Construction EHS Manager – Data Centre Project

About the role

The Construction EHS Manager will lead Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) management for a Data Centre construction project in South Africa. The role ensures compliance with South African legislation, client standards, and drives a Zero‑Harm safety culture across all site personnel and subcontractors.

Key responsibilities

• Implement and maintain project Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Management Systems in line with OHS Act 85/1993, Construction Regulations 2014, NEMA, ISO and client requirements.
• Develop, review and maintain project‑specific Health & Safety Plan, Environmental Management Plan, Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan and Risk Management Plan for all construction phases.
• Provide EHS technical leadership and coordinate with client, principal contractor, subcontractors and consultants.
• Conduct pre‑qualification and vetting of contractors, reviewing competency profiles, medical certificates, equipment registers and method statements.
• Manage high‑risk activities such as working at heights, confined spaces, lifting operations, hot work, scaffolding, electrical work, energising/commissioning and LOTO.
• Compile and submit accurate EHS reports, maintain evidence on reporting platforms.
• Deliver and verify EHS induction, toolbox talks, task‑specific and refresher training for all site entrants.
• Lead incident, accident and near‑miss investigations, produce root‑cause analysis reports and drive corrective actions.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of non‑conformances.
• Manage environmental aspects including waste segregation, hazardous substance control, dust, noise, water and storm‑water management, spill response and biodiversity protection.
• Ensure statutory appointments under Construction Regulations are in place and competent.
• Champion Zero‑Harm culture through visible leadership, behaviour‑based safety programmes and stop‑work authority.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing EHS on large construction projects, preferably data centre or similar high‑tech facilities.
• In‑depth knowledge of South African OHS Act 85/1993, Construction Regulations 2014 and National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
• Familiarity with ISO standards and client‑specific EHS requirements.
• Strong investigative skills using root‑cause analysis methodology.
• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and lead multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills

• OHS Act 85/1993 compliance
• Construction Regulations 2014 compliance
• National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) compliance
• ISO EHS standards
• Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness planning
• Lock‑Out‑Tag‑Out (LOTO) procedures
• Waste segregation and hazardous substance control
• Dust, noise, water and storm‑water management
• Root‑cause analysis for incident investigations