At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Human Factors strategy and delivery for safety-critical environments.
- Company: Join a leading Human Factors consultancy with a focus on client delivery and team support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000, performance bonuses, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a dynamic team and shape the future of Human Factors at UCD.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safety-critical design while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Human Factors or related field; experience in regulated environments required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
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
Head of Human Factors in London employer: U CD
UCD is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary package and a supportive work culture. As the Head of Human Factors, you will lead a talented team in a psychologically safe environment, fostering innovation and collaboration while engaging with clients in safety-critical sectors. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to maintaining high technical standards, UCD provides a unique opportunity for meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of the UK.
