Freelance Food Recipe Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Part of What's Next

Great recipes do more than inspire-they earn trust in the kitchen. Good Housekeeping is looking for a culinary leader to shape the recipes our audiences cook, share and return to, setting a high bar for creativity, reliability and usefulness across every platform.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines' portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S. - including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper's BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics - inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing 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, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world-and together, we are shaping what's next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Lead the development, editing and production of original recipes for Good Housekeeping across digital, print and social platforms, setting and upholding high standards for quality, accuracy, reliability and accessibility for home cooks.
• Oversee the end-to-end recipe workflow, from ideation and testing through revisions and publication, ensuring a consistent pipeline and timely delivery of high-quality recipe content across platforms.
• Establish rigorous recipe testing and editorial standards, editing recipes for clarity, consistency, technique and brand voice while ensuring alignment with Good Housekeeping Institute standards for trust, usability and performance.
• Shape recipe packages and culinary programming in partnership with editors, using seasonal trends, audience interests, service journalism, SEO opportunities and social engagement to inform compelling ideas.
• Integrate the expertise of the Kitchen & Cooking Lab-including product testing insights, kitchen knowledge and consumer research-into recipe development, while identifying editorially sound opportunities to feature appliances, cookware and kitchen tools.
• Cultivate and manage a diverse network of freelance recipe developers, culinary experts, food creators and stylists, providing assignments, creative direction and thoughtful editorial feedback while building relationships with emerging culinary talent.
• Collaborate with editors, designers, photographers, video producers, social teams and product testing teams to bring food stories to life, including recipes supporting appliance reviews, buying guides and editorial features.
• Represent Good Housekeeping's culinary expertise internally and externally, contributing to photo and video shoots, special editorial projects, events and brand initiatives, and strengthening the brand's presence at relevant industry events and culinary gatherings.

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)

• 8+ years of experience in recipe development, food editorial, culinary content or a related field, with significant experience developing, testing and editing recipes for a consumer audience.
• Deep knowledge of recipe development and testing, cooking techniques, ingredients and culinary standards, with a strong understanding of what makes recipes clear, dependable and approachable for home cooks.
• Demonstrated editorial judgment and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate culinary expertise into engaging content across digital, print, social and video platforms.
• Strong leadership and project-management skills, including the ability to manage a high-volume content pipeline, balance competing priorities and maintain exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience assigning and editing the work of freelance contributors and building relationships with culinary experts, creators and other food talent.
• A collaborative mindset and demonstrated ability to partner effectively across editorial, creative, video, social, audience development and product testing teams.
• Baking expertise, experience cooking across a range of cuisines, and food styling experience are all a plus.
• Familiarity with audience insights, SEO, social trends and evolving consumer behaviors in food and cooking is preferred.
• This role is based in New York City and requires working in the office four days per week.

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary range for this role is $116,000-$140,000. This position is not eligible for bonus or commission compensation. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

Hearst Magazines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This is a position covered under the Writers Guild of America, East, Collective Bargaining Agreement.