Research Operations Program Manager

Aquent is partnering with a leading global technology company that is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of how people interact with technology and each other. This organization is dedicated to creating groundbreaking experiences and solutions that empower individuals and businesses worldwide.

Are you ready to make a significant impact on how cutting-edge user experience research is conducted and scaled globally? We are seeking a dynamic Research Operations Program Manager to join a dedicated team focused on building and optimizing the systems that empower world-class researchers. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in implementing operational systems, connecting vital knowledge, and dismantling barriers, directly enabling researchers to deliver their most impactful work. Your contributions will directly enhance the efficiency, compliance, and overall effectiveness of research programs, influencing product development and user experiences on a massive scale.

**About the Role:**

As a Research Operations Program Manager, you will be a central figure in ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of research initiatives. You will leverage your program management expertise and an AI-first mindset to streamline processes, manage critical tools, and foster collaboration. This role is perfect for a resourceful self-starter who thrives in navigating ambiguity and managing multiple projects simultaneously, all while contributing to a team dedicated to the power of research.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* Manage operational aspects for experience reviews, audits, and customer programs.

* Coordinate and schedule individual research events and activities.

* Maintain metrics and reporting mechanisms, including data management using spreadsheet software.

* Research and update governance frameworks, including standard operating procedures around legal, procurement, and data privacy considerations.

* Oversee licensing, access, compliance, and best practices for the research technology stack and AI/agent tooling used by the team.

* Collaborate with researchers and operational stakeholders to identify high-value AI opportunities (e.g., automating intake, synthesis, tagging, reporting) and help pilot and scale agent-based workflows.

* Maintain comprehensive documentation pertaining to service frameworks, procurement, legal, and other cross-organizational partnerships.

* Develop usage dashboards to report on data from research tools on a regular cadence.

* Partner with procurement to ensure suppliers meet security, privacy, and legal compliance standards.

* Organize, update, and share research best practice templates and guides.

* Audit the research repository to ensure naming convention and metadata standards are upheld.

* Maintain and update content on internal and external-facing insights and researcher handbook sites.

* Create and maintain process documentation.

* Ensure research insights reach key stakeholders through multiple channels, including monthly newsletters and internal communication platforms and sites.

* Build monthly newsletters.

* Manage researcher onboarding and offboarding for tools and internal sites as part of a standard checklist.

**Qualifications:**

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* 2-4 years of experience in research operations, user research, or related operational roles.

* Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

* Proven track record of operating independently, embracing ambiguity, and delivering results in an organized manner.

* Demonstrated AI-first mindset with practical experience leveraging AI or automation to improve operational efficiency.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* Experience with various research tools and platforms (e.g., participant recruitment tools).

* Experience in a large technology company.

* Experience in a high-growth or enterprise technology environment.

* Background in user experience research or customer insights.

* Experience building and iterating on AI assistants/agents and workflows (prompting, evaluation, guardrails, and human-in-the-loop processes).

* Ability to leverage internal AI tools and platforms responsibly (internal knowledge/search, approved model endpoints) to accelerate research operations tasks like documentation, communications, and repository hygiene.

* Familiarity with common AI vendor tools and ecosystems and how to evaluate tools for security, privacy, and compliance.

* Understanding of trends in AI and automation as applied to research operations, including practical experience using AI to improve operational efficiency and research impact.

Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.