Head of Human Factors

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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