The Role
As the Head of Human Factors, you will provide strategic leadership and technical authority for Human Factors across UCD. You will be accountable for setting the Human Factors vision, maintaining technical standards, assuring delivery quality, and supporting the continued growth of UCD as a leading Human Factors consultancy within safety‑critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Define, own, and evolve UCD’s Human Factors strategy, standards, and methodologies
Act as technical authority for Human Factors across all projects and client engagements
Provide assurance and oversight of Human Factors deliverables to ensure regulatory and client expectations are met
Support bid development, proposal writing, and scope definition for Human Factors work
Engage with clients as a trusted advisor on Human Factors Integration and safety‑critical design
Represent UCD at design reviews, assurance panels, and senior governance forums
Leadership and Capability Development
You will be a natural leader, specifically you will:
Lead, mentor, and develop the Human Factors team including Principal, Senior, and Junior consultants
Set clear technical expectations and provide coaching to ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery
Support recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning for the HF capability
Champion UCD’s values as set out in our Credo, fostering a psychologically safe, supportive environment with a strong focus on client delivery and commercial awareness
Technical Scope
Human Factors Integration Planning and governance
Task Analysis, Error Identification, and Human Reliability Analysis
Usability engineering and user‑centred design assurance
Safety case and assurance support in regulated environments
Development of HF standards, guidance, and training
Security and Regulatory Requirements
Due to the nature of UCD’s work, the role requires eligibility for UK Security Clearance
Minimum requirement is Security Check (SC); Developed Vetting (DV) is desirable for some client engagements
Candidates must be Sole British nationals with no restrictions on obtaining security clearance
Compliance with client, site, and regulatory security requirements is mandatory
Skills and Experience
Extensive experience delivering Human Factors in safety‑critical or highly regulated environments
Proven experience operating as a technical authority or lead HF practitioner
Strong knowledge of HF integration, HRA, task and error analysis, and usability engineering
Excellent report writing, presentation, and stakeholder‑management skills
Established and trusted relationships with clients, with the credibility to strengthen existing partnerships and create new opportunities for UCD
Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on technical involvement
Qualifications
Degree or postgraduate qualification in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology, or a related discipline
Professional membership of a relevant body (e.g. CIEHF) is desirable
Chartered or working towards Chartered status is advantageous
Reporting Line
The Head of Human Factors reports to the UCD Director(s) and works closely with senior leadership to shape the technical, cultural, and strategic direction of the business.
UCD’s Package
People are UCD’s greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package designed to attract and retain exceptional talent.
Salary and Bonus: Up to £90,000 per annum, plus individual and business performance related bonus (dependent on skills and experience)
Annual Leave: 25 days of paid leave to rest and recharge
Bank Holidays: Take them when they suit you, allowing flexibility around your life
Flexible Working: We consider part time hours and flexible arrangements - please indicate your preference in your application
Pension: Employer pension contributions included
Professional Membership: Reimbursement of fees for one relevant professional body
Training Budget: £1,000 annual personal training and development allowance
Share Options: Opportunity to participate in company share schemes
