Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level)
Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level)

Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level)

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful human factors projects in high-hazard industries and mentor junior consultants.
  • Company: Join ERM, a global leader in sustainability consulting.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, career progression, and a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in safety and operational reliability across diverse sectors.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Psychology or Human Factors; experience in high-hazard industries preferred.
  • Other info: Collaborate with an international network of experts and work on meaningful projects.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.

ERM is looking for an experienced Human Factors professional to help shape, grow, and champion our Human Factors capability. This is a senior role with real influence — leading high‐impact work across high‐hazard and process industries (including energy, chemicals, mining, and transport) while helping us expand into new opportunities and markets.

As a Principal Consultant, you’ll take the lead on complex, multi‐disciplinary human factors projects and proposals across major industrial sectors and capital programmes. You’ll apply human factors thinking to improve safety performance and operational reliability — from human factors in design and engineering, to safety culture, human performance, and reducing human error. Experience in Process Safety Technical Studies is a welcome advantage.

You’ll be part of an interdisciplinary, international network of ERM experts, collaborating across the UK, EMEA and globally. You’ll also play a visible role in shaping how human factors is delivered across the business. The role can be based in any of ERM’s core UK offices (London, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh or Aberdeen), with hybrid and flexible working fully supported. Some UK and occasional international travel is expected.

What you’ll be doing

  • Lead the delivery of human factors projects and programmes across high‐hazard industries.
  • Act as a trusted technical expert, providing leadership and insight across client engagements.
  • Lead Human Factors Engineering (HFE) studies and facilitate client workshops (e.g., Safety Critical Task Analysis).
  • Produce high‐quality reports and presentations that influence decision‐making at senior levels.
  • Play an active role in business development — shaping client conversations, leading proposals, and growing key accounts.
  • Manage project delivery, including scope, budgets, resources, and multi‐disciplinary teams.
  • Coach and mentor junior consultants, helping build capability and confidence across the team.

Who we’re looking for

  • Hold a degree in Psychology, Human Factors and/or Ergonomics (knowledge of Process Safety Technical Studies is a plus).
  • Be a chartered member of the IEHF (or equivalent), or eligible for chartership.
  • Experience in human factors, ideally within high‐hazard or process industries.
  • Be confident leading client engagements and influencing senior stakeholders.
  • Be comfortable working autonomously, navigating ambiguity, and managing multiple priorities.
  • Be an excellent communicator with strong analytical and report‐writing skills.

Why ERM

Joining ERM means joining a global team with a shared purpose: to shape a more sustainable future. You’ll benefit from:

  • The chance to work on large, complex, and genuinely meaningful projects where human factors has real impact.
  • Variety — exposure to a wide range of clients, industries, and international projects.
  • Clear opportunities for career progression, with tailored development, learning pathways, and access to senior leaders.
  • A supportive, inclusive culture built on collaboration, quality, and curiosity.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to help lead and grow Human Factors at ERM — shaping how we support clients on complex, high‐hazard projects — and you want your work to drive real, lasting change, we’d love to hear from you.

Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level) employer: Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

ERM is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects in high-hazard industries, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. With clear pathways for career progression and tailored development opportunities, employees are empowered to grow their expertise while contributing to meaningful sustainability initiatives. The flexible working arrangements and supportive environment make ERM a great place to build a rewarding career in the heart of the UK.
Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

Contact Detail:

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills in human factors. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can make a real impact!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Principal Consultant. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail down your delivery and ensure you come across as the expert you are.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe this shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps build a positive rapport with potential employers.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level)

Human Factors Engineering (HFE)
Safety Critical Task Analysis
Project Management
Analytical Skills
Report Writing
Client Engagement
Business Development
Coaching and Mentoring
Communication Skills
Degree in Psychology, Human Factors and/or Ergonomics
Chartered Membership of the IEHF or equivalent
Experience in high-hazard industries
Autonomous Working
Navigating Ambiguity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in human factors and process safety, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can make a real impact!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about human factors and how your skills align with our mission at ERM. Be genuine and let your personality come through — we love authenticity!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Principal Consultant, you'll need to influence senior stakeholders. Make sure your application reflects your strong communication and report-writing skills. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

How to prepare for a job interview at Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

✨Know Your Human Factors Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and methodologies in human factors, especially as they relate to high-hazard industries. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your expertise can directly benefit the company.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Consultant, you'll be expected to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or mentored junior consultants in the past. Highlight your ability to navigate complex situations and drive results.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions related to Human Factors Engineering (HFE) studies and safety culture. Brush up on your knowledge of Safety Critical Task Analysis and be ready to explain how you would approach these tasks in real-world scenarios.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex topics. Be ready to present a sample report or presentation that showcases your analytical skills and ability to influence decision-making.

Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level)
Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

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