About this opportunity
Gilder Search Group lists this EHS Director Data Centers opportunity in charleston, South Carolina. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
EHS Director Data Centers – Charleston, SC
We also have EHS manager roles in Chesterton IN and Ft Collins CO
This 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 / Hazmat
Build, 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 EOPs
Support 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 compliance
OSHA Certifications a plus
CSP, CIH, CHMM, PE, or similar professional cert
Proven leadership in developing safety programs, emergency response plans, and operational procedures - SOPs, MOPs, EOPs
Experience 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, SC
Company offers competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance, a 401(k) plan
EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V
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Worksite address
charleston, SC, 29408, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.