Human Factors Specialist

Northern Gas Networks; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gas delivery company in the UK is looking for a Human Factors Specialist to enhance safety through human factors principles. This role involves providing expertise, driving cultural change, and integrating safety systems. Candidates require a BSc in Human Factors or equivalent and strong skills in health and safety legislation. A competitive salary starting from £61,737 is offered along with various benefits, including a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Salary from £61,737 per annum

Up to 10% bonus per annum

25 days annual leave

Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice options

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation in safety-critical industries.
• Hands-on experience applying human factors principles in real-world operations.
• Proven ability to influence behaviours and drive cultural and organisational change.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice to managers and teams across the business.
• Drive programmes that foster a learning culture through behaviour change initiatives.
• Embed human factors principles into processes and investigations.

Skills

Health & safety legislation knowledge

Human factors principles application

Ergonomics expertise

Fatigue management

Task and shift design

Behaviour influence

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Education

BSc in Human Factors / Ergonomics / Organisational Psychology

Member of IEHF

Job description

Overview

Human Factors Specialist — Salary from £61,737 (depending on experience, competitive). Up to 10% bonus. Hybrid working model — based at our offices in Sunderland or Leeds.

Are you driven by a curiosity for how people interact with complex systems, and passionate about using that insight to keep them safe? Do you want to shape culture, influence behaviours, and make a real impact on safety outcomes in a dynamic organisation where people are at the heart of everything we do?

We have a unique opportunity to join NGN as a Human Factors Specialist. In this role, your expertise, innovation, and guidance will help shape a business that truly puts people and safety first.

At Northern Gas Networks (NGN), safe, reliable operations begin with understanding people. We’re looking for someone who can embed human factors thinking at every level of our organisation, making safety not just a process, but a mindset.

A full UK driving licence is required for this role, as travel will be expected across our network.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Human Factors Expertise — provide specialist advice to managers and teams across the business
• Culture & Behaviour Change — drive programmes that foster a learning and fair culture through culture and behaviour change initiatives
• Safety Systems Integration — embed human factors principles into processes and investigations
• Task & Shift Design — analyse work, design safe job/shift patterns, and manage fatigue risks
• Project Leadership — lead cross-business safety projects and improvement campaigns
• Reporting & Insights — deliver clear, actionable reports to senior leaders and regulators
• Industry Engagement — act as a point of contact and engage with external stakeholders, such as the HSE and industry groups

What we are looking for

• Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation in safety-critical industries
• Hands-on experience applying human factors principles in real-world operations
• Expertise in ergonomics, fatigue management, task and shift design, and human error reduction
• Proven ability to influence behaviours and drive cultural and organisational change
• Skilled in integrating human factors into safety systems, processes, and investigations
• Excellent communication and engagement skills across all levels, from engineers to senior leaders and regulators
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with a practical approach to complex issues

Qualifications & Requirements

• BSc Human Factors / Ergonomics / Organisational Psychology or equivalent
• Member of IEHF

Desirable: NEBOSH Certificate

Ready to make a real impact? Join us and help shape a safer future where people and safety come first.

What we offer you

• Salary from £61,737 per annum
• Up to 10% bonus per annum
• 25 days annual leave (plus recognised bank holidays and 2 half days over the Christmas period)
• SSP for the first 2 calendar days then occupational sick pay
• A generous stakeholder 5/10 pension scheme
• Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice options — discounts on UK attractions, gym membership, restaurant discounts, experience days, and more
• Family-friendly policies such as 6 weeks paternity leave (for eligible employees) and 6 months' full pay for maternity leave (for eligible employees), as well as shared parental leave and more

We are Northern Gas Networks. We deliver gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses in the North East, Northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire, serving around 6.7 million individual customers. We transport gas to homes and businesses through a vast network of underground pipes, owning and maintaining more than 37,000 km of gas pipes.

Our Values are at the heart of what we do. In addition to your key responsibilities, you will incorporate these into the daily life of your role: Trailblazing, Empowered, Heartfelt, Community Focused, Intellectually Curious, and Happy.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion culture at NGN is embedded in everything we do. We welcome a diverse range of applicants and are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant, WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), and the Social Mobility Pledge campaign as part of our Opportunity Action Plan.

Next Steps

Please apply by clicking apply and uploading your CV. Ensure your transferable experience and skills are included. After the advert closes, we will be in touch within one week to progress to the next stage. We aim to hold interviews throughout October.

If you require adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail].