Director of Labs, CNET Group
Description
The Opportunity:
CNET Group is seeking a technically savvy Labs Director who will lead our expert team of Lab Engineers and Technicians as well as the onsite CNET Group lab operations in our 15,000 square foot facility in Louisville, Kentucky. This leader will guide daily product testing, generating proprietary test data for use across brands in the CNET Group portfolio, which includes CNET, PCMag, Mashable, Lifehacker and ZDNET.
The Labs Director will also help lead wider Labs efforts and projects across brands, including standardizing test processes for internal stakeholders and helping design and launch new tests as needed. As a people manager, the Labs Director will guide the team to achieve a high standard of work while maintaining production goals. The role will support the adoption of internal tools and assist in planning and executing the complex needs of a coordinated CNET Group Labs project. This position reports to and works closely with CNET Group’s VP of Growth and Optimization to help achieve the team’s broader business goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Effectively manage and oversee a team of onsite Labs engineers and technicians to meet quality, efficiency and productivity targets
- Oversee a 15,000 square-foot testing facility in Louisville, KY
- Help lead a coordinated labs effort across CNET Group brands
- Possess mechanical and buildout skills for physical assembly of test beds a strong bonus – e.g. welding, construction, etc.
- Anticipate and troubleshoot product testing needs, including methodology
- Drive analysis of test results that promote insights that serve CNET Group audiences
- Help drive the evolution and adoption of internal tools
- Prioritize testing schedule to align with broader business mission
- Work effectively with cross-functional partners
- Embrace a problem-solving mindset to tackle challenges
- Collaborate, problem solve, and find compromises with editors on testing methodologies
- Communicate effectively with VP of Growth and Optimization
Job Qualifications:
- 5+ years of direct or commensurate experience in a product testing role
- 2+ years experience managing direct reports
- Mechanical, chemical, and/or software engineering background preferred
- Extensive practical knowledge of product testing methodology and analysis
- Excellent communication skills, including an appreciation for and willingness to participate in publishing and journalism in both video and written settings
- Ability to organize and manage complex projects
- Ability to motivate a team to deliver quality against deadlines
- Proven self-starter with a track record of success
- Strong work ethic with a high degree of determination and drive; strong organizational skills
- Effectively identifies and communicates potential opportunities and issues
- Solutions-oriented mindset and team player
- Keen attention to detail
- Familiarity with tech publishing and journalism a plus
- Ability to work 40 hours per week in-person at the Louisville testing facility; no remote or hybrid option available for this role
About CNET Group
CNET Group, part of the Ziff Davis portfolio, is a growing collective of premium publishers, each providing a unique perspective on a unified belief: tech is today’s lifestyle. Our content empowers the world to use tech for personal development in all areas of life, and we seamlessly guide our readers toward the products and services that make their lives better.
Our Benefits
CNET Group offers competitive salaries in addition to robust, health and wellness-focused benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life and disability benefits. Our employees enjoy Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), a 401(k) with company match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
We are committed to work-life balance with Flexible Time Off, Volunteer Time Off, and paid holidays. We offer family building and caregiving support and generous Family Care and Parental leave, when you need it. We also provide Fitness Reimbursement and access to wellness programs, ensuring our team stays healthy both physically and mentally.
At Ziff Davis, we remain dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We offer Employee Resource Groups, company-sponsored events, and regular opportunities for professional growth through educational support, mentorship programs, and career development resources. Our employees are recognized and celebrated through employee engagement programs and recognition awards.
If you're seeking a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you can see the direct impact of your performance and thrive both personally and professionally, then CNET Group is the place for you.
Compensation Range
Ziff Davis provides a range for the base pay. Factors that may be used to determine your actual pay may include your specific job related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The salary compensation for this role is $116,000 to $146,000. Individual pay within the compensation range for this business unit specific role is determined based on a variety of factors including experience, scope of the role, capabilities to perform the role, education and training, as well as business and company performance.
Ziff Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At Ziff Davis, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has always been about fairness, equal opportunity, and belonging. We are committed to maintaining a safe and professional work environment for all employees.