UX Research Operations Lead
Manages the infrastructure, tools, and processes that enable user research teams to scale effectively.
Overview
The day-to-day work involves high-level systems thinking and the meticulous management of logistical workflows. A Lead in this field spends significant time auditing existing research tools, negotiating vendor contracts, and refining the legal and ethical guardrails for participant data privacy. The rhythm is characterized by a mix of long-term project planning, such as implementing a global research repository, and immediate problem-solving to support active studies. Success requires a focus on removing friction for practitioners so they can focus on high-quality inquiry rather than administrative overhead.
Individuals who excel in this career typically possess a background in user experience combined with a strong aptitude for process design and data management. It is a role for those who enjoy creating order out of complexity and who find satisfaction in building scalable foundations for others. The environment demands a high degree of cross-functional collaboration with legal, procurement, and IT departments. Those who thrive are often detail-oriented strategists who can communicate the business value of research efficiency to stakeholders across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain standardized research participant recruitment and compensation processes.
- Manage the procurement, implementation, and training for the organization's research tool stack.
- Develop and enforce data privacy policies and ethical guidelines for user research activities.
- Build and curate a centralized research repository to improve knowledge sharing and insight discovery.
- Define and track key performance indicators to measure the impact and efficiency of the research function.
- Lead the budgeting process for research operations including tool subscriptions and participant incentives.
- Create onboarding programs and educational resources for new and existing research staff.
Qualifications
- Experience leading research operations or program management in a high-growth technology environment.
- Deep understanding of user research methodologies and the end-to-end research lifecycle.
- Proficiency in managing research tools such as repositories, recruitment platforms, and analysis software.
- Expertise in data privacy regulations including GDPR and CCPA as they relate to research.
- Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects.
- Bachelor's degree in human-computer interaction, social sciences, or a related field.
Nice to have
- Experience managing a direct team of operations specialists or research coordinators.
- Advanced degree in a relevant field such as Information Science or Business Administration.
- Proven ability to manage large-scale budgets and vendor relationships at a global level.
- Background in UX research or design to better understand practitioner needs.
Work environment
- Work is primarily conducted in office environments or remote settings with high digital collaboration.
- The role relies heavily on project management software, communication platforms, and specialized research tools.
- Collaboration occurs daily across design, product, engineering, legal, and finance departments.
- Standard business hours are typical, though global teams may require occasional off-hours meetings.
- Travel is generally limited to occasional industry conferences or internal team retreats.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation packages typically include a base salary, performance bonuses, and equity options.
- Professional development is often supported through specialized certifications in operations or project management.
- Career progression paths lead to roles such as Head of Research Operations or Director of UX Operations.
- Opportunities for growth include expanding scope to oversee broader Design Operations or Product Operations.
- Access to a growing network of global research operations professionals and industry-leading practices.
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