Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful human factors projects in high-hazard industries and mentor junior consultants.
- Company: Join ERM, a leader in environmental consulting with a focus on human factors.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career progression, and a supportive, inclusive 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: Opportunities for international travel and collaboration with global experts.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Make a real impact where it matters most. 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
- 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.
Equal Opportunity / Diversity and Inclusion
ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging.
Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level) employer: Erm
Contact Detail:
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 can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to human factors and process safety. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your past projects and achievements related to human factors and safety performance. We believe that having tangible examples can really set you apart during discussions with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in high-hazard industries.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Process Safety and Human Factors (Mid-Senior Level)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in human factors and any relevant projects you've led, especially in high-hazard industries. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re keen on seeing your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've influenced decision-making or led teams in previous roles. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised reports and presentations, so show us you can communicate effectively right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about ERM and our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at 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 ready to discuss how your expertise can improve safety performance and operational reliability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Consultant, you'll need to lead complex projects. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully led teams or influenced senior stakeholders. Highlight your ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and deliver results.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Think about potential client scenarios you might face in the role. Practice articulating how you would approach client workshops or Safety Critical Task Analyses. This will demonstrate your readiness to act as a trusted technical expert.
✨Craft High-Quality Reports and Presentations
Since producing reports and presentations is key, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Bring samples of your work if possible, and be prepared to discuss how your communication skills have influenced decision-making in the past.