Human Factors Specialist

Reporting to: Head of Safety - Arriva Rail Services
Contract: Permanent
Location: Flexible / Hybrid
 

Arriva Rail Services brings together a range of rail businesses that support the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of rail transport services across the UK. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to continuously improving safety performance, operational effectiveness and colleague wellbeing through innovation and industry best practice.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Rail Services Safety team as a Human Factors Specialist. In this role, you will support the implementation, monitoring and continual improvement of our Human Factors Strategy, providing specialist expertise, operational support and coaching to leaders and frontline teams across the business.

The Role - Human Factors Specialist

Reporting to the Head of Safety, you will play a key role in embedding Human Factors principles across Rail Services, helping to improve safety performance, operational effectiveness and workforce wellbeing. Working closely with operational managers, engineering teams and HSEQ professionals, you will deliver Human Factors programmes, support investigations, facilitate learning activities and provide data-driven insights that drive continuous improvement.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the delivery of the Rail Services Human Factors Strategy and Human Factors Integration programme.

• Provide specialist Human Factors expertise to operational and engineering teams.

• Coordinate and support Human Factors assessments across Rail Services operations.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, human performance and operational effectiveness.

• Support investigations and learning activities using Human Factors methodologies.

• Develop reporting, dashboards and trend analysis to support governance and decision-making.

• Build Human Factors capability through coaching, awareness and training activities.

• Support fatigue, workload, ergonomics and organisational change programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and maintenance of Human Factors standards within the Rail Services Safety Management System.

• Facilitate Human Factors assessments for operational and maintenance activities to optimise safety and efficiency.

• Coordinate assessments relating to workstation design, shift patterns, workload and working practices.

• Support business growth and organisational change projects by ensuring Human Factors principles are embedded throughout.

• Monitor Human Factors improvement projects and coordinate associated action plans.

• Facilitate Learning Teams and support the sharing of safety learning across the business.

• Support investigations using recognised Human Factors techniques.

• Produce Human Factors performance reports, dashboards, KPI reporting and trend analysis.

• Develop toolbox talks, awareness materials and learning resources.

• Coach managers and operational leaders in the practical application of Human Factors principles.

• Maintain Human Factors standards, guidance and templates.

• Represent Rail Services in internal and external industry working groups and forums.

Our Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or a related discipline.

• Experience supporting operational improvement initiatives and applying Human Factors principles within complex operational environments.

• Practical experience using Human Factors methodologies such as HEART, SHERPA, Task Analysis, Workload Analysis, Learning Teams, Human Error Analysis or Ergonomic Assessments.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and coach others.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate findings into practical improvements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions within a diverse operational environment.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within rail, transport, engineering or other high-hazard industries.

• Knowledge of RSSB Human Factors guidance.

• Knowledge of ORR RM3 and Safety Management Systems.

• Experience supporting investigations.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Power BI.

Why Join Arriva Rail Services?

This is an opportunity to influence safety, human performance and operational excellence across a diverse rail services portfolio. You'll work with operational leaders, safety professionals and industry stakeholders to deliver meaningful improvements that enhance both safety outcomes and colleague wellbeing.

Whether you're already working within the rail sector or looking to bring your Human Factors expertise from aviation, defence, manufacturing, energy or another safety-critical environment, you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact across the business.

How to Apply

All applications for this vacancy are to be submitted online. If you have applied and been rejected for this role or a role with a similar skill set in the last 6 months, we will not re-consider you for this position. After 6 months, we will treat your application as a new one.

Due to the energising nature of our vacancies, application close dates, when stated, are indicative and may be subject to change so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for this role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.

We acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures. Embracing diversity and inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.