HSE Lead

Data Centre Construction – Milan, Italy
Our client is a leading specialist data centre main contractor delivering full turnkey solutions across Europe, including civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and commissioning works.
With group turnover exceeding €1.5bn and a strong pipeline of secured projects over the next three years, they continue to expand within the mission-critical sector.
Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced HSE Lead to head up the Health, Safety & Environmental function on a major data centre development in Milan, Italy.
The HSE Lead will take overall responsibility for the strategic direction, implementation, and enforcement of the project’s HSE management systems, ensuring full compliance with company standards, local legislation, and client requirements while fostering a strong, proactive safety culture across the site.

Key Responsibilities
•    Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the project HSE Management Plan.
•    Provide visible leadership on site, promoting a strong safety-first culture across all contractors and stakeholders.
•    Manage and mentor the HSE team, ensuring effective site coverage, reporting, and compliance monitoring.
•    Ensure full compliance with Italian and European HSE legislation, industry standards, and client requirements.
•    Oversee review and approval of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
•    Conduct high-level audits and inspections, identifying trends and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
•    Lead investigations into incidents, accidents, and near misses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and close-out of actions.
•    Chair HSE meetings with subcontractors and senior project stakeholders.
•    Provide detailed HSE performance reports to senior management and client representatives.
•    Coordinate emergency response planning and ensure regular drills and training are conducted.
•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve zero harm and environmental best practice targets.

Requirements
•    Degree or diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Management, or related discipline.
•    Minimum of 7+ years’ experience in construction HSE roles, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership capacity.
•    Proven experience on large-scale, mission-critical or data centre projects is highly desirable.
•    Strong knowledge of Italian and EU health, safety, and environmental legislation.
•    Demonstrated experience managing HSE teams on complex construction projects.
•    Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
•    Strong analytical and reporting capability.
•    Professional HSE certifications (e.g., NEBOSH or equivalent) are advantageous.

In Return, Our Client Offers
•    Negotiable basic salary
•    Comprehensive package of net allowances
•    Fully expensed accommodation
•    Rotational travel
•    Attractive bonus structure

This is a senior-level opportunity to lead the HSE function on a flagship data centre project, playing a critical role in delivering a safe, compliant, and high-performing site within one of Europe’s fastest-growing construction sectors.