EHS Manager

Job Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

EHS Manager - Data Centre Operations

Location: Southland, New Zealand

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced EHS Manager to lead environmental, health and safety (EHS) governance across a critical data centre environment.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining health and safety frameworks, managing operational risks, overseeing contractor safety and ensuring compliance with New Zealand health and safety requirements. You will play a key role in promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring emergency preparedness across site operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain site EHS management plans, risk frameworks, legal registers and emergency management procedures.
• Oversee permit-to-work (PTW), lockout/tagout (LOTO), isolation procedures and task risk assessments.
• Manage contractor safety, including confined space, working at heights and electrical safety controls.
• Lead incident and near-miss investigations, corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate EHS inductions, training, competency assessments, emergency drills and exercises.
• Support emergency operating procedures and ensure operational teams are prepared to respond to incidents.
• Conduct safety audits and monitor compliance across site operations and contractors.
• Maintain EHS records, performance metrics, compliance documentation and client reporting.
• Provide safety oversight during commissioning, major maintenance activities, equipment energisation and critical incidents.
• Identify unsafe practices, implement corrective measures and stop work where necessary to protect personnel.

About You

• Relevant qualification or professional certification in Health and Safety, Environmental Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of EHS leadership experience within data centres, utilities, industrial facilities or other high-risk environments.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand workplace health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing contractor safety, permit-to-work systems, LOTO and critical-risk controls.
• Experience with electrical, mechanical, construction and commissioning-related safety risks.
• Strong capability in incident investigations, risk assessments, auditing and emergency management.
• Experience developing and delivering safety training, emergency drills and assurance programmes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Ability to engage with operational teams and contractors in a live, mission-critical environment.
• Must have valid New Zealand working rights.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield is a global leader in commercial real estate services, with more than 50,000 employees across 60 countries. We are committed to delivering exceptional outcomes through collaboration, innovation and service excellence.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation.
• Exposure to a specialist critical infrastructure and data centre environment.
• Opportunity to lead and influence safety standards across a critical operational site.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Relocation allowance available.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”