Safety Manager (Data Center Construction)

Connect Search, LLC; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Paid training and vacations

Comprehensive medical benefits

Wellness programs

On-site meal preparation

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC is seeking a Safety Manager for data center construction projects, responsible for leading safety initiatives and ensuring compliance with regulations. With 7+ years of experience required, candidates should have strong leadership skills and knowledge of OSHA standards.

This role involves significant travel (90%+) and requires effective communication and management of safety programs across various teams. Join a forward-thinking team prioritizing safety excellence and innovation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of safety management experience in construction.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA standards and safety practices.
• Ability to manage safety programs across multiple subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve project safety programs.
• Conduct site inspections and audits.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs.

Skills

Safety management experience

OSHA standards knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety or related field

Tools

Safety management software

Incident reporting systems

Job description

Job Title: Safety Manager – Data Center Construction

Location: Project-Based with Remote Flexibility

Reports To: Project Executive

Travel: 90%+, depending on project phase

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Safety Manager to lead health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs for a large-scale hyperscale data center construction project. This critical role will champion a zero-incident culture, ensure full regulatory compliance, and protect the well-being of all personnel on a high-risk, mission-critical job site.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in construction safety for complex data center or industrial projects, with proven ability to influence safety performance across general contractors, subcontractors, and owner teams.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership & Program Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive project safety programs from preconstruction through commissioning and turnover.
• Establish and enforce safety standards aligned with client requirements, OSHA regulations, and industry best practices for data center construction.
• Serve as the primary safety liaison to the owners’ representatives, executive leadership, and project delivery teams.

Site Safety Oversight

• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and hazard assessments focusing on high-risk activities including MEP installations, electrical work, elevated work, heavy civil, and commissioning.
• Monitor subcontractor safety performance and ensure all field teams adhere to approved safety plans and procedures.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.

Training & Culture

• Develop and deliver safety training programs, toolbox talks, and orientation sessions for all project personnel.
• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership, coaching, and recognition of safe behaviors.
• Coordinate with construction, design, and commissioning teams to integrate safety into planning and execution.
• Identify and mitigate safety risks early in the project lifecycle, including pre-task planning and job hazard analysis (JHA).
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations as well as owner-specific safety requirements.
• Track leading and lagging safety metrics, prepare safety performance reports, and present updates to executive stakeholders.

MEP & Critical Infrastructure Safety

• Provide specialized safety oversight for mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, fire suppression, and other mission-critical infrastructure work.
• Support safe commissioning and startup activities with rigorous lockout/tagout, electrical safety, and permitting protocols.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive safety management experience in construction, with significant focus on large-scale data center, mission-critical, or industrial projects.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA standards, NFPA 70E, and safety practices related to high-voltage electrical work, MEP systems, and complex construction environments.
• Proven ability to manage safety programs across multiple subcontractors and stakeholders in a design-build environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence teams at all levels.
• Experience with safety management software, incident reporting systems, and training platforms.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on proactive risk mitigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CSP (Certified Safety Professional), OSHA 500/501, or equivalent.
• Prior experience on hyperscale data center projects for large technology clients.
• Familiarity with lean construction and integrated project delivery safety practices.

Why Join Us

• Play a pivotal role in delivering one of the most critical infrastructure projects with the highest safety standards.
• Work alongside top-tier construction, engineering, and client teams on cutting-edge data center builds.
• Gain high-visibility exposure and make a direct impact on workforce safety and project success.
• Join a forward-thinking organization that values safety excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Paid training, holidays, and vacations
• Company-sponsored 401(k) with match
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance
• Wellness program with personal trainers, yoga classes, and on-site gym
• On-site meal preparation and service
• Paid parking

If you are a dedicated safety professional passionate about protecting people while enabling the successful delivery of complex data center projects, we encourage you to apply.