At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead environmental permitting and compliance for exciting data centre projects across EMEA.
- Company: Fast-growing data centre operator with a focus on environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Autonomy in a pioneering role, career progression, and the chance to shape future projects.
- Why this job: Be the first in a groundbreaking role and influence how EMEA sites are governed.
- Qualifications: Mid-career professional with experience in environmental permitting or compliance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with significant investment in EHSS and opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Overview
Environmental Permitting & Compliance Manager (EMEA) | Location: London preferred (open to Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands). Travel: 25% (approx. two short trips per month). Sector: Data Centres (Colocation).
The Opportunity
A fast-growing data centre operator is expanding its EHSS function and hiring their first Environmental Permitting & Compliance lead in Europe. With energy and environmental regulation becoming one of the biggest hurdles to bringing new sites online, this is a newly created role with the chance to shape how EMEA projects are delivered for years to come. You will be the “glue” across functions from site selection through to operations, ensuring permitting, compliance and environmental considerations are joined-up, risk-managed and executed consistently as the business scales. This hire sits in a quickly developing EHSS team led by the VP, working directly with the US-based function and reporting to the environmental leader who currently covers both US & EMEA.
Why This Role Exists
EMEA pipeline is accelerating and requires dedicated environmental oversight. Rapid regulatory change across Europe (including IED & ETS) means projects need tighter governance, early visibility of requirements and fewer handover gaps between teams. Historically, issues were landing in Operations late in the process — this role prevents that by driving alignment from day one. The business engages multiple consultancies and needs someone capable of managing them, reviewing outputs and establishing consistent processes.
What You’ll Do
- Lead environmental permitting and compliance activities across EMEA development projects.
- Oversee the full lifecycle: site selection → design → construction → commissioning → operations.
- Ensure required permits and approvals are in place before go-live, reducing project risk.
- Act as the cross-functional connector, improving handovers and creating a more predictable delivery model.
- Manage multiple external consultancy partners and provide technical oversight.
- Implement new processes and frameworks as the EHSS department continues to mature.
- Stay aligned with upcoming regulatory changes and adapt project requirements accordingly.
- Partner with regional EHS Managers (London, Frankfurt) and the US team.
What They’re Looking For
- Mid-career professional — confident, autonomous, and able to run workstreams independently.
- Background in environmental permitting, compliance, consultancy, or environmental advisory.
- Understanding of major directives such as IED and ETS (not an expert in all country regulations, but able to grasp the fundamentals).
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-moving, first-of-its-kind EMEA role.
- Experience in data centres, energy, heavy industry, manufacturing, utilities, or similarly regulated environments is advantageous.
- Someone motivated by shaping something new: this is the starting point for an eventual bigger European environmental function.
The Sell
- First role of its kind in Europe — real autonomy and a blank canvas to build on.
- Opportunity to influence how future EMEA sites are delivered and governed.
- Fast-growing operator where EHSS is gaining significant investment and visibility.
- Career progression baked in, as both US and EMEA teams expand.
Environmental Manager (Permitting) - DataX Connect employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Manager (Permitting) - DataX Connect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working in environmental roles. Attend events or webinars related to environmental compliance and permitting to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to environmental regulations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can truly contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. This keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the right roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Manager (Permitting) - DataX Connect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Environmental Manager. Highlight your experience in environmental permitting and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of regulations like IED and ETS, and how you can bring value to our EHSS team.
Showcase Your Autonomy: This role requires someone who can work independently. In your application, share examples of when you’ve successfully managed projects or teams on your own. We want to see that you can take charge!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with key environmental regulations like IED and ETS. Be ready to discuss how these impact the data centre sector and your approach to compliance. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also proactive about staying updated.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple workstreams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to connect different functions and ensure smooth handovers, as this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
This position is all about shaping something new, so be prepared to discuss times when you've adapted to rapid changes or challenges. Share specific instances where your flexibility led to successful outcomes, especially in regulated environments.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Research the company’s EHSS function and its goals. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to the team’s vision and how you can help build a robust environmental function in Europe. This will show your commitment to the role and the company.