Research Operations Lead — AI-Driven Projects

Shapiro-Raj-2; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shapiro+Raj is seeking an execution-focused Project Manager to oversee custom research projects, both AI-based and traditional, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery. You will coordinate research, operations, vendors, and clients to keep studies cleanly aligned.

This role demands strong communication under pressure, ownership, and the discipline to follow established processes while adapting to changing conditions.

Qualifications

• Must have strong executional reliability and ownership.
• Clear communication under pressure is essential.
• Financial diligence and comfort with project tracking.
• Discipline to follow established processes and adapt when needed.
• Instinct to use AI and automation to improve work quality.
• Strong vendor and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Run the project against objectives and specifications, serving as a primary status contact.
• Lead project setup, scheduling, vendor coordination, and workflow management.
• Establish the operating plan for each engagement and keep milestones visible to the team.
• Serve as the day-to-day operational client liaison with clear expectations and proactive recommendations.
• Manage logistics across qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Evaluate progress, identify causes of shortfalls, and propose solutions.
• Own the financial health of the project: budgets, commitments, and costs; signal changes early.
• Serve as the main liaison among research, operations, vendors, and client contacts on execution issues.
• Ensure accuracy across trackers, budget documents, and file-sharing systems.
• Use approved AI/automation tools to reduce admin work and surface risk.

Skills

Execution

Communication under pressure

Financial diligence

Process discipline

AI & automation awareness

Vendor management

Job description

Shapiro+Raj is seeking an execution-focused Project Manager to oversee custom research projects, both AI-based and traditional, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery. You will coordinate research, operations, vendors, and clients to keep studies cleanly aligned.

This role demands strong communication under pressure, ownership, and the discipline to follow established processes while adapting to changing conditions.