Senior Manager, Ergonomics & Human Factors

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

23h

About The Position

The Global EHS Senior Manager – Ergonomics and Human Factors partners on the development and execution of human-centered design strategies for performance wearables, costumes, and puppetry systems. The role applies ergonomic design principles to optimize performer safety, mobility, comfort, cognitive load, and overall human performance. Working closely with Creative, Production, Engineering, and EHS teams, the position integrates ergonomics into the design, fabrication, and use of costumes and puppets across global productions to reduce injury risk, enhance performer capability, and support artistic intent. The role also leads global ergonomics and injury-prevention programs, supports EHS policies and regulatory compliance, and embeds ergonomic practices into operations, productions, rehearsals, backstage workflows, maintenance, fabrication, and capital projects. It establishes performance metrics, analyzes injury trends and feedback, uses technology and data to guide improvements, develops training and site-level capability, and influences senior stakeholders across a global, matrixed organization. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with a master's degree preferred. The role requires at least 10 years of experience in ergonomics, human factors, or occupational safety and health, including experience in global or multi-site environments. Direct experience with costume design, wearable systems, puppetry, or performance environments is strongly preferred. A Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or equivalent is required, along with a CSP, CIH, or related EHS certification.

Requirements

Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or equivalent.
CSP, CIH, or related EHS certification.
Bachelor's degree in Ergonomics, Human Factors, Kinesiology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Occupational Health, or a related field.
10 or more years of experience in ergonomics, human factors, or occupational safety and health.
Experience in global or multi-site environments.
Extensive knowledge of applicable EHS regulations and ability to identify and analyze information across varied workplace conditions.
Strong communication, engagement, teamwork, and influencing skills to promote and support change.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to resolve and interpret issues associated with high-level risk assessments.
Understanding of basic operational concepts related to high-risk operations and risk assessment.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and ensure compliance and completion.
Ability to assess the labor and equipment needed for projects and develop execution plans.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and presentation development and delivery.
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 creative and operational environments.
Strong cross-functional leadership and influencing capabilities, including leading through influence in a global, matrixed organization.
Ability to balance safety, performance, and creative excellence; drive enterprise consistency while enabling local flexibility; and champion continuous improvement and innovation.
Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Direct experience with costume design, wearable systems, puppetry, or performance environments.
Proven success delivering injury reduction and integrating ergonomics into operations and design.

Responsibilities

Partner with Creative, Costume, and Puppet Design teams to optimize mobility, fit, thermal comfort, and visibility; minimize biomechanical strain and fatigue; and improve the usability and safety of wearable systems.
Conduct ergonomic design reviews for character costumes, full-body suits, manual and assisted puppetry systems, and performance-related props and equipment.
Establish ergonomic design standards and approval processes within creative workflows.
Lead enterprise-wide ergonomics programs aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders and overexertion injuries.
Develop standardized tools, risk-assessment methodologies, and control strategies; identify high-risk tasks and drive engineering and administrative controls.
Support global safety policies, work with site EHS teams on local programs, and contribute to operational safety and hazard identification.
Integrate ergonomics into incident investigations, root-cause analysis, safety management systems, global policies, and governance frameworks; provide technical expertise for regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
Collaborate with Production and Operations teams to embed ergonomics into rehearsals, performance schedules, backstage workflows, task design, maintenance, and fabrication.
Support global site-level implementation of ergonomics improvements and participate in design reviews for new builds, shows, and capital projects.
Establish ergonomics and safety KPIs, analyze injury trends, leading indicators, and performer feedback, and drive data-informed continuous improvement.
Use motion analysis, wearables, and observational tools to inform decisions.
Develop global training in 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 and mentor regional safety and ergonomics practitioners.
Collaborate with senior EHS, Creative, and Operations leaders; influence decisions, balance artistic vision with ergonomics and risk mitigation, and interface with external experts, consultants, and industry bodies.
Follow established UO EHS policies, procedures, and training, and participate in team-member involvement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.