Human Factors Lead

Yarra Trams; Somerville; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel pass for Victoria Public T

Competitive salary

Career growth opportunities

Workplace flexibility

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Yarra Trams is seeking a Human Factors Lead to establish and drive a comprehensive human factors capability across the organisation. You will provide expert guidance on fatigue risk management, safety culture, and design of equipment and interfaces to enhance safety and usability.

This role sits in Safety & Security and involves coordinating investigations, external consultants, and change management efforts.

Qualifications

• Mandatory qualifications in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Ergonomics or Human Factors.
• Experience implementing Fatigue Risk Management systems across organisations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a human factors capability across the organisation.
• Provide specialist subject matter expertise in fatigue risk management and deployment.
• Guide human factors in design to optimise safety, efficiency and usability.
• Support investigations with human factors analysis and system-wide recommendations.
• Procure and liaise with external consultants for projects.
• Assess human factors impacts during Management of Change processes.

Skills

Fatigue Risk Management

Human Factors

Stakeholder Engagement

Change Management

Analytical Skills

Training & Competency

Education

Psychology degree

Behavioural Science degree

Ergonomics degree

Human Factors qualification

Job description

At Yarra Trams, we’re not just moving people — we’re moving Melbourne. Your journey is our passion, and it drives everything we do. From the tracks to the teams behind them, we’re committed to delivering world‑class service — and it all starts with passionate people like you. We’re on the lookout for a Human Factors Lead in this newly established position. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and embed human factors capability across the organisation, influencing how we design work, manage risk, develop systems and support frontline operations. As part of our Safety & Security team, you’ll lead the application of human factors principles and methods to improve safety, performance and operational resilience. You'll work across all business areas, providing expert guidance on areas such as fatigue risk management, safety culture, workplace design, workload and the interaction between people, technology and systems. If you're passionate about influencing organisational change, and helping create safer, more reliable operations, this could be your next stop.

About the role:

• Establish and lead a human factors capability, providing coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance across the organisation
• Provide specialist subject matter expertise in fatigue risk management, supporting the development and implementation of plans and practices across the organisation
• Provide guidance on human factors in design (e.g. equipment, interfaces, procedures, and processes) to optimise safety, efficiency, and usability
• Support investigations by providing expert human factors analysis and contributing to system‑level recommendations
• Procure and liaise with external consultants contributing to Infrastructure & Fleet projects
• Support Management of Change processes by assessing human factors impacts of proposed operational and organisational changes

About You:

This role will suit someone with expertise from safety critical organisations, backed up by mandatory qualifications in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Ergonomics, or Human Factors.

• Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing Fatigue Risk Management systems and supporting operational deployment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills across all organisational levels.
• Strong analytical capability and ability to translate research into practical, operational solutions.
• Demonstrated success in leading change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated capability in at least three of the following Human Factors disciplines:
• Safety Culture and Behaviour
• Human Factors in Investigation
• Human Factors in Design
• Safety Critical Communications
• Management of Change
• Training and Competency

For a confidential discussion about the role, please feel free to contact Steven Nield, Manager Talent Acquisition & Social Inclusion on either; M [phone] E : [e-mail]

About our Recruitment Process:

• Review: We review and shortlist applications as they arrive, and we may progress strong candidates before the campaign closes. While most applications are assessed after the closing date, early applicants who closely match the role requirements may be contacted sooner. Every application is reviewed first by our Talent Acquisition team and then by the relevant Hiring Manager to ensure a consistent and thorough evaluation.
• Interview: Our interviews are the best way for us to get to know you and determine your fit for the role through questions focused on your behaviours, skills and experiences. Our preference is to meet you face to face but we’re also happy to accommodate virtual interviews to suit your circumstances.
• Background & pre‑employment checks: If you’re the preferred candidate we’ll ask you to go through a series of background checks, including references, working rights, drug & alcohol and medical checks which are standard for all positions within Yarra Trams.
• Offer: Once we’ve had conversations around salary and notice periods, your offer will be extended to you via a secure online platform for your review and acceptance. We’ll then also be in touch with you as you go through Onboarding and your commencement.

Why Yarra Trams?

We’re proud to be part of Melbourne’s heartbeat. At Yarra Trams, you’ll find a supportive team, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow your career while making a difference in the lives of thousands of passengers every day. As the operator of the world’s largest tram network and an iconic part of Melbourne’s transport system, Yarra Journey Makers is dedicated to serving communities by ensuring safe and reliable travel every day. Join a team focused on helping people and delivering better tram journeys to keep Melbourne moving forward.

Additionally, you will receive:

• A Free travel pass for Victoria’s Public Transport Network.
• Competitive salary and great conditions.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Workplace flexibility.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Paid Parental leave policies.

Yarra Trams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.