UX Program Manager, Search AI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Program Manager, Search AI

Company: Google

Location: San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA (On-site)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX Program Management / Operations

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive operational excellence and product quality within Google Search's AI initiatives, particularly focusing on AI Overviews, AI Mode, and Multimodal features.

• Manage and streamline critical cross-functional operational rhythms, including AIX Reviews and project tracking, to enhance team efficiency and transparency.

• Champion the evolution and application of design systems across the Search UX team, ensuring consistency and continuous improvement of user experience patterns.

• Integrate and leverage internal AI-based tools to automate project management tasks, enhance status reporting, and boost overall program effectiveness.

• Collaborate closely with UX Design, Engineering, and Product Management to deliver industry-leading products informed by user insights and a commitment to user-centered development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the "Ask and Answers" team, which is central to Search's AI transformation. The UX Program Manager will focus on operational rigor and product excellence, directly contributing to the development of cutting-edge AI-powered search features. The emphasis on "AIX Velocity goals" suggests a focus on rapid iteration and efficient delivery within an AI context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with the Design Excellence team to lead executive-level Product Excellence initiatives and manage critical product development milestones.

• Support the continuous evolution of the design system across the Search UX team by conducting audits, codifying patterns, and exploring innovative design solutions.

• Manage the cross-AIX Review process, ensuring effective design reviews and supporting broader AIX Velocity efforts for efficient product development.

• Collaborate with UX Program and Operations leaders to elevate overall design operations, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and transparency across the team.

• Integrate internal AI-based tools into existing workflows to automate project tracking, streamline status reporting, and enhance overall program effectiveness and delivery.

• Support pilot programs such as VisQA (Visual Quality Assurance) and lead sprints focused on design cohesion to maintain high product standards.

• Identify and address quality gaps throughout the product development lifecycle, from pre-launch planning to post-launch analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: managing core program operations (reviews, tracking, milestones) and contributing to strategic design initiatives (design systems, product excellence). The integration of AI tools into operational workflows is a key differentiator for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of program management experience specifically within design or UX organizations.

• Experience managing interactive, design, or creative software projects.

• Experience establishing tracking systems, managing bug triage, or operating quality pipelines (e.g., manual functional QA, visual QA). Required Skills:

• Proven program management expertise within design or UX environments.

• Experience with User Research, Research-focused tools, and user-centered methodologies.

• Proficiency with project management tasks and Google Workspace tools (e.g., Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar).

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, prototyping, and iterative development processes.

• Familiarity with design tools such as Figma. Preferred Skills:

• Passion for or experience with artificial intelligence (AI), and large language models (LLMs).

• Experience incorporating AI tools to enhance project productivity and improve deliverables.

• Experience with design systems and visual quality assurance workflows.

• Thorough knowledge of design system evolution, including audits and codification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for AI/LLM experience is critical given the "Search AI" focus. The emphasis on "design tools (e.g., Figma), design systems, and visual quality assurance workflows" indicates a need for hands-on understanding of the design process and its operational support.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of complex design or UX programs from inception to completion, showcasing clear project objectives and outcomes.

• Provide examples of process optimization initiatives that led to measurable improvements in efficiency, transparency, or quality within design operations.

• Showcase experience with system implementation or enhancement, particularly related to design systems, tracking tools, or quality assurance pipelines.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to drive product excellence and manage cross-functional collaboration effectively. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to defining and documenting project workflows, including stakeholder alignment and risk assessment phases.

• Present examples of process automation or streamlining, particularly those involving digital tools or AI-assisted solutions.

• Detail your methodology for measuring and analyzing the performance of design operations processes, including key metrics and reporting techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Program Manager role focused on AI, the portfolio should emphasize projects where operational rigor directly supported innovation and efficient delivery. Demonstrating the ability to manage complex, cross-functional AI projects and leverage design systems will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $132,000 - $189,000 (USD) per year.

Benefits:

• Annual bonus target of 15%.

• Equity grants (stock options or Restricted Stock Units).

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Access to Google's renowned employee benefits package, which typically includes:

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

  • Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

  • Parental leave.

  • Wellness programs and resources.

  • On-site amenities (depending on location).

  • Professional development opportunities. Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. Given the on-site requirement and the nature of program management, flexibility may be expected to meet project deadlines, but core hours will be established.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Mid-Level UX Program Manager in major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. The additional 15% bonus target and equity are significant components of the total compensation package at Google.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Internet Services and Software)

Company Size: Google is a very large enterprise, with tens of thousands of employees globally. This size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and a highly collaborative, yet specialized, work environment.

Founded: 1998. Google's long history emphasizes innovation, a data-driven approach, and a focus on user impact at a global scale.

Team Structure:

• The UX Programs & Operations group is multi-disciplinary, working within the Search UX team. It collaborates closely with Engineering and Product Management.

• This specific role is within the "Ask and Answers" team, which leads Search's AI transformation, focusing on products like AI Overviews, AI Mode, and Multimodal.

• The team structure likely involves a hierarchical reporting system with clear lines of communication for program managers, designers, and product leads, facilitating focused execution against ambitious goals. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Google's core methodology is deeply rooted in data analysis. Expect to use data to inform decisions, measure program effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.

• User-Centered Design: The company's foundational principle, "Focus on the user and all else will follow," is central to all UX and product development efforts.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated for this role, Google generally employs agile methodologies for software development, emphasizing iterative progress, flexibility, and rapid response to feedback and evolving requirements, particularly in fast-paced AI development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture historically values innovation, intellectual curiosity, and a data-driven approach. The "Ask and Answers" team's focus on AI transformation suggests an environment that embraces cutting-edge technology and rapid experimentation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Program Manager (2-5 years experience). It involves managing significant programs, contributing to strategic operational improvements, and collaborating with senior stakeholders. It's a crucial role for enabling the success of high-impact AI products.

Reporting Structure: The UX Program Manager will likely report to a UX Program and Operations Lead or Manager, who in turn reports into broader UX leadership within Google Search. They will work closely with UX designers, TPgMs (Technical Program Managers), and Product Managers.

Operations Impact: The UX Program Manager has a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the design process for Google Search's AI products. By streamlining operations, improving quality, and fostering collaboration, they enable the creation of better user experiences for billions of users worldwide. Their work directly supports the successful launch and iteration of AI-powered features that are redefining search.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI program management, design operations, or specific AI product areas within Search.

• Advancement: Progress to Senior UX Program Manager, Lead UX Program Manager, or potentially transition into Product Management or broader operational leadership roles within Google.

• Skill Development: Gain extensive experience with cutting-edge AI technologies, large-scale design systems, and Google's proprietary tools and processes. Opportunities for formal training, mentorship, and exposure to diverse projects are abundant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google is known for providing robust career development frameworks. For a UX Program Manager, growth often involves taking on larger, more complex programs, mentoring junior team members, and potentially moving into strategic leadership roles within design operations or program management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within Google's corporate campuses. These campuses are designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The role is available in major tech hubs: San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; and Los Angeles, CA. These locations offer vibrant tech ecosystems and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Google offices are known for their open-plan areas, numerous meeting rooms, and informal collaboration spaces, encouraging spontaneous interactions.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to Google's extensive internal tooling, high-performance computing resources, and cutting-edge software, including advanced AI development platforms and collaboration suites.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with a diverse, highly skilled team of UX designers, researchers, engineers, and program managers is standard. This environment promotes knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of program management, especially in fast-paced AI development, may necessitate occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines or support global project needs. However, Google generally supports work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for complex, cross-functional projects like those involving AI development and design system management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Expect a series of interviews (often 3-5) focusing on:

  • Program Management Skills: Questions about planning, execution, risk management, stakeholder communication, and process improvement.
  • UX/Design Knowledge: Understanding of user-centered design, design systems, and user research methodologies.
  • AI/Technical Acumen: Discussion of your experience with AI, LLMs, and integrating technology into workflows.
  • Behavioral Questions: Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions about past experiences, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.

• Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, process improvements, and program management successes.

• Hiring Committee Review: In many cases at Google, the interview feedback is compiled and reviewed by a hiring committee for a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight quantifiable achievements and the business impact of your program management efforts, especially concerning efficiency gains, quality improvements, or successful product launches.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate the processes you designed, implemented, or improved. Detail the challenges, your approach, and the outcomes.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with diverse teams (UX, Engineering, Product) to achieve project goals.

• Tailor to AI: If possible, include projects that involved AI, machine learning, or complex technical environments, showcasing your ability to manage ambiguity and cutting-edge technology.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present information clearly and concisely. Use visuals (diagrams, charts) where appropriate to illustrate complex processes or data.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Exercise: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design or improve a process for a specific UX or AI project. Focus on identifying stakeholders, defining steps, setting metrics, and anticipating risks.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common program management challenges, such as scope creep, resource constraints, or conflicting priorities.

• AI Integration Strategy: Consider how you would approach integrating AI tools into existing design workflows to improve efficiency and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interview process is rigorous. Candidates should prepare thoroughly by practicing STAR method responses and being ready to articulate their contributions and thought processes in detail, especially concerning operational efficiency and product quality.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Meet, potentially specialized internal tools for project tracking). Experience with Agile project management methodologies and tools is essential.

• Design Collaboration: Figma (explicitly mentioned as preferred), potentially other design tools like Sketch or Adobe Creative Suite.

• AI/LLM Integration: Familiarity with internal Google AI tools and platforms for workflow automation, data analysis, and project tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Google Sheets, potentially Google Data Studio (Looker Studio) or other internal BI tools for dashboard creation and performance tracking.

• Reporting: Ability to generate clear, concise status reports and executive summaries for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Google likely uses proprietary internal systems for bug tracking, issue management, and workflow automation, beyond standard CRM functionalities. Experience with managing data and processes within large, integrated systems is valuable.

• Integration: Understanding of how different tools and systems connect to create seamless operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Google Workspace is a baseline requirement. Experience with Figma is highly preferred. The ability to quickly learn and adapt to Google's internal suite of project management, AI, and collaboration tools will be critical for success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the user is paramount, driving all product and operational decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations are guided by metrics, analysis, and empirical evidence rather than intuition alone.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous drive to improve processes, automate tasks, and increase productivity without sacrificing quality.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and teamwork across functions are essential for achieving complex goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and adapting quickly to changing landscapes.