Environmental Management jobs in South Africa

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well‑known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

You will be employed in the position of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) Manager (Construction). In that capacity you will be expected to perform all acts, duties, and functions as Vantage Data Center (VDC) management may direct and to comply with such directions as may be designated by VDC reasonably consistent with such position. The role of EH&S Manager is key to ensuring that VDC complies with its EH&S statutory obligations (i.e., Region specific legal and statutory regulations, codes of practice), VDC and customer requirements and industry best practice for the designated project/s. The EH&S manager will advise the EH&S Advisor, Senior EH&S Manager, EH&S Director, Senior EH&S Director, and Development Delivery Director/s on all relevant EH&S matters and will provide guidance on implementing and maintaining effective EH&S systems, policies, and procedures. The role includes providing strategic direction, leadership, and management to the contractor on EH&S policies, procedures, and contractual requirements. The EH&S Manager in conjunction with the Development Delivery Director/s should liaise with all external agencies, such as regulatory bodies, customers and third parties on any project‑related queries. All absence from site must be approved in advance with the Development Delivery Director and EH&S Director.

• Act as a subject matter expert to operational management and develop formal plans, systems and program’s drive continuous safety improvement within the organization.
• Liaise with the Development Delivery Director each morning about the plan of work for the day.
• Advise VDC Development Delivery director/s, project manager/s, package manager/s, contractors and OFCI vendors of potential hazards arising from any current or proposed process or operation; recommend controls to minimize personnel exposure to harmful EH&S factors and stresses.
• Lead, support, supervise and coordinate the VDC EH&S Advisor (e.g. where applicable) in their role and responsibilities for the project.
• Participate in the TPRM and PQQ processes where required.
• Promote and support the continuous development of a positive EH&S culture on site.
• Where required, participate in contractor prequalification process and appointment of contractors under statutory obligations where requested by the EH&S Director or Development Delivery Directors.
• Conduct a full gap analysis of contractor project documentation to assist the contractor to reach the necessary operating standards for compliance with contract requirements and achieve operationally readiness approval.
• Onboard VDC site personnel and associated OFCI vendors on the VDC site induction and trainings where required (i.e., Vision zero training program, project expectations including vision zero induction, key performance indicators (KPI’s), safety observation program, High Risk Activities inspections, reporting requirements and site rules).
• Promote VDC’s Vision Zero culture of caring philosophy with respect to EH&S standards, behaviors, and performance.
• Actively monitor and coordinate contractor EH&S performance on‑site, analyzing safety statistics and trend analysis.
• Communicate the leading and lagging indicators and performance metrics to the contractor to ensure safety performance can be measured and continuous improvement implemented to proactively manage EH&S issues.
• Conduct safety awareness campaigns, organize weekly EH&S safety meetings, encourage safety recognition programs to incentivize safe behaviors to ensure standards are met and implement disciplinary measures where required.
• Participate in a weekly EH&S walk with the contractor and Development Delivery director/s.
• Attend and contribute to safety planning meetings and reviews including Daily Activity Briefings (DABS) and Morning white board meetings (e.g. where the EH&S Advisor cannot attend).
• Participate in EH&S committee meetings; black hat supervisors and collaborate with the GC to set realistic EH&S objectives and goals.
• Participate in the Risk Assessments Method Statement (RAMS) review process on site; and comment on the contractor RAMS for EH&S aspects where required.
• Review site logistics set up and management; focusing on human machine interface, access to and from work areas, lay down area management, lifting operations coordination, work interfaces, site security and deliveries control.
• Provide guidance and support to the contractor EH&S personnel and managers in the development, implementation, testing and review of their site/project Emergency Management Plan.
• Establish effective communication channels for reporting safety concerns and incidents. Site agreed Incident Notification protocol to be established, implemented and monitored.
• Recommend control measures and advise on the regulatory and legislative requirements including the VDC PPE Policy, training, and certification.
• Ensure VDC environmental aspects and impacts requirements are adhered to by the contractor throughout their activities.
• Support the contractor in the area of environmental management focusing on contractor compliance and implementation of the environmental management plans (EMP) and systems.
• Request and verify environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports and the completion of environmental audits and inspections as required.
• Complete the EH&S monthly Project on a Page (POAP) statistics for the Development Delivery Director.
• Ensure the contractor has a system for safety observation reporting (SOR) in place on the project/s, aiming for 1 observation per 40 work hours. Carry out analysis of SOR and accident / incident statistics, identifying trends and suggesting improvement opportunities and plans.
• Lead, support and supervise the VDC Procore system for the project/s to include:
• Conduct a monthly vision zero audit, a daily HRA inspection and 1 daily safety observation (as a minimum) and capture into Procore.
• Organize Procore training for VDC personnel with VDC training where identified.
• Follow up with the Contractor on open Procore action items; HRA safety inspections and observations (both positive and negative observations are recommended).
• Ensure VDC site personnel upload two safety observations to Procore each week.
• Collate the monthly project stats and upload to Procore before the 3rd of every month for review.
• Complete a weekly stats report and upload them to Procore.
• Provide Vantage EH&S reports, as per company KPIs set by the Vice President, Environmental Health, and Safety, Global.
• Lead site incident investigator to include:
• Facilitate investigations of any EH&S accident or incident that occurs in the workplace.
• Ensure incident reporting requirements are adhered to.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implementation of specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time‑bound (S.M.A.R.T) actions.
• Ensure that incident reports are prepared as per the VDC Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure and share the lessons learned with the team.
• Liaise with government authorities when required for all reportable incidents as per statutory requirements.
• Organize and lead the RCA Review meetings with the customer with the support of the Development Delivery Director.
• Lead EH&S wellness initiatives and EH&S campaigns for EMEA and aligning with other international regions.
• Support EH&S global corporate initiatives and requirements including support of EH&S management systems.
• Be an active ambassador for corporate social responsibility (CSR) local initiatives and programs.
• Ensure up‑to‑date knowledge of legislative changes and how they will impact on the organization and communicate this information effectively to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Attend courses/seminars run by external sources to enable the organization’s accurate interpretation of EH&S legislation to enable implementation.
• During your employment, as the business of VDC changes, it may be necessary to change or expand your duties within the general scope of your position, however, you will not be required to carry out duties which you cannot reasonably perform.

• Registered with the South African Council for Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) as a Construction Safety Manager (CHSM).
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental health and safety or related engineering discipline is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
• A Nebosh certificate holder. (Nebosh Construction Certificate advantageous).
• ISO 45001 Certification (advantageous).
• 5‑10 years of experience in construction health and safety (a minimum).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead initiatives in a dynamic environment.
• Advanced analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook software.
• Comfortable with IT systems and data analysis tools.
• Positive and proactive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Travel is expected to be up to 5% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don’t meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.