Project Manager - UX Research Vendor Operations

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Project Manager to support a high volume UX Research organization. This individual will own a portfolio of vendor engagements from initial intake through contract execution, purchase order issuance, and invoicing.

This is an ownership role rather than a traditional project support position. You will be accountable for keeping every engagement moving, proactively following up with stakeholders, identifying and resolving blockers, and communicating progress before being asked.

The team supports more than 700 UX Research projects annually , creating an opportunity to work across a broad portfolio of high value research initiatives while gaining early visibility into products and experiences being developed across the organization. You will join a collaborative and welcoming team where your ability to make an immediate impact is valued.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact and guide for UX Researchers navigating vendor and procurement processes

Own UX Research vendor engagements from intake through SOW creation and execution, PO issuance, and invoicing

Manage a portfolio of active engagements and ensure each case continues progressing toward completion

Coordinate across researchers, contract associates, vendors, approvers, and leadership

Proactively follow up with stakeholders and create urgency when actions or approvals are outstanding

Identify blockers quickly, recommend solutions, escalate appropriately, and drive issues through resolution

Provide proactive written updates to managers and stakeholders covering progress, risks, dependencies, and blockers

Anticipate stakeholder needs and potential issues before they delay an engagement

Maintain accurate KPI and SLA tracking and ensure strong data integrity

Maintain vendor resources, process documentation, team wikis, and toolkits

Identify recurring friction within the intake to contract process and recommend process improvements

Manage projects associated with implementing process improvements

Provide guidance regarding compliance policies associated with vendor engagements

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role requires a strong sense of ownership and urgency. You take action rather than waiting for direction, keep your commitments moving, and close the loop on outstanding items. Your manager and stakeholders know the status of your work because you communicate proactively, not because they need to ask.

You are comfortable operating independently in ambiguity, know when to escalate, and remain persistent when progress depends on someone else. Just as importantly, you bring empathy to the process and help internal stakeholders and external vendors navigate complex systems and competing priorities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree

4 or more years of experience in project coordination, project management, program management, procurement, vendor management, or operations

Demonstrated experience independently owning workstreams from beginning through completion

Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects or cases across cross functional teams and external partners

Strong ability to maintain momentum across a high volume portfolio with minimal day to day supervision

Experience proactively communicating status, risks, and blockers through regular written updates

Demonstrated experience using AI tools to increase productivity, efficiency, and overall throughput

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt communication for peers, cross functional stakeholders, and senior leadership

Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in ambiguous situations

Excellent organization, attention to detail, prioritization, and follow through

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in procurement, sourcing, contracting, or vendor management

Experience supporting research, R&D, UX, or creative organizations

Project or program management training or certification such as PMP or CAPM

Experience with case management, ticketing, or workflow management systems

Familiarity with UX Research or Research Operations

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.

Location : Remote - (Pacific and Central Time only)

Role type: Contract 12 Month Position (potential for extension)

Expected hours : 40 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

Do you or will you in the future require any sponsorship to work in the US?

Language:

English (Required)