EHS Director Data Centers
gilder search groupCharleston (SC)
About the role
EHS Director Data Centers – Charleston, SC
We also have EHS manager roles in Chesterton IN and Ft Collins COThis opportunity is working directly with a mission-critical data center developer / digital infrastructure firm. This firm provides data center infrastructure solutions custom-fit to the requirements of their client's mission-critical operational facilities. They provide reliability of mission-critical facilities for many of the world's largest organizations supporting Enterprise Clients and Hyperscale Companies. This opportunity provides a career-growth minded role with exciting projects with leading-edge technology and innovation as well as competitive salaries and benefits. We are seeking a Director of EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) to direct Critical Facilities Site Safety for Data Center Construction across the Global Portfolio. The Director will beresponsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing enterprise wide EHS strategy for a rapidly growing data center development platform. The Director will serve as a strategic partner to development, construction, engineering, operations, and executive leadership, driving a proactive safety culture while supporting scalable growth across multiple regions. This position is ideal for a systems-oriented leader with a deep understanding of environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance and operations in high-tech / data center environments. The successful candidate will drive strategic safety initiatives, oversee emergency preparedness and business continuity planning, and foster a culture of proactive risk management across the data center construction portfolio. This role ensures regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and the integration of best in class safety and environmental practices across all phases of the data center lifecycle—site selection, design, construction, commissioning, and operations.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and implement EHS standards, policies, and procedures across construction portfolio
- Overseeand manage site and enterprise EHS programs aligned with business objectives
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, DOT, and applicable federal, state and local regulations
- Oversee environmental permitting, reporting, and compliance in‑air, water, waste, hazardous mat, SPCC, SWPPP, etc
- Lead programs related to electrical safety (NFPA 70E, arc flash), lockout/tagout, emergency response, fire/life safety, and hazardous materials / HazmatBuild, mentor, and lead a high-performing EHS team and manage third-party consultants and contractors
- Manage routine audits, inspections, other EHS programs across construction zones and live data center environments
- Manage incident reporting, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective / preventive actions
- Oversee ISO 45001 audit and compliance certification
- Integrate EHS requirements into site selection, construction planning, contractor prequalification, and field execution
- Identify operational and construction risks and apply the hierarchy of controls for remediation
- Manage incident reporting, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive actions
- Maintain accurate safety records and ensure integrity of compliance data
- Own EHS performance metrics and develop annual improvement plans
- Analyze safety data and trends to drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs, MOPs, and EOPsSupport emergency response planning, business continuity programs, and fire and life safety requirements
- Ensure readiness for audits, inspections, and customer or regulatory reviews
- Deliver EHS training for employees, contractors, and leadership
- Communicate safety performance, metrics, and initiatives to leadership and stakeholders
- Manage third-party safety consultants and contractor compliance
- Drive continuous improvement using KPIs, dashboards, and leading indicators
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Operations, or related field 7+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in data centers, mission-critical facilities, construction, energy, or industrial environments
- Prior experience supporting EHS for both data center hyperscale or colocation development required
- Previous Data Center Industry standards and infrastructure strongly preferred
- Strong working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and construction safety standards
- Experience managing site safety programs, audits, investigations, and training
- Demonstrated experience in managing site safety programs and regulatory complianceOSHA Certifications a plusCSP, CIH, CHMM, PE, or similar professional cert
- Proven leadership in developing safety programs, emergency response plans, and operational procedures - SOPs, MOPs, EOPsExperience managing audits, incident investigations, and training programs
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to interface across multiple departments
- Ability to influence safety culture and promote a proactive, high-performing team environment
- Strong leadership skills
- Military veterans with technical experience in electrical/mechanical systems highly encouraged to apply (e.g., Navy nukes, Seabees, Army Power Generation, Air Force Power Production, etc.) with experience in safety, facilities, or technical operations are strongly encouraged to apply
- Relocate to be based out of Charleston, SCCompany offers competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance, a 401(k) planEOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V
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