Director, Safety Operations

Rowan Digital Infrastructure is seeking a Director, Operations Safety to lead operational safety performance, risk management, and program execution across its growing portfolio of data center facilities, including commissioning, energization, facility turnover, and ongoing operations. Reporting to the Director, Safety Strategy & Operational Excellence, this role leads and develops Campus Safety Managers, establishes clear performance expectations, and prioritizes safety resources and initiatives based on operational risk and business needs. Travel: 30% with occasional travel to Rowan job site locations and for team gatherings. Location: Denver, CO (3-day hybrid in-office). Compensation: $176K - $215K (Offers Bonus & Variables).

Responsibilities

Lead execution of the enterprise safety strategy across operational campuses and commissioning-to-operations transitions; Lead development and implementation of scalable operational safety practices, processes, and performance expectations; Prioritize operational safety initiatives and resources based on risk exposure and business impact; Lead operational safety readiness assurance during energization, facility turnover, and overlapping activities; Integrate electrical safety and hazardous energy control requirements into operational planning and high-risk activities; Establish partnerships between Campus Safety Managers, Operations leadership, and third-party operations providers; Lead, coach, and develop Campus Safety Managers; Integrate safety requirements into maintenance planning, methods of procedure (MOPs), work permits, and emergency preparedness; Provide owner-level safety oversight of vendors, OEMs, service providers, and contractors; Embed SIF prevention and critical-control principles in operational and transition activities; Lead the implementation of safety programs across commissioning and operations and monitor performance against safety objectives and KPIs; Provide risk-based recommendations to senior Safety and Operations leadership

Requirements

10+ years of progressive safety experience, including safety leadership in operational data centers or other live mission-critical facilities; direct experience in operational data center environments is required; Demonstrated experience managing safety risks associated with live critical infrastructure, facility maintenance, electrical systems, vendor activities, and high-availability operations; Strong working knowledge of electrical safety, hazardous energy control, LOTO, commissioning and energization interfaces, contractor safety, and operational risk management; Experience leading safety professionals or specialized safety functions across multiple facilities or complex operations; Ability to translate enterprise strategy into scalable programs, clear accountability, and effective field execution; strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills

Nice to have

Bachelor's degree in occupational safety, Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, Construction Management, or related field; Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, CHST, or equivalent; Experience in hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center operations; Familiarity with facility turnover, critical equipment maintenance, and 24/7 operations; Knowledge of NFPA 70E, applicable OSHA requirements, SIF prevention, critical controls, Human and Organizational Performance principles, and operational readiness

Benefits

Hybrid working environment; Team building and educational opportunities; Generous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k) company contribution; Unlimited PTO; RTD ECO pass or parking reimbursement; Competitive compensation, bonus, and an incentive plan; Relocation assistance on a case-by-case basis