Safety Manager

Construction safety manager – Ground -Up Data Center Construction (South Chicago)

We are seeking an experienced Safety manager to lead a comprehensive safety program across large -scale, ground -up data center construction projects in the South Chicago region. This role is responsible for driving health and safety procedures across the business, ensuring the highest standards of worker safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation on complex, mission -critical construction sites.

The ideal candidate will be a hands -on leader with deep experience in construction safety particularly within high -risk, MEP -intensive, and fast -paced data center or industrial environments and the ability to influence behavior, enforce standards, and build a proactive safety culture across all levels of the organization.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in North America; visa sponsorship is not available.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Strategy & Program Leadership

Implement, and continuously improve the company -wide Health & Safety Management System for ground -up data center construction projects.

Work with standardized safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices applicable across all projects, teams, and subcontractors.

Drive consistency in safety expectations, documentation, and enforcement across the business.

Provide clear direction and accountability.

Project & Site Safety Oversight

Oversee all health and safety activities on active construction sites, with a strong on -site presence.

Ensure safe execution of high -risk construction activities including excavation, concrete, steel erection, crane operations, energized electrical work, confined spaces, work at height, and MEP installations.

Conduct regular site safety audits, inspections, and walkthroughs to identify hazards and ensure compliance.

Stop work authority when unsafe conditions or behaviors are observed.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure full compliance with OSHA, local, state, and federal safety regulations and applicable industry standards.

Lead incident investigations, root -cause analyses, and corrective action plans for all recordable incidents, near misses, and safety violations.

Maintain accurate safety metrics, OSHA logs, incident reports, and compliance documentation.

Proactively identify safety risks and trends and implement preventative measures before incidents occur.

GC & Subcontractor Safety Management

Establish safety requirements for General Contractors and subcontractors and ensure consistent enforcement.

Review and approve subcontractor safety plans, job hazard analyses (JHAs), method statements, and permits.

Lead safety coordination meetings with GCs, subcontractors, and project leadership.

Hold subcontractors accountable to safety performance expectations.

Training, Communication & Culture

Deliver safety training programs, orientations, toolbox talks, and leadership safety briefings.

Ensure all site personnel are properly trained, competent, and certified for their scope of work.

Promote a strong, proactive safety culture focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Act as a visible safety leader who can influence behavior at all levels—from field crews to senior leadership.

Business & Leadership Integration

Partner closely with Operations, Construction, QA/QC, and Project Leadership teams to integrate safety into planning, scheduling, and execution.

Provide regular safety performance reports and risk assessments to executive leadership.

Support project pursuits and preconstruction by contributing safety plans, staffing strategies, and risk evaluations.

Qualifications

Health and safety leadership experience in large -scale construction environments.

Strong background in ground -up data center, mission -critical, industrial, or large commercial construction.

Proven experience developing and implementing company -wide safety programs and procedures.

In -depth knowledge of OSHA regulations, construction safety standards, and high -risk work controls.

Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and enforce safety across multiple projects and teams.

Strong field presence with the ability to engage directly with site teams and trades.

Excellent communication, leadership, and conflict -resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional safety certifications such as CSP, ASP, CHST, or equivalent.

Experience working on hyperscale or multi -phase data center programs.

Familiarity with MEP -intensive construction and energized systems safety.

Experience with safety management software and reporting platforms.