Data Center HSE Manager

Job Description

About Overwatch EMEA

Overwatch EMEA extends Overwatch Mission Critical’s proven delivery model across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We provide construction professional services, talent acquisition, and delivery leadership for mission-critical infrastructure projects, applying the same operational discipline, reliability, and veteran-led expertise that define our work in the United States.

From greenfield hyperscale development to complex retrofits and live-site expansions, our teams support the safe, efficient delivery of high-performance data centre environments. At Overwatch, it’s more than a job - it’s a purpose.

Position Overview

As a Health & Safety Manager , you will lead the implementation and governance of health, safety, and environmental standards across hyperscale data centre construction projects throughout Europe.

Acting as a key member of the project leadership team, you will ensure that all construction activities are executed in full compliance with company standards, European regulations, and client safety expectations.

This role requires a proactive leader who can influence contractors, engage multinational project teams, and maintain a culture where safety is embedded into every stage of delivery — from early construction through energisation, commissioning, and operational readiness.

You will work closely with project directors, site management, contractors, and client representatives to ensure safe execution of complex mission-critical construction environments.

Responsibilities

Health & Safety Leadership

Lead the implementation of the project Health & Safety Management System across all site activities.

Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership, coaching, and engagement with project teams.

Act as the primary HSE advisor to the Project Director and senior site leadership.

Ensure compliance with EU directives, local regulations, and company HSE standards.

Drive continuous improvement in safety performance across the project.

Site Safety Management

Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and safety tours to ensure safe working practices.

Identify hazards and ensure effective risk assessments and mitigation measures are implemented.

Review and approve contractor RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements).

Oversee safety management across high-risk construction activities including:

• Working at height
• Heavy lifting operations
• Electrical installations
• Confined space activities
• Energisation and commissioning works

Contractor Safety Oversight

Ensure all contractors comply with project HSE requirements and safety standards.

Lead safety inductions, toolbox talks, and contractor safety briefings.

Monitor contractor safety performance and intervene where unsafe practices are identified.

Promote accountability across the supply chain to ensure safe project execution.

Incident Management

Investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.

Implement corrective and preventative actions to mitigate recurrence.

Maintain accurate reporting and documentation of safety incidents.

Report incidents to project leadership and relevant authorities where required.

Training & Communication

Deliver safety inductions and ongoing HSE training across the project workforce.

Facilitate daily briefings, weekly safety meetings, and safety awareness campaigns.

Ensure clear communication of safety expectations across multinational project teams.

Promote engagement and participation in safety initiatives.

Compliance & Reporting

Maintain HSE documentation including permits, inspections, risk assessments, and audit records.

Ensure compliance with recognised standards including:

• ISO 45001 - Occupational Health & Safety
• ISO 14001 - Environmental Management

Prepare structured safety reports and performance metrics for project leadership and client stakeholders.

Qualifications

Experience

5-10+ years’ Health & Safety experience within construction or mission-critical environments.

Proven experience supporting safety delivery on large-scale data centre or infrastructure projects.

Experience working across international construction environments is highly desirable.

Qualifications

NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Health & Safety qualification).

Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) preferred.

Relevant construction safety certifications (CSCS or equivalent).

Knowledge & Skills

Strong understanding of European construction safety regulations.

Experience managing safety in high-risk construction environments.

Ability to influence contractors, site leadership, and project stakeholders.

Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced project environments.

Additional Requirements

Willingness to travel and work across project sites in Europe.

Fluent English required; additional European languages beneficial.

Comfortable working in large multinational construction environments.