Data Center Health & Safety Lead - Operations

Join a team defining the future of safe, sustainable, high-performance data infrastructure. As our Operations EHS Manager, you will oversee health and safety programs from early design through full facility operations. Your primary mission is simple: eliminate risk, maintain flawless compliance, and ensure our critical infrastructure runs entirely incident-free. Acting as a true strategic partner, you will bridge global corporate EHS policies with local regulations across the UK and Nordic regions.

Policy/Program Development and Risk Management:

• Develop and implement local policies and procedures to ensure compliance with global Verne standards.

• Conduct hazard analyses, risk assessments, and site inspections to identify potential safety concerns.

• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies specific to operational risks such as high-voltage equipment, battery storage systems, working at heights, and confined space work.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure strict adherence to all local Icelandic, EU, and international EHS regulations, where applicable.

• Oversee the acquisition and maintenance of all essential EHS permits, licenses, and compliance documentation.

• Serve as the main point of contact for external regulatory agencies (such as Vinnueftirlitið) during site inspections and official inquiries.

Incident Management & Prevention:

• End-to-End Incident Management by assisting local management carry out comprehensive investigations for all workplace accidents, near-misses, and safety observations across the business, ensuring timely reporting to leadership and regulatory agencies when .

• Conduct thorough Root Cause Analyses and partner with cross-functional departments to develop, implement, and track Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA) through to full closure.

Training & Safety Culture:

• Develop, deliver, and periodically evaluate site H&S induction and safety training programs to meet the evolving needs of our data centres.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing safety education protocols, specifically regarding hazardous materials and safe work practices and implement strategic upgrades as .

Contractor & Vendor Safety:

• Lead the review and approval of contractor safety plans, risk assessments, method statements and permits to work via local teams.

• Ensure contractor training and competency requirements are met prior to works commencing.

Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure successful coordination of fire safety, evacuation drills, and emergency response exercises

• Collaborate with facilities and physical security teams.

Monitoring, Audits & Reporting

• Conduct regularly scheduled safety inspections and internal audits of facilities to proactively identify and rectify non-conformances.

• Execute workplace surveys and specialized risk assessments to ensure all sites meet or exceed local occupational health legislation.

• Coordinate and support all internal and external EHS audits, safeguarding the integrity of our ISO 45001 management systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent senior-level field experience).

• Relevant regional safety certifications (e.g., NEBOSH General or Diploma, NVQ Level 6, NCRQ, or recognized European equivalents like Työsuojelupäällikkö in the Nordics or Préventeur in France) are highly desirable.

• 5+ years of progressive EHS experience, with a proven track record in a managerial or leadership capacity within data centres, critical infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, or large-scale industrial construction.
• Sound technical expertise in high-risk operational hazards, specifically Electrical Safety (Arc Flash/HV), Confined Spaces, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and specialized Fire Suppression Systems.