Human Factors Specialist

Human Factors Specialist – Rail Operations Location: Flexible UK location, with regular national travel to operational and maintenance sites Salary: £45,000–£60,000 depending on experience Employment: Permanent Reporting to: Head of Safety Greys Specialist Recruitment is supporting a national rail-services organisation in appointing a Human Factors Specialist. This is an applied Human Factors role, not a general Health and Safety position. You will provide technical expertise to operational managers and HSEQ teams, supporting the Head of Safety with the tactical delivery of a national Human Factors Strategy. Strategic ownership remains with the Head of Safety. You will translate the strategy into assessments, improvement programmes, coaching, assurance, performance data and measurable change. Academic knowledge alone is insufficient: you must demonstrate practical application of recognised Human Factors methods in a complex operational environment. The role Working across rail operations and maintenance, you will embed Human Factors into operational risk, assurance, investigations, organisational change, fatigue, workload, ergonomics, human performance, safety culture, training, data and continuous improvement. Key responsibilities: * Develop Human Factors standards within the Safety Management System and support operational and maintenance assessments covering workstation design, shift patterns and work processes. * Embed Human Factors into expansion initiatives and organisational-change assessments. * Manage improvement projects, action plans and agreed recommendations through to completion. * Facilitate Learning Teams; support investigations using Human Factors techniques; embed HF reviews into high-potential investigations; and report recurring learning themes. * Support fatigue, workload and ergonomics programmes. * Produce performance reports, dashboards, KPIs and trend analysis for operational HSEQ reviews and senior safety governance. * Develop toolbox talks, awareness materials, standards, templates and guidance; coach managers; and build internal Human Factors capability. * Represent the organisation in internal projects and industry working groups, travelling to UK operational and maintenance sites as required. Essential requirements You must have: * A bachelor’s degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or a closely related discipline. * Experience supporting operational-improvement initiatives and applying Human Factors principles in complex environments. * Practical experience using at least one of: HEART, SHERPA, task analysis, workload analysis, Learning Teams, human error analysis or ergonomic assessments. * Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technical findings to non-specialists, collaborating across functions and influencing operational stakeholders. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant data-analysis software. * Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK. General Health and Safety experience without applied Human Factors knowledge will not be sufficient. Desirable experience * Rail, transport, engineering or another high-hazard industry, ideally involving operational, engineering or maintenance teams. * Transport-sector safety regulations, RSSB Human Factors guidance, ORR RM3 and Safety Management Systems. * Supporting operational or safety investigations. * Conducting user-experience research and converting findings into practical recommendations. * Microsoft Power BI, dashboards and trend analysis. Rail experience is advantageous but not essential. Relevant Human Factors experience from another complex engineering, transport or high-hazard environment will be considered. First-year priorities You will help: * Complete a Human Factors maturity assessment, gain approval for an improvement plan and establish an annual programme. * Review the ten highest operational risks, implement recommendations and present progress to senior safety governance. * Embed Human Factors review into high-potential investigations and report learning themes quarterly. * Build internal capability through manager coaching, toolbox talks and learning sessions. * Deliver planned initiatives, report KPIs monthly, track benefits and close agreed actions. Stakeholders and approach You will work with senior safety and ESG leaders, depot and production leadership, fleet engineering, operations, HSEQ, HR, Occupational Health and Learning and Development. External relationships may include RSSB, ORR, Network Rail, train operators, industry Human Factors groups, contractors and universities. You must build collaborative relationships, challenge constructively, use evidence and influence without direct authority. Visible safety leadership, integrity, professionalism and the ability to translate technical principles into practical improvements are essential. Why apply? This is an opportunity to apply Human Factors expertise across a complex national rail environment and improve safety, operational effectiveness and workforce wellbeing. The portfolio is varied, with clear first-year objectives and exposure to senior operational and safety stakeholders. Please apply with a CV showing your relevant degree, operational environments, applied Human Factors methods, assessments or improvement programmes, stakeholder experience, location and ability to travel nationally. All applications will be handled confidentially. Responsibilities may evolve with future business needs and professional development. Please contact Max Painter