At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UX research to shape product direction and inspire innovative design.
- Company: Join Google, a leader in user-focused technology and design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on user experience and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on products used by billions while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 8 years of research experience, with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 8 years of experience in an applied research setting, or similar.
- 3 years of experience leading design projects and managing people or teams.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e. g., ethnographic field studies, lab studies, survey design, statistical analysis, usability testing, and foundational/generative research).
Preferred qualifications
- Master's degree or Ph D in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Statistics, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field.
- 7 years of experience working with executive leadership (e. g., Director level and above).
- 5 years of experience managing projects, and working in a large, matrixed organization.
- Experience establishing research standards, frameworks, and operations—including leveraging modern tools (e. g., AI-assisted workflows) to accelerate team research processes.
- Track record of translating ambiguous user research into product strategy and influencing long-term roadmaps across cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Design).
- Passion for building a growth-oriented team culture with an ability to coach researchers from early-career to executive levels.
About the job
At Google, we "Focus on the user and all else will follow." As a UX Research Manager, you will help define and drive the future of Google design by clarifying strategy and conceptualizing UX ecosystems.
You are an expert researcher, a visionary leader, and a fierce advocate for both users and your team.
You will be responsible for guiding the careers of your team members, helping them realize their full potential, and inspiring forward-thinking design.
You are an expert in qualitative research methods—such as field studies, interviews, and diary studies—to shape product development and influence overall strategy.
In this role, you will understand both the execution and business aspects of our products, collaborating with leaders across UX, Engineering, and Product Management to create innovative experiences, leveraging your passion for brand, craft, and design quality.
User experience is at the forefront of how we create intuitive, innovative, and beautiful products that people love.
We strive to learn and understand our users’ needs, behaviors, and emotions to gather insights that inform product strategy and design.
Our UX teams include designers, researchers, content strategists, and engineers who are passionate about quality, usability, and simplicity.
We work on collaborative teams to solve complex challenges and craft experiences that highlight our products’ unique capabilities and personalities.
Our work touches billions while exemplifying a key principle that is core to Google’s philosophy: “Focus on the user and all else will follow.”
Responsibilities
- Identify high-impact opportunities in ambiguous spaces, developing user research strategies that shape product direction and align cross-functional goals.
- Balance tactical usability studies with foundational strategic research to address immediate needs and long-term goals.
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of UX researchers, setting goals and scaling modern methodologies and workflows.
- Partner with Engineering, Product, and Design leadership to integrate user research into core roadmaps and drive user-first principles.
- Manage resources to maximize business impact while inspiring innovation and contributing to a healthy, collaborative research community.
UX Research Manager, Play in London employer: Google
Google is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, team members have access to numerous growth opportunities and resources to enhance their skills. Working remotely in the UK allows for a flexible work-life balance while being part of a globally recognised leader in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UX Research Manager, Play in London
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you find a role that excites you, like the one at Google for a UX Research Manager, Play, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like Google before they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace UX Research Manager, Play in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like UX Research Manager, Play at Google, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!
Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work Google does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to Google. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at Google.
How to prepare for a job interview at Google
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with Google, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. Google might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at Google!
✨Show Passion for User Experience
In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what Google is looking for.
