senior project manager, UX Research Operations

Starbucks; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with employer match

Tuition coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Starbucks seeks a Senior UX Research Operations Project Manager in the Seattle area to lead the planning and execution of research programs, ensuring digital product teams have the tools to conduct studies effectively. The role focuses on streamlining operations, coordinating logistics, and aligning cross‑functional partners across North America.

You will manage recruiting, scheduling, participant panels, and data usage reviews, mentor peers, and partner with Coffeehouse leaders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of research operations management in large, matrixed organizations.
• 5+ years working with UX research teams on complex projects.
• 5+ years building cross-functional relationships.
• 2+ years mentoring research professionals in operations.
• Experience recruiting and scheduling research participants.

Responsibilities

• Streamline research operations processes by identifying gaps and implementing improvements.
• Manage logistical needs for research studies (e.g., equipment, observation rooms, travel).
• Improve team efficiency by managing research tools and workflows.
• Track progress of research recruiting requests and timelines.
• Recruit and schedule research participants across US and Canadian markets.
• Partner with Coffeehouse leaders and partners to support research.
• Manage participant panels, consent forms, and data usage reviews.

Skills

Research operations

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Stakeholder communication

Recruiting participants

Outlook/Teams

Tools

Miro

Outlook

Teams

Figma

Jira

Job description

Now Brewing – UX Research Operations Project Manager, Sr.! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

Our User Experience team seeks to craft delightful experiences that make partners’ (employees’) lives easier. Combining research, design, and thoughtful critique, we’re discovering needs and solving fundamental problems that impact work and life for partners across North America. We’re a collaborative group, partnering with teams across design, product, engineering, and store operations.

We’re looking for a senior project manager, UX Research Operations in the greater Seattle area to support our UX research program and ensure our digital product teams have the tools and resources needed to conduct research effectively.

As a senior project manager, UX Research Operations you will:

• Streamline research operations processes by identifying gaps and executing improvement plans


• Manage logistical needs for research studies (e.g., Miro boards, equipment setup, observation rooms, travel)


• Improve team efficiency by managing and implementing research tools


• Track progress of research recruiting requests


• Recruit and schedule research participants across US and Canadian company-owned markets


• Partner with Coffeehouse leaders and partners


• Manage participant panels, consent forms, and data usage reviews

We’d Love To Hear From People With

• 5+ years of research operations management, including scope, time, cost, risk, quality, procurement, and communications


• 5+ years working with UX research teams managing complex or mid-sized projects


• 5+ years building strong cross‑functional relationships


• 2+ years mentoring research professionals in research operations


• 5+ years of corporate experience in large, matrixed organizations


• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and process‑oriented mindset


• Experience recruiting and scheduling research participants


• Strong Microsoft Outlook and Teams experience (Teams Live events a plus)


• Experience using UX tools (e.g., Figma, Jira)


• Ability to work onsite 4 days/week at the Starbucks Support Center (Seattle) with occasional local travel

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.

• Short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year.


• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well‑being tools.


• 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first‑time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement.

Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative.

For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to https://www.starbucksbenefits.comhttps://www.starbucksbenefits.com.

• If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We believe we do our best work when we’re together, which is why we’re onsite four days a week.

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with all applicable laws.

Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation or 1-888-611-2258.