Research Program Manager IV

INSPYR Solutions•Remote Location, CA

17h•Remote

About The Position

We are looking for a Research Program Manager IV to lead end-to-end operational execution across complex, high-visibility research workstreams. This role requires a highly autonomous program leader who can build scalable operational systems, manage vendors and budgets, coordinate across multiple markets and stakeholders, and proactively identify and resolve risks. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in ambiguity and can independently create the structure, processes, and reporting needed to keep programs running efficiently.

Requirements

7–8+ years of experience in program management, operations management, research operations, consulting, or a similarly fast-paced cross-functional environment.
Demonstrated experience managing the end-to-end vendor lifecycle , including SOWs, POs, invoices, contracts, and renewals.
Strong experience with budget ownership , financial forecasting, burn-rate tracking, variance/risk identification, and budget reporting.
Experience using enterprise procurement systems such as Coupa, Guided Buying, Buy@, Ariba, or similar platforms .
Proven ability to manage multiple vendors, markets, workstreams, and cross-functional stakeholders simultaneously.
Experience building operational systems and program infrastructure from scratch.
Strong executive and stakeholder communication skills, with the ability to translate complex program information into concise, decision-ready updates.
Advanced proficiency with Google Sheets and/or Microsoft Excel , including financial modeling, dashboards, and reporting.
Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and proactively drive programs without requiring extensive direction.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting UX Research, Research Operations, Consumer Insights, or related research programs .
Experience managing international or multi-market programs across multiple time zones.
Background in a large-scale, fast-paced technology, consulting, or similarly complex organizational environment.
Experience improving or scaling operational processes as programs grow.
Familiarity with AI tools and experience using them to streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, or improve operational efficiency.
Demonstrated experience creating executive dashboards, program health reporting, and scalable knowledge-management systems.

Responsibilities

Own the full vendor lifecycle, including SOW scoping and negotiation, PO creation and amendments, invoice reconciliation, contract renewals, and ongoing vendor management.
Manage budgets across multiple workstreams, including rolling forecasts, burn-rate tracking, risk identification, reallocation recommendations, and leadership-ready reporting.
Navigate procurement and sourcing processes to establish new vendor engagements and ensure contractual and compliance requirements are met.
Build and maintain program infrastructure, including trackers, intake systems, dashboards, canonical documents, and other sources of truth.
Coordinate complex, interdependent timelines across multiple vendors, markets, time zones, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Proactively identify dependencies, operational risks, and potential blockers and drive solutions through completion.
Synthesize program health, risks, decisions, and financial status into clear communications for senior stakeholders.
Maintain documentation, processes, and institutional knowledge to support continuity and efficient onboarding.
Diagnose and resolve operational issues such as vendor SLA misses, budget overruns, timeline risks, or research pipeline challenges.