Senior UX Research Program Manager, Search Ads

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Research Program Manager, Search Ads

Company: Google

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX Operations / Research Program Management

Date Posted: November 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead operational excellence and program management within User Experience (UX) Research teams to support the Search Ads and Ads on Google Experiences (SAGE) UX team.

• Drive strategic initiatives and establish scalable processes that embed user-centered decision-making across product development for Google's advertising business.

• Collaborate with UX Researchers, Designers, Engineers, Content Strategists, and Product Managers to enhance the design of industry-leading products used by billions.

• Leverage expertise in UX craft, methodologies, and analytics to build programs that enable UX teams to perform at their highest level, particularly in the context of AI innovation like Gemini.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of UX Research operations and program management, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and strategic impact of a large UX Research team within Google's critical advertising division. The emphasis on AI (Gemini, Generative AI, Machine Learning) indicates a need for a program manager who can navigate complex, cutting-edge technological landscapes and translate research insights into product improvements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational excellence across UX Research teams, ensuring strategic counsel and trust-building in all project interactions.

• Utilize a deep understanding of UX craft, research methodologies, and analytics to design and implement scalable programs that empower UX teams.

• Serve as a key representative for UX in cross-functional collaborations with Engineering and Product Management, effectively planning and managing interdependencies.

• Proactively identify team needs related to processes, tools, documentation, and asset management, driving necessary changes to optimize overall UX efficiency and research output.

• Collaborate closely with UX team leadership on critical project decisions and orchestrate the successful, simultaneous delivery of multiple complex UX research projects.

• Support UX Researchers in managing risks, including operational, product, and team health, ensuring project success and team well-being.

• Potentially manage vendors or external research partners to supplement internal capabilities and achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight, operational process improvement, and hands-on program execution. The emphasis on "delivering the highest level of trust-building and strategic counsel" suggests a need for strong communication and influencing skills, particularly when interfacing with senior stakeholders and cross-functional partners. The mention of AI innovation implies a need to understand the unique program management challenges associated with research in rapidly evolving technological fields.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of program management experience specifically within UX organizations.

• Demonstrated experience with User Research, including familiarity with research-focused tools and methodologies.

• Proven experience working collaboratively with Designers, Researchers, Engineers, Content Strategists, and Product Managers throughout the entire design process.

• Experience with the product development lifecycle for technology products.

• Experience analyzing data and leveraging insights to drive organizational change and inform strategic decisions.

• Experience executing programs and initiatives independently, including managing relationships and expectations with senior stakeholders.

• Experience managing various types of risks, such as operational, product, or team health, to ensure project success.

• Experience managing vendors and external partners. Required Skills:

• Program Management: Proven ability to manage complex, multi-faceted programs from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• UX Research Methodologies: Solid understanding of qualitative and quantitative user research techniques, their applications, and how to operationalize them at scale.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to work effectively with diverse teams including UX Researchers, Designers, Engineers, Product Managers, and Content Strategists.

• Stakeholder Management: Expertise in managing expectations, communicating effectively, and building relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Ability to analyze research data, synthesize findings, and translate them into actionable insights that drive product strategy and organizational change.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of project and operational risks.

• Vendor Management: Experience selecting, onboarding, and managing external vendors or research agencies.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Deep understanding of the end-to-end process of bringing technology products to market.

• AI/ML Context: Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn about AI innovation, machine learning, and Generative AI, particularly as applied in advertising technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep program management experience within a UX context and a foundational understanding of user research. The "preferred" qualifications suggest that candidates who can demonstrate strategic impact through data, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and understand the technology development lifecycle will be highly competitive. The specific mention of AI technologies indicates a growing importance of technical acumen or the ability to grasp complex technical concepts for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated examples of successfully managed UX research programs, showcasing scope, complexity, and outcomes.

• Evidence of process improvement initiatives led or contributed to, highlighting efficiency gains, scalability, and impact on research team output.

• Case studies illustrating how research insights were translated into actionable product decisions and contributed to positive user experiences or business objectives.

• Examples of cross-functional collaboration, demonstrating effective partnership with Engineering, Product Management, and Design teams.

• Documentation of risk mitigation strategies employed in past programs. Process Documentation:

• Experience in defining, documenting, and implementing scalable processes for UX research operations, including participant recruitment, data collection, analysis, and synthesis workflows.

• Ability to develop and maintain clear documentation for research methodologies, tools, and best practices to ensure consistency and knowledge sharing across teams.

• Proficiency in establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track the effectiveness and impact of UX research programs and initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio review" requirement, the nature of a Senior Program Manager role, especially at Google, implies that candidates will be expected to demonstrate their capabilities through past work. The portfolio should highlight not just project completion, but the strategic thinking, process optimization, and cross-functional leadership applied. For this role, showcasing experience with research operations, especially in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment with AI components, will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• US: $159,000 - $230,000 (USD) per year. This range is competitive for a Senior Program Manager role in a high-cost-of-living area like New York, particularly within a leading technology company.

• Note: Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits:

• Bonus Target: Up to 15% of base salary, contingent on individual and company performance.

• Equity: Stock options or grants, providing long-term financial participation in the company's success.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Other Perks: May include employee assistance programs, parental leave, wellness programs, and access to Google's renowned campus amenities and resources.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the role may require flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, cross-functional team schedules, and global collaboration where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is within industry standards for a Senior Program Manager at a top-tier tech company in a major US city. The bonus and equity components are significant and reflect Google's compensation philosophy for senior roles. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with major tech employers. The estimate assumes a standard 40-hour work week but acknowledges the need for flexibility common in program management roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet & Software)

Company Size: Google is a global technology giant, employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers unparalleled resources, impact, and career development opportunities.

Founded: 1998. With a long history of innovation, Google has a deeply ingrained culture of user-centricity, data-driven decision-making, and pushing technological boundaries.

Team Structure:

• The SAGE (Search Ads and Ads on Google Experiences) UX team is a multi-disciplinary group comprising UX Researchers, Designers, and potentially other UX specialists.

• This role will operate within the UX organization, with direct interaction and support for a team of UX Researchers.

• The team collaborates closely with Engineering and Product Management to deliver Google's advertising products, indicating a matrixed reporting structure where influence and partnership are key. Methodology:

• User-Centricity: The core principle, "Focus on the user and all else will follow," permeates all aspects of product development. UX Programs & Operations actively fosters this by streamlining processes and advocating for user needs.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Research insights and performance metrics are critical drivers of product strategy and iteration.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, Google's product development typically involves agile methodologies, emphasizing rapid iteration, testing, and continuous improvement, especially in areas like AI.

• Collaboration: Deep cross-functional partnerships are essential for success, particularly between UX, Engineering, and Product Management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is characterized by its scale, innovation, and a strong emphasis on user impact and data. For a UX Program Manager, this means operating within a highly structured yet dynamic environment, where efficiency, clear communication, and strategic alignment are paramount. The SAGE UX team's focus on advertising and AI suggests a fast-paced environment with significant business impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Program Manager role, indicating a mid-to-senior level of experience. It requires not just execution but also strategic thinking, operational leadership, and the ability to influence without direct authority. The role is focused on enabling and scaling the effectiveness of a team of UX Researchers.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Research Program Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the UX Programs & Operations or the SAGE UX leadership team. They will work closely with UX Research leads and collaborate extensively with Engineering and Product Management counterparts.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of UX Research within Google Ads. By optimizing processes, tools, and cross-functional communication, this role directly contributes to:

• The quality and speed of user research informing product development.

• The successful integration of user insights into AI-driven advertising products.

• The overall user experience and advertiser ROI for Google's advertising platforms.

• The ability of the UX Research team to tackle complex challenges at scale. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger, more complex programs or expand scope to cover additional UX disciplines or product areas within Google Ads.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/ML program management, user research operations, or specific areas of advertising technology.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior program managers or UX researchers.

• Strategic Influence: Grow into roles with greater strategic input on how UX research is conducted and integrated across Google.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Potential to move into related roles in Product Management, UX Design leadership, or broader operational strategy roles within Google.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within Google's extensive operations and UX ecosystem. The focus on scaling research operations and supporting cutting-edge AI initiatives provides significant opportunities for skill development and increased responsibility, moving towards more strategic leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Google is known for its vibrant, collaborative office environments. This role is described as "On-site," implying a physical presence at a Google office in New York. These offices are designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. Google has significant office presence in New York, offering access to a major tech hub and diverse talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are equipped with numerous meeting rooms, common areas, and informal gathering spots designed for brainstorming and cross-functional teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Google's internal suite of tools, advanced hardware, and cutting-edge software essential for program management, research, and development.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with UX Researchers, Designers, Engineers, Product Managers, and other operational support teams, both within SAGE UX and across broader Google.

• Amenities: Google offices typically offer extensive amenities such as cafes, fitness centers, and recreational areas, contributing to a productive and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours/week, the dynamic nature of product development, especially with AI advancements, may require flexibility. The on-site nature facilitates seamless collaboration with local and potentially global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York suggests an environment rich in collaboration and access to Google's extensive resources. The emphasis on "fostering a culture of user-centered development" means the workspace is likely designed to support this, with ample areas for discussion, ideation, and hands-on work with prototypes and research findings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: Google's interview process is rigorous and typically involves multiple stages designed to assess a candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit.

• Initial Screening: Recruiter phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Phone Interviews: 1-2 interviews with hiring managers or team members focusing on experience, program management skills, and understanding of UX research.

• On-site/Virtual Loop: A series of interviews (typically 4-6) covering various aspects:

  • Program Management Skills: Assessing project planning, execution, risk management, and operational efficiency.
  • UX Research Acumen: Evaluating understanding of research methodologies, application, and how to support researchers.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrating ability to work with diverse teams (Eng, PM, Design).
  • Problem-Solving/Analytical Skills: Case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to managing complex research programs or optimizing processes.
  • Leadership & Influence: Assessing ability to lead initiatives and influence stakeholders.
  • Googleyness: Evaluating cultural fit, adaptability, and alignment with Google's values.

• Hiring Committee Review: Interview feedback is compiled and reviewed by a committee for a hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Showcase programs managed, not just tasks completed. Quantify achievements with metrics whenever possible (e.g., "improved research cycle time by X%", "enabled Y number of research projects").

• Highlight Process Improvement: Detail specific processes you designed, implemented, or optimized, and explain the resulting benefits for the UX research team.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of successful cross-functional partnerships, highlighting your role in bridging gaps and ensuring alignment.

• Showcase Risk Management: Present a case study where you identified and mitigated significant risks to a research program.

• Tailor to AI/Tech: If possible, include examples that touch on managing research for complex technical products or areas involving AI/ML.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly articulates your contributions and the outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenarios: Be prepared for questions about how you would structure a new research program, scale existing processes, or handle competing priorities.

• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems related to team efficiency, stakeholder alignment, or research delivery.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare responses for how you would manage challenging stakeholder requests or conflicts.

• Google's Values: Understand Google's mission and values, and how your approach to program management aligns with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interview process is known for its depth. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they did, but why they did it, the challenges they faced, and the measurable impact of their work. A strong portfolio that demonstrates operational thinking, research understanding, and collaborative success is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project & Program Management Software: Likely proficiency in Google's internal project management tools (e.g., similar to Asana, Jira, or proprietary systems), and potentially experience with tools like Monday.com or Wrike.

• Collaboration Suites: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Chat) will be essential for daily operations.

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for user research, such as survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), user interview tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and potentially specialized UX research platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze).

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, potentially SQL or Python for more advanced analysis) and visualization tools (e.g., Looker, Tableau, or Google Data Studio) to interpret research findings and track program metrics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Tracking: Tools for monitoring program progress, team efficiency metrics, and research output.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret dashboards to communicate program status and impact to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a CRM role, understanding how research data might integrate with product roadmaps or customer feedback systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts to improve research operations efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool names are often proprietary at Google, the role requires proficiency in a broad range of productivity, collaboration, and specialized UX research operations tools. The emphasis on analytics and reporting suggests a need for candidates comfortable with data-driven decision-making and KPI tracking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: Deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product decisions.

• Excellence & Impact: Striving for high-quality execution and measurable impact on products and users.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and shared success across diverse teams.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas, technologies (like AI), and methodologies to solve complex problems.

• Data-Driven: Relying on evidence, research, and metrics to guide strategy and decision-making.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Building robust processes and systems that enable teams to operate effectively and grow.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Consultative: Acting as a strategic partner and operational expert, anticipating needs and offering solutions.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with researchers, cross-functional partners, and leadership.

• Empowerment: Enabling UX Researchers to do their best work by providing the necessary structure, tools, and support.

• Data-Informed: Using data and research insights to drive discussions and decisions, fostering a shared understanding.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly working with Engineering and Product Management to ensure UX research is integrated into the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture emphasizes both individual contribution and collective success. For this role, it means fostering a supportive environment for UX Researchers while also being a strong advocate and partner to other functional groups, all driven by a shared commitment to user-centricity and data.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing programs that impact products used by billions, requiring robust and scalable processes.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping up with rapid advancements in AI (Gemini, Generative AI) and their implications for user research and product development.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent buy-in and collaboration from diverse teams (Engineering, Product Management, UX Research) with potentially competing priorities.

• Balancing Strategic Counsel with Operational Execution: Effectively providing high-level guidance while also ensuring day-to-day operational efficiency.

• Data Synthesis & Actionability: Translating vast amounts of research data into clear, actionable insights that drive meaningful product changes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI/ML Domain Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge in the application of AI and Generative AI in advertising technology through hands-on work.

• Advanced Program Management: Developing skills in managing highly complex, strategic programs within a leading tech organization.

• UX Research Operations Specialization: Becoming an expert in scaling and optimizing UX research functions.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership, influencing, and strategic thinking skills through challenging projects and mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Participating in internal and external forums related to UX, AI, and advertising technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also offer substantial growth potential. Navigating the complexities of AI research operations within a massive organization like Google will provide invaluable experience and development opportunities for an ambitious program manager.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you implemented a new process to improve the efficiency of a UX research team. What was the impact?" (Focus on problem, solution, implementation, and quantifiable results.)

• "How would you manage competing priorities and resource constraints when supporting multiple UX research projects simultaneously?" (Highlight prioritization frameworks, stakeholder negotiation, and resource allocation strategies.)

• "Imagine a scenario where Engineering and Product Management are resistant to incorporating UX research findings into a critical product roadmap. How would you influence them to prioritize user insights?" (Emphasize data-driven arguments, collaborative problem-solving, and building trust.)

• "What are the key operational challenges in scaling UX research for AI-driven products, and how would you address them?" (Discuss data management, specialized research needs, and rapid iteration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working at Google, specifically within the Search Ads UX team?" (Connect your passion for user experience, AI, and large-scale impact to Google's mission.)

• "How do you embody Google's 'Focus on the user' principle in your program management approach?" (Provide concrete examples of how you advocate for user needs.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage a significant risk within a project. What was the risk, and how did you mitigate it?" (Showcase proactive risk identification and management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your program management philosophy. Then, present 2-3 key case studies that best demonstrate your experience in managing UX research programs, driving process improvements, and collaborating cross-functionally.

• Storytelling: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Focus on Operations: Emphasize the operational aspects – how you structured work, managed resources, improved efficiency, and mitigated risks.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to support your claims about the success of your programs and initiatives.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making processes, and challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interviews are designed to assess a candidate's practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with their culture. Preparing specific, data-backed examples and practicing articulation will be crucial for success. The emphasis on AI and scale means demonstrating an understanding of these complexities will set candidates apart.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Research Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Google Careers portal using the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of program management experience specifically within UX organizations. Emphasize your experience with user research methodologies, cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, and any experience with AI/ML products or vendor management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that clearly showcases your program management achievements, focusing on process optimization, successful UX research program execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Prepare to discuss specific examples using the STAR method.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common program management and UX-related interview questions. Be ready to discuss your experience with Google's core principles and values, and prepare specific examples of how you've handled challenges and driven impact.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Google's mission, the SAGE UX team's focus, and the role of AI in Google Ads. Understand Google's approach to user experience and operational excellence.

⚠️ 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.