Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The client is seeking a highly autonomous Research Program Manager IV to lead the operational execution of high-visibility research initiatives. The role manages vendors, budgets, procurement, operational infrastructure, multi-market timelines, stakeholder communications, and complex problem-solving from strategy through execution.
Responsibilities
- Manage the **full vendor lifecycle**, from SOW scoping and negotiation through PO creation, invoice reconciliation, amendments, and renewals
- Serve as a key operations partner for multiple research vendors and vendor project managers
- Monitor vendor performance, identify risks, and drive timely resolution of issues and SLA concerns
- Manage rolling forecasts and **burn-rate tracking** across multiple research workstreams
- Identify budget risks early and develop recommendations for reallocations or corrective action
- Deliver clear, leadership-ready budget updates and program health reporting
- Navigate procurement and sourcing processes to establish new vendor engagements
- Partner with sourcing and procurement teams on competitive bids, contracts, and vendor requirements
- Ensure engagements follow internal procurement and compliance standards
- Create and maintain **trackers, dashboards, intake systems, canonicals, and other operational tools** that serve as the source of truth
- Build scalable processes that help research teams, vendors, and cross-functional partners work more effectively
- Continuously improve systems and workflows as programs expand
- Coordinate interdependent timelines across **vendors, international markets, and internal teams**
- Manage dependencies and sequencing across multiple workstreams and time zones
- Anticipate potential blockers and address risks before they impact program delivery
- Proactively communicate program health, milestones, risks, and key decisions
- Develop concise, polished reports, dashboards, and updates for senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
- Make sure stakeholders always have visibility into what's happening without having to chase you for updates
- Diagnose operational challenges and independently develop and drive solutions
- Resolve issues involving vendor performance, budget variances, procurement, and research pipelines
- Document processes, decisions, and institutional knowledge so programs remain sustainable and easy for others to navigate
Skills
- * **7–8+ years of experience** in program management, operations, research operations, consulting, or a comparable cross-functional environment
- * Proven experience managing **vendors, budgets, procurement, and complex programs**
- * Comfortable working independently with limited direction and bringing structure to ambiguous situations
- * Advanced **Google Sheets and/or Microsoft Excel** skills, including financial modeling, forecasting, and dashboards
- * Experience managing complex timelines involving multiple vendors, markets, and cross-functional stakeholders
- * Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex program information into clear, executive-ready updates
- * Highly organized, analytical, proactive, and comfortable managing competing priorities
- * Familiarity with **AI tools** and their use in improving workflows, efficiency, and operational scale
- * **7–8+ years** in program or operations management
- * End-to-end **vendor lifecycle management**
- * Budget ownership, forecasting, burn-rate tracking, and financial reporting
- * Experience with **Coupa, Buy@, or comparable procurement systems**
- * Multi-market and cross-functional program management
- * Building operational infrastructure and systems from the ground up
- * Executive-level stakeholder communication and reporting
- * Advanced Google Sheets / Excel
- * Proven ability to operate autonomously and thrive in ambiguity
- * UX Research Operations
- * Consulting
- * Large-scale research programs
- * International or global vendor management
- * Experience using AI to automate, streamline, or scale operational processes
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- PTO & sick leave
- Fully remote – U.S. only
Company Overview