Project Manager - UX

Project Manager - UX

Job Summary: Talent Software Services is in search of a Project Manager - UX for a contract position in San Francisco, CA. The opportunity will be one year with a strong chance for a long-term extension.

Position Summary:

We're looking for a highly organized, systems-minded Project Manager to join the Client's UX Research Operations Team. You'll help scale and streamline the infrastructure that supports our UX Research team, playing a key role in enabling high-quality research at scale. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and energized by building internal systems that make researchers' work easier. You should be comfortable managing tooling ecosystems and coordinating complex operational projects across multiple stakeholders. In this role you'll identify and resolve project issues, connect researchers with the right resources, and remove barriers to impactful work. A strong understanding of how research informs product design and development is essential along with excellent communication skills, stakeholder management, and the ability to navigate complex logistics with confidence. This role focuses on tooling and platform oversight, archival system implementation, vendor coordination, and operational initiatives. You'll work closely with the Research Operations Lead and Coordinator to position the Research Ops team as a force multiplier enabling greater impact, scalability, and operational maturity across the UX Research function within the Global Design Community.

Primary Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
Tooling & Platform Oversight

• Manage research tools and platforms: onboarding, seat allocation, training, governance, and documentation.
• Partner with researchers to ensure consistent usage and adherence to best practices.
• Collaborate with the Ops Lead to evaluate tooling needs and propose new solutions.
• Act as a point of contact for tooling vendors, including support escalation, usage tracking, and contract oversight.
• Track tool usage and renewals; ensure smooth invoicing and support pathways.

• Lead the implementation of new archival or research repository systems, including investigating team needs, understanding internal tech and security requirements.
• Coordinate onboarding, configuration, and rollout with vendors, IT, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and workflows to ensure consistent documentation and adoption across the team.

• Manage strategic initiatives that improve team efficiency and impact, establishing operational systems and outcomes.
• Proactively identify and partner with stakeholders on internal processes, templates, and guidelines to improve team optimization and documentation.
• Drive execution of research operations projects (e.g., process improvements, documentation systems).
• Identify inefficiencies or gaps in the research workflow and collaborate with researchers to propose scalable operational solutions.
• Support preparation of internal documentation, training materials, and rollout comms.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of relevant experience as a project or program manager.
• 2+ years experience in research operations, technical project management, or a similar systems-oriented role.
• Familiarity with UX research tooling ecosystems (e.g., dscout, UserTesting, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop, etc.).
• Proven experience managing tools/platforms and working with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Systems thinking mindset and ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Experience demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and creativity in ambiguous situations, with a strong focus on organization and results.
• Communication skills to influence stakeholders with experience to adapt communication style to different audiences.
• Experience translating complex operational workflows into structured SOPs and reference materials that support team consistency and scale.

Preferred:

• Experience implementing archival or research repository systems.
• Familiarity with UX participant management, including recruiting or working with participant panel tools.
• Exposure to research workflows or prior work with UX/design/research teams.
• Experience working with internal teams like IT, procurement, and InfoSec when setting up new tools or software.
• Experience working with internal documentation tools like SharePoint and Confluence.