Project and Program Management - Program Manager Non Tech 2

Job#: 3015231

Job Description:

Job Description: Program Manager Non-Tech 2 - Research Operations

Location: Microsoft - Remote

Team Purpose: Supporting research and growth of Copilot within Microsoft's suite of tools
Overview

We are seeking a Research Operations Program Manager to design, scale, and optimize global programs that amplify the impact of our world-class UX Research team. This role is critical in removing barriers to great research by building operational systems, connecting teams and knowledge, managing customer feedback panels, and streamlining processes.

You will collaborate closely with Research Managers and Researchers to lead strategic planning, manage complex projects, and connect resources to research needs. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, drives operational excellence, and proactively identifies opportunities to leverage automation and AI to improve efficiency and impact.

Our Research Operations Program Managers are expert problem-solvers and relationship-builders who combine strong organizational skills with a passion for enabling research at scale.
Typical Day in the Role

• Purpose of the Team: Drive research and growth of Copilot across Microsoft's tool suite.
  • Key Projects: Research program support
  • Stakeholder and supplier engagement
  • Managing research tools and infrastructure

Key Responsibilities
Program & Process Design

• Build and scale research programs that reduce friction and enhance researcher impact.
• Develop operational systems for Experience Reviews, Audits, and Customer Programs.
• Establish scheduling protocols, governance frameworks, and compliance processes.
• Manage and evolve the team's visual identity and brand presence.

Tools & Infrastructure

• Manage research technology stack (UserTesting, Qualtrics, dscout, Marvin, etc.).
• Oversee licensing, training, vendor relationships, and budget allocation.
• Evaluate and implement new tools, including AI-driven solutions.
• Ensure compliance with best practices across research tools.

Knowledge Management

• Create systems for organizing and sharing research insights.
• Maintain libraries of templates, guides, and best practices.
• Keep SharePoint pages current and implement tagging/search functionality.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with legal, procurement, and security teams to streamline approvals.
• Develop communication strategies for internal and external research updates.
• Scale research impact through enablement programs and community-building.
• Ensure insights reach stakeholders via newsletters, SharePoint, and Teams channels.

Onboarding, Project Allocation & Offboarding

• Facilitate onboarding for new hires and contractors (tool access, knowledge base orientation, process training).
• Manage offboarding processes to ensure smooth transitions and knowledge preservation.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

Candidate Requirements
Disqualifiers

• Candidates leaning heavily toward business administration or purely technical PM roles without research operations experience will not be eligible.

Best vs. Average Candidate

• Best: Deep experience in research operations, prior Microsoft experience (to reduce ramp-up time), familiarity with user testing or similar research tools.
• Average: General PM background without specialized research operations expertise.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, UX, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years in research operations, user research, or related roles.
• Proven ability to build and scale operational systems and processes.
• Strong project management skills and experience with research tools.
• Understanding of research methodologies and lifecycle.

Preferred

• Experience in enterprise technology or high-growth environments.
• Background in UX research or customer insights.
• Familiarity with legal, procurement, and compliance for research.
• Knowledge management and vendor negotiation experience.
• Awareness of AI and automation trends in research operations.

What We Value

• Resourceful, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Ability to operate independently and embrace ambiguity.
• Passion for enabling research and driving impact at scale.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.