UX Research Ops – Program Manager 

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Ops – Program Manager

Company: Thomson Reuters

Location: Eagan, Minnesota, United States | Frisco, Texas, United States | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations / Program Management / UX Research Operations

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of a next-generation research repository to transform how research insights are discovered and activated.

• Identify, build, and scale shared AI tooling to enhance research synthesis, reporting, and insight tracking from inception to implementation.

• Serve as the single-threaded owner for research AI transformation, establishing structure around shared practices and facilitating knowledge sharing for AI upskilling.

• Democratize access to research data, ensuring insights effectively reach cross-functional teams in design, product, and engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic, builder-focused position within UX Research Operations, aiming to fundamentally reshape how research insights are leveraged. It requires a unique blend of program management, technical acumen (particularly with AI and APIs), and a deep understanding of UX research methodologies to drive significant organizational change.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic design and implementation of a new, decision-oriented research repository system, defining standards for research artifact quality and communication.

• Drive the selection, development, and scaling of AI-powered tools for research synthesis, automated reporting, metadata querying, and comprehensive insight tracking.

• Develop and execute a roadmap for research AI transformation, ensuring consistent AI upskilling initiatives and fostering a community-driven learning environment.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing between UX researchers, designers, product managers, and engineering teams to ensure research insights are actionable.

• Manage stakeholder relationships across various departments and leadership levels, aligning diverse perspectives towards a unified vision for research intelligence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize proactive building and strategic ownership rather than just managing existing processes. The focus is on creating new systems and scaling AI capabilities, requiring a candidate who can demonstrate past success in developing internal tools and platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Information Science, Psychology, or a related discipline is typically expected for roles of this nature.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in program management, research operations, or a related field, with a demonstrated history of building and scaling internal tools or platforms.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of UX research methodologies (generative and evaluative) and best practices in research operations.

• Proven program management expertise in scoping initiatives, aligning diverse stakeholders, and driving projects to successful outcomes.

• Familiarity with the UX research lifecycle and the practical application of research insights in product development decision-making.

• Demonstrated experience in building internal tools, platforms, or systems, not solely managing existing ones.

• Proficiency or strong familiarity with APIs, MCP integrations, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipelines, and AI tooling; light coding experience is a plus.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with researchers, designers, product managers, and executive leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI agent frameworks or concepts related to synthetic user/persona research.

• Background in enterprise SaaS (Software as a Service) or professional services product environments.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a need for a builder's mindset and technical aptitude, particularly in AI and data integration. The "light coding a plus" suggests a preference for candidates who can understand and potentially contribute to the technical implementation of AI tooling and integrations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and implementing research repositories or knowledge management systems.

• Showcase projects where you have built or significantly enhanced internal tools or platforms that improved operational efficiency or data accessibility.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated AI or automation into research workflows to drive insights or streamline processes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating clear documentation for new research processes, workflows, or system implementations.

• Examples of process optimization initiatives that led to measurable improvements in research efficiency, insight dissemination, or impact.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document and communicate complex technical systems (like RAG pipelines or API integrations) to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are explicitly asked to share examples of tools, systems, or programs they have built, not just managed. This strongly indicates a portfolio requirement that showcases hands-on development and innovation in operational systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• United States: $100,100 USD - $185,900 USD per year.

• Ontario, Canada: $108,000 CAD - $158,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Offers flexibility with 2-3 days per week in the office, depending on the role, supporting a digitally and physically connected experience.

• Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: "Flex My Way" policies, including up to 8 weeks of work-from-anywhere per year, to help manage personal and professional responsibilities.

• Career Development & Growth: Culture of continuous learning, "Grow My Way" programming, and a skills-first approach to prepare for an AI-enabled future.

• Industry Competitive Benefits: Comprehensive plans including flexible vacation, two company-wide Mental Health Days off, Headspace app access, retirement savings (401k plan with company match), tuition reimbursement, employee incentive programs, and wellbeing resources.

• Additional Benefits: Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; parental leave; sabbatical leave; Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts; fitness reimbursement; Employee Assistance Program; Group Legal Identity Theft Protection; 529 Plan; commuter benefits; Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance; Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a focus on flexibility and work-life balance through various company policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the US and Ontario, Canada locations. The compensation structure emphasizes base pay, potential annual bonuses based on performance, and a comprehensive Total Rewards program including extensive benefits designed for employee wellbeing and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Services, Technology, Legal, Tax, Accounting, and News. Thomson Reuters is a global leader in providing trusted content and technology solutions.

Company Size: 26,000+ employees globally.

Founded: The company has a long history, with its current form established through various mergers and acquisitions, tracing roots back to 1858. This longevity suggests a stable yet evolving corporate environment.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is likely part of a larger Product or Design organization, focusing on understanding customer needs to inform product strategy.

• This role operates at the intersection of UX Research, Product Management, and Technical Development, indicating a highly cross-functional and collaborative team environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using research insights and data to inform product development and business strategy.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Likely operates within agile frameworks, promoting fast learning and iterative improvements.

• Customer-Obsessed: A core value is "Obsess over our Customers," driving a deep focus on understanding and serving user needs.

• Innovation & AI Integration: Actively exploring and implementing AI to enhance operations and product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thomson Reuters operates in critical sectors requiring accuracy and trust. Their culture emphasizes customer obsession, innovation (especially with AI), and a commitment to social impact, which is likely reflected in the operations teams' focus on efficiency, data integrity, and enabling informed decision-making.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level Program Manager position, specifically focused on the strategic arm of Research Operations. It's a "builder" role, implying a significant level of autonomy and strategic influence, often considered a lead or principal individual contributor role.

Reporting Structure: The UX Research Ops – Program Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of UX Research, Design Operations, or Product Management. They will collaborate extensively with UX Researchers, Designers, Product Managers, and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: This role has the potential for substantial impact by fundamentally transforming how research insights are captured, shared, and acted upon. By building robust systems and leveraging AI, it directly influences the speed, quality, and effectiveness of product development decisions, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI application within research, knowledge management systems, and scaling operational frameworks.

• Leadership: Potential to build and lead a dedicated Research Ops or AI tooling team as the function matures.

• Strategic Influence: Grow into a more senior strategic role, shaping the future of research intelligence and product development processes across Thomson Reuters.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in AI, program management best practices, and enterprise SaaS product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a high-impact role designed for someone looking to build and innovate, offering significant opportunities for career advancement within a large, established organization undergoing a digital and AI transformation. The emphasis on "building" suggests a path towards leadership in operational strategy and technology implementation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with 2-3 days per week expected in the office. This suggests a blend of in-person collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The role is open to Eagan, Minnesota; Frisco, Texas; and Toronto, Ontario. Specific office details for each location would need to be confirmed, but they are major hubs for Thomson Reuters.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a dynamic workspace where team members work together on shared initiatives.

• Technology-Rich: Access to modern technology and tools is implied, especially given the focus on AI and platform development. This includes standard office technology and specialized UX/AI tools.

• Innovation Hub: The company's focus on AI and transforming its operations indicates an environment where new ideas and approaches are encouraged and explored.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week), with policies like "Flex My Way" and "work from anywhere for up to 8 weeks per year" offering significant flexibility in how and where work is conducted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and emphasis on flexibility aim to balance the need for in-person collaboration with employee work-life balance, a key component of Thomson Reuters' culture. The workspace is expected to be supportive of technological innovation and cross-functional teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a recruiter screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deep dive into experience, program management skills, and understanding of UX research operations. Expect questions about your approach to building systems and scaling initiatives.

• Portfolio Presentation/Technical Deep Dive: A critical stage where candidates will be asked to present examples of tools, systems, or programs they have built. This may involve a case study presentation focusing on problem-solving, technical implementation (APIs, AI), and impact.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (e.g., UX Researchers, Product Managers, Engineering Leads) to assess teamwork, communication style, and strategic alignment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Prepare detailed case studies of projects where you actively designed, built, or significantly enhanced operational systems or platforms.

• Focus on "Building": Highlight your role in conception, development, and implementation, not just project management. Emphasize your contributions to the technical architecture or functional design of tools.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your initiatives – e.g., improvements in research efficiency, insight discovery rates, adoption of tools, or impact on product decisions.

• Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss your experience with APIs, AI tooling, RAG pipelines, and how you've integrated these into operational workflows. If you have coding experience, be prepared to discuss it.

• Systems Thinking: Articulate how your creations fit into a larger ecosystem of research, product development, and business strategy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a hypothetical challenge related to designing a new research repository or scaling an AI tool for a specific research need.

• Practice articulating a clear vision and actionable roadmap for implementing research operations improvements.

• Prepare to discuss how you would manage competing priorities and stakeholder expectations in a complex organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on building and technical familiarity means candidates should prepare a portfolio that vividly demonstrates their hands-on contributions to creating operational systems and leveraging technology, particularly AI. Simply listing responsibilities will not be sufficient; concrete examples of creation and impact are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Repository/Knowledge Management: Experience with platforms like Dovetail, Aurelius, or custom-built solutions would be highly relevant. The role involves designing a next-generation one.

• AI & Machine Learning Tools: Familiarity with AI frameworks, RAG pipelines, API integrations, and potentially tools for natural language processing (NLP) and data analysis.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing initiatives and workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Confluence for communication and knowledge sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools for analyzing research data, user feedback, and system performance.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for dashboard creation and reporting on operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM management, understanding how research insights feed into CRM strategies or how to automate data flow between research tools and CRM systems is beneficial.

• Workflow automation tools might be relevant for streamlining research processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around AI tooling, API integrations, and system development. While standard PM tools are assumed, deep familiarity with AI-specific applications and the ability to integrate various systems will be crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: All operations and development efforts are geared towards understanding and serving the needs of Thomson Reuters' customers.

• Challenge (Y)our Thinking: Encourages critical evaluation of existing processes and a willingness to innovate and adopt new technologies like AI.

• Act Fast / Learn Fast: Embraces agility, rapid iteration, and continuous learning, especially in the fast-evolving fields of AI and research.

• Stronger Together: Fosters a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work cohesively to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven: Emphasis on using data and insights to inform decisions and measure the impact of operations and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Operates at the nexus of Research, Design, Product, and Engineering, requiring seamless collaboration and communication.

• Community Building: Focus on creating shared practices and communities of practice for AI upskilling and knowledge sharing within the research organization.

• Proactive Communication: Expected to actively engage with stakeholders, share progress, and solicit feedback to ensure alignment and buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values strongly emphasize innovation, customer focus, and collaboration. This role, in particular, is expected to embody these values by building new systems, fostering a learning culture around AI, and driving cross-functional alignment towards better product decisions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Transformational Change: Leading the adoption of new AI tools and repository systems across a large organization requires significant change management and stakeholder buy-in.

• Technical Complexity: Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, RAG pipelines, and API integrations while ensuring robust, scalable solutions.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Implementing cutting-edge AI tools while ensuring the foundational research repository is reliable and accessible.

• Data Democratization at Scale: Ensuring secure, efficient, and user-friendly access to research insights for a broad audience across different departments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Deep dive into AI agent frameworks, advanced RAG implementations, and the application of AI in information retrieval and synthesis.

• Product Strategy Influence: Gain broader exposure to product development lifecycles and strategic decision-making within a major enterprise software company.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone strategic program management and build teams as the Research Ops function matures.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend conferences or engage with communities focused on UX Research Operations, AI in Product Development, and Knowledge Management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to be at the forefront of AI integration within UX Research, offering a chance to solve complex operational challenges and shape future product development practices. The growth potential is tied to successfully driving this transformation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you built an internal tool or platform from concept to implementation. What was the problem, your solution, and the impact?" (Focus on your building experience).

• "How would you approach designing a next-generation research repository? What key features and considerations would be paramount?" (Assess systems thinking and research ops knowledge).

• "Walk me through your experience with AI tooling, APIs, or RAG pipelines. How have you leveraged these in an operational context?" (Evaluate technical comfort and application).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Thomson Reuters and this role, how would you prioritize the development of our AI tooling and research repository?" (Demonstrate research and strategic thinking).

• "How do you embody our values of 'Challenge (Y)our Thinking' and 'Act Fast / Learn Fast' in your work?" (Assess cultural fit).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role (emphasizing building), the solutions implemented (tools, systems, processes), the technical aspects (APIs, AI), the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results.

• Visuals are Key: Use diagrams, screenshots, or mock-ups to illustrate system architecture, user interfaces, or workflow improvements.

• Focus on the "Why" and "How": Explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions and the technical "how" of your implementations.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to elaborate on technical details, trade-offs made, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate hands-on building experience and technical aptitude with AI and system integrations. Prepare concrete examples that showcase your innovative problem-solving and strategic implementation skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that showcase your experience in building internal tools, platforms, or systems, particularly those involving AI, APIs, or research operations improvements. Prepare detailed case studies for each.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Research Methodologies," "Research Operations," "Program Management," "AI Tooling," "API Integration," "RAG Pipelines," and "Internal Tool Development." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, impact, and your specific contributions to building solutions. Be ready to articulate your strategic vision for Research Ops at Thomson Reuters.

• Research Thomson Reuters: Understand their products, market position, and stated values to articulate how your skills and approach align with their business objectives and culture, especially their commitment to AI and customer focus.

⚠️ 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.