Data Center Health & Safety Manager

Job Title: Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager 

Location: Keflavik 

Job Summary: The Data Center EHS Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive environmental, health, and safety programs to ensure a safe, compliant, and incident-free data center environment. This role partners closely with operations, facilities, engineering, contractors, and leadership to manage risk, meet regulatory requirements, and promote a strong safety culture across all data center activities.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• EHS Program Management 

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve Verne site-specific and company-wide health and safety programs aligned with corporate and regulatory requirements 

• Establish and develop EHS policies, procedures, and standard operating practices for data center operations 

• Lead hazard identification, create risk assessments, and job safety analyses for critical activities 

• Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders from wider Verne EHS network to ensure alignment of safety management system throughout the business 

Regulatory Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local Icelandic, EU (where applicable) and relevant international EHS regulations  

• Maintain required permits, licenses, and documentation 

• Serve as the primary site contact for regulatory agencies and inspections 

Incident Management & Prevention 

• Ensure all EHS incidents and observations are recorded and actioned to closure 

• Lead incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventative action plans 

• Track and analyse safety metrics, trends, and ensure compliance to Verne EHS Key Performance indicators 

• Drive proactive safety initiatives in line with safety trends to reduce incidents and near-misses 

• Ensure post incident lessons learnt communications with the wider business. 

Training & Safety Culture 

• Develop and deliver health and safety training and induction material for employees, contractors, and visitors 

• Conduct employee and contractor toolbox talks and safety briefings 

• Promote a No-Blame culture of safety accountability and continuous improvement 

• Ensure Verne’s central H&S training needs analysis and training matrix is kept up to date 

• Lead, organise and coordinate site H&S committee 

• Act as the workplace elected Occupational health and safety representative. 

Contractor & Vendor Safety 

• Review and approve contractor safety plans, risk assessments, method statements and permits to work 

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

• Monitor contractor compliance with strict site safety requirements (PPE, supervision, segregations, inspection tag etc) 

• Conduct regular audits and inspections of contractor activities 

Emergency Preparedness 

• Maintain integrity of site emergency response and business continuity plans 

• Coordinate fire safety, evacuation drills, and emergency response exercises 

• Collaborate with facilities, security, and local emergency services 

Audits & Reporting 

• Conduct regular scheduled safety inspections and audits of data center facilities designed to identify non-conformances before an external audit. 

• Prepare reports for leadership on safety performance, ISO 45001/ISO14001 compliance, and identified safety risks 

• Support internal and external audits 

• Carry out workplace surveys and assessments to ensure Verne meets Finnish occupational health requirements 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in occupational health & safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience) 

• 5+ years of health and safety experience in data centers, critical facilities, construction, manufacturing, or industrial environments 

• Strong knowledge of Icelandic workplace safety (Vinnueftirlitið guidelines, OSH Act No. 46/1980, HMS regulations, ÍST EN 50110, etc.), and data center safety practices 

• Experience in leading and managing ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standard audit  

• Experience in managing contractor safety  

• Experience with electrical safety, confined spaces, LOTO, and fire suppression systems 

• in-depth knowledge and experience in developing and implementing permit-to-work systems 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, IOSH, NVQ-Level 5 or 6, NEBOSH, or equivalent 

• Experience supporting large-scale or hyperscale data center or Critical environments 

• Understanding of construction related risks including contractor management in live operational spaces.