Senior Manager, Ergonomics & Human Factors

The Global EHS Sr. Manager – Ergonomics and Human Factors partners on the development and execution of human-centered design strategies focused on performance wearables, costumes, and puppetry systems. This role ensures that performer safety, mobility, comfort, cognitive load, and overall human performance are optimized through ergonomic design principles. The role partners closely with Creative, Production, Engineering, and EHS teams to integrate ergonomics into the design, fabrication, and use of costumes and puppets across global productions. The objective is to reduce injury risk, enhance performer capability, and enable artistic intent through safe, innovative design.

Specialized Design Integration (Costumes & Puppetry):

• →Partner with Creative, Costume, and Puppet Design teams to:
  
  • →Optimize mobility, fit, thermal comfort, and visibility
  • →Minimize biomechanical strain and fatigue
  • →Improve usability and safety of wearable systems
• →Conduct ergonomic design reviews for:
  
  • →Character costumes and full-body suits
  • →Puppetry systems (manual and assisted)
  • →Performance-related props and equipment
• →Establish ergonomic design standards and approval processes within creative workflows

Global Ergonomics & Injury Prevention Programs:

• →Lead enterprise-wide ergonomics programs targeting reduction of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and overexertion injuries
• →Develop standardized tools, risk assessment methodologies, and control strategies
• →Identify high-risk tasks across both performance and operational environments
• →Drive implementation of engineering and administrative controls

Broader EHS Policy and Program Support:

• →Support and contribute to global safety policies, including:
  
  • →Creation of global health and safety policies
  • →Partner with site EHS teams to update/create local health and safety programs
  • →Operational safety and hazard identification
• →Partner with EHS leadership to integrate ergonomics into:
  
  • →Incident investigations and root cause analysis
  • →Safety management systems (SMS)
  • →Global policies and governance frameworks
• →Provide technical expertise for regulatory compliance and risk mitigation

Operational & Production Support:

• →Collaborate with Production and Operations teams to embed ergonomics into:
  
  • →Rehearsals and performance schedules
  • →Backstage workflows and task design
  • →Maintenance and fabrication activities
• →Support site-level implementation of ergonomics improvements globally
• →Participate in design reviews for new builds, shows, and capital projects

Data, Analytics & Continuous Improvement:

• →Establish KPIs and metrics for ergonomics and safety performance
• →Analyze injury trends, leading indicators, and performer feedback
• →Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights
• →Leverage technology (motion analysis, wearables, observational tools) to inform decisions

Training & Capability Building:

• →Develop global training programs on ergonomics, human factors, and injury prevention
• →Build capability across EHS, Creative, Engineering, and Operations teams
• →Establish and lead a network of site-level ergonomics champions
• →Mentor regional safety and ergonomics practitioners

Stakeholder Engagement:

• →Collaborate with senior leaders across EHS, Creative, and Operations
• →Influence decision-making to prioritize human-centered design and safety
• →Balance artistic vision with practical ergonomics and risk mitigation
• →Interface with external experts, consultants, and industry bodies
• →Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• →Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must be a self-starter with extensive knowledge of applicable EHS regulations, strong communication skills to identify and analyze information in a range of workplace conditions.
• Ability to influence and work in a team by applying communication, engagement, and skills to promote and support change.
• Strong analytical skills necessary to resolve and interpret problems associated with high level risk assessments.
• Understand basic operational concepts related to High-Risk Operations and Risk Assessment.
• Must be able to effectively manage multiple tasks to ensure compliance and completion with all.
• Must be able analyze and assess labor and equipment required to complete a project and initiate a plan to successfully execute.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office, presentation development and delivery
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

• Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or equivalent
• CSP, CIH, or related EHS certification
• Deep expertise in biomechanics, human performance, and fatigue management
• Knowledge of safety management systems and injury prevention strategies
• Strong understanding of wearable system design and material considerations
• Ability to integrate ergonomics into both creative and operational environments
• Advanced data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong influencing and cross-functional leadership capabilities
• Leads through influence in a global, matrixed organization
• Balances safety, performance, and creative excellence
• Drives enterprise consistency while enabling local flexibility
• Champions continuous improvement and innovation
• Reduction in MSDs and performer-related injuries
• Integration of ergonomics into global EHS programs and capital processes
• Adoption of ergonomics standards across creative and operational teams
• Improvement in leading indicators (risk assessments, corrective actions)
• Performer and employee safety perception and feedback

• Bachelor’s degree in Ergonomics, Human Factors, Kinesiology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Occupational Health, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred

• 10+ years in ergonomics, human factors, or occupational safety/health
• Experience in global or multi-site environments
• Direct experience with costume design, wearable systems, puppetry, or performance environments strongly preferred
• Proven success delivering injury reduction and integrating ergonomics into operations and design

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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