UX Research Operations Manager

Derflan is hiring for a long-term contract role with Microsoft. This position offers an exciting opportunity to support Azure research activities and employees through effective onboarding, recruiting, documentation, and general support. It is required that candidates have been a full-time employee (FTE) or contract employee at Microsoft in the past, with a minimum 6-month break since their last employment with Microsoft.

Base: $103k, Full Benefits

Start Date: ASAP

End: 4/30/25 (End date is expected to be extended through the end of the fiscal once more budget information is released. Intent is to extend the candidate for a full 18 months pending deliverable quality.)

Summary

The main function of this position is to operate programs and collaborations in support of Azure research activities and employees. This includes employee onboarding, procuring software, recruiting participants, and providing general support as assigned.

Key Projects

This role will contribute to:

• Onboarding and recruiting.
• Documentation.
• Supporting an internal Microsoft conference related to UX research.

Typical Task Breakdown and Operating Rhythm

• 25% Meetings
• Typically 1 meeting per day.
• Collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
• 75% Heads Down Work
• Ticket management/onboarding.
• Managing Azure DevOps (ADO) board to process recruiting opportunities.
• Documentation.
• Creating reports on current research projects and reviews.

What makes this role interesting? This role provides the opportunity to work with a team that has a great culture, offering flexibility and significant exposure to Microsoft's research cloud team, thereby expanding your professional network.

Candidate Requirements

• Years of Experience Required: 2-4 years of experience in the field.
• Best vs. Average: The ideal resume would include experience in developing and documenting processes, as well as communication with stakeholders or recruiting for a UX research team. Suitable titles include marketing with PM experience and Researcher.
• Performance Indicators: Performance will be assessed based on meeting deadlines, meeting SLAs, and quality of work.

Top 3 Hard Skills Required

1. Minimum 2-4 years of experience with Azure DevOps and Power BI.
2. Minimum 2-4 years of problem-solving skills.
3. Minimum 2-4 years of strong writing skills for technical and non-technical content.
4. Someone who enjoys learning and has a strong willingness to take initiative and problem-solving skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Onboard researchers to tools and programs available.
• Operate existing and develop new procedures for participant recruiting (advertising) needs.
• Measure the effectiveness of UX research recruiting campaigns and programs.
• Identify and create clarity in UX research processes.
• Create documentation according to set standards regarding clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
• Coordinate projects, making and implementing detailed plans to accomplish goals.
• Present and explain proposals, reports, and findings.
• Analyze technology, resource needs, and market demand to plan and assess the feasibility of projects.

Skills

• Experience designing, implementing, and documenting processes.
• Experience in creating documentation for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services.
• Knowledge of computer software, such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, etc., and work tracking tools.
• Verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, negotiation skills, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage one’s time.
• Be flexible and thrive in an evolving environment.
• [Preferred] Knowledge of Azure DevOps and MS PowerBI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 2-4 years of experience required in User Experience, Marketing, Program Management, or similar roles.
• Experience designing, implementing, and documenting processes.
• Experience in creating documentation for technical and non-technical audiences.

About Derflan:

A boutique consulting firm, Derflan specializes in serving high-tech clients such as Microsoft, Accenture, Citrix, and Google. Our commitment to ongoing role identification, competitive benefits, and a dynamic culture has fostered a loyal consultant base, many with us for over five years.

Benefits at Derflan:

For those working at least 30 hours per week, benefits include:

• Two weeks of vacation
• Ten federal holidays annually
• Comprehensive healthcare, vision, and dental plans
• 401k with match
• Home office expense reimbursement up to $100 per month