the interviewers to follow your journey and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates should be ready to provide specific examples that showcase their ability to manage complex operations, drive efficiency, and collaborate effectively within a large corporate structure. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to visually and verbally communicate their impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Project Manager, UX Research Operations position:

• Submit your application through the Starbucks careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords and phrases directly from the job description, such as "research operations management," "project management," "UX research," "process improvement," "participant recruitment," and specific tool proficiencies (Jira, Figma, Microsoft Teams). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in research operations, process optimization, and cross-functional project management. Focus on projects with clear, measurable outcomes.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, ensuring you can articulate the challenges, your solutions, and the impact of your work clearly and concisely. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your methodologies.

• Research Starbucks: Familiarize yourself with Starbucks' mission, values, recent digital initiatives, and their approach to user experience. Understand how your role contributes to the company's broader objectives.

⚠️ 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.