
Director of Home Care and Cleaning Lab
Hearst Magazines
New York (Manhattan), NYThis is a Full Time Job
Be Part of What's Next
Lead the future of product testing in the home care space. As Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, you'll shape trusted consumer guidance across cleaning products, appliances, and tools-combining scientific rigor, hands-on testing, and compelling storytelling to help millions of readers make smarter decisions every day.
Key Responsibilities (What You'll Do)
• Lead the full product testing lifecycle across home care and cleaning categories-from test design and sample procurement through in-lab and consumer testing, analysis, and editorial review.
• Develop and oversee rigorous testing protocols using industry and proprietary methods while ensuring tests meet high standards and deadlines.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for Good Housekeeping content related to home care and cleaning, contributing insights across print, digital, and video platforms.
• Partner with editorial, design, photo, research, and video teams to translate complex test results into clear, engaging consumer guidance.
• Represent Good Housekeeping as a trusted authority at industry events, conferences, media appearances, and brand initiatives.
• Lead execution of key franchise programs, including the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Awards and product evaluations for the Good Housekeeping Seal.
• Manage and mentor a team of engineers, analysts, and freelance contributors while guiding lab operations and equipment planning.
• Monitor industry trends, safety developments, and emerging innovations to inform testing strategy and maintain Good Housekeeping's leadership in consumer trust.
Qualifications (What We're Looking For)
• Deep expertise in laboratory or product testing environments, ideally within consumer products, independent testing organizations, media labs, or manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on experience evaluating cleaning products, appliances, or home care technologies, with an understanding of performance testing and product claims.
• Ability to interpret data and translate findings into clear, actionable insights for consumer audiences.
• Strategic thinker with strong integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining rigorous testing standards.
• Experience leading or mentoring teams, contributors, or cross-functional partners in collaborative environments.
• Comfortable serving as a public-facing expert, including participating in video, live events, media opportunities, and industry conversations.
• Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for home care products, scientific testing, and the evolving media landscape.
• This role is based in New York, NY and operates on a hybrid schedule with four days per week in the office.
Salary/Benefits
$116,000 - $140,000 /year USD
The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors.
Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
Perks
• Work-life harmony
• Foster connection & belonging
• Grow your skills
Additional Information
Hearst Magazines' portfolio includes more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S., such as Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper's BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics, which inspire, entertain, and create bold experiences for an engaged audience across digital, video, social, and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, Hearst produces media and products that resonate across all platforms. As a global media company, it publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites worldwide, collectively shaping the future of media.