[Remote] Research Program Manager IV

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