Program Manager - Research Programs

Job Description

About Pulse Labs

Pulse Labs is a UX research and data operations firm backed by Google and Amazon. We specialize in high-impact, real-world UX research across emerging technologies, including AI, automotive systems, voice assistants, and connected devices.

We run complex, multi-study research programs spanning multiple regions, methodologies, and cross-functional teams. As this portfolio scales, our Program Management function serves as the operational backbone ensuring delivery remains predictable, aligned, and sustainable.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to take full ownership of large, complex research programs. This is a senior delivery leadership position requiring independent judgment, executive presence with clients, and the ability to drive operational clarity across multiple concurrent workstreams.

The ideal candidate thinks in systems, communicates with precision, and is energized by bringing structure and clarity to complex, fast-moving environments.

Program Ownership & Planning

• Serve as the single accountable leader for end-to-end program success across one or more large-scale research programs
• Own the integrated program roadmap and timelines across all studies, waves, and regions, maintaining a proactive 30/60/90-day forward view
• Sequence work to balance risk, capacity, and priority; translate commercial commitments into operationally feasible delivery plans
• Resolve cross-functional resource conflicts and serve as the definitive authority on delivery trade-offs

Risk, Scope & Client Communication

• Identify and track program-level risks before they escalate; escalate material risks early with clear mitigation options
• Maintain disciplined change governance, evaluate the impact of scope or timeline changes and push back when commitments pose delivery risk
• Serve as the primary delivery voice to client stakeholders, providing consolidated program-level updates and surfacing trade-offs proactively
• Partner with Account Managers to validate feasibility and ensure unified alignment on all client-facing commitments

Cross-Functional Alignment & Program Health

• Align UX Operations, UX Research, Panelist Success, recruitment, and Engineering teams around a unified program view. 
• Identify systemic bottlenecks and partner with functional leads to drive scalable, repeatable improvements
• Contribute to shaping how the Program Management function operates as it matures

Requirements

• 7+ years managing complex, multi-project or multi-program initiatives with significant cross-functional scope
• Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end delivery accountability; not just coordination, across large-scale programs
• Strong planning and roadmapping skills; ability to build and maintain integrated program-level plans
• Track record of proactive risk identification, escalation, and mitigation
• Excellent communication skills with senior internal and client stakeholders
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and evolving requirements while maintaining operational clarity

Preferred

• Background in UX research, research operations, or research program management
• Familiarity with research study lifecycles: recruitment, data collection, and varied methodologies
• Experience in professional services, agency, or consulting environments
• Exposure to managing programs across multiple international regions and time zones

Our Ideal Candidate

You take ownership without being asked, bring structure to complexity, and hold the line on delivery integrity. You don’t just track programs, you lead them. 

• Thinks in systems and sees across the full delivery landscape
• Calm and structured in complex, fast-moving environments
• Communicates clearly with both internal teams and senior client stakeholders
• Holds a high bar for quality and is motivated by long-term program health
• Comfortable making consequential decisions and standing behind them