National Utilities Manager

SUMMARY:
Are you a utilities specialist who understands that effective utility management goes far beyond billing? Do you have the technical, financial and leadership expertise to improve recoveries, identify revenue leakages and optimise utility performance across a large property portfolio? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a national utilities function and make a measurable impact on operational efficiency and profitability.

POSITION INFO:
A leading listed property group is seeking an experienced National Utilities Manager to oversee its national utilities function. This strategic leadership role will focus on utility cost management, revenue assurance, municipal account management, metering integrity and data-driven optimisation across a substantial commercial property portfolio.

You will lead a dedicated utilities team and work closely with Property Management, Finance, Asset Management and Sustainability stakeholders to strengthen controls, improve recovery ratios and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the national utilities strategy, governance frameworks and operational controls
• Oversee utility expenses, tenant recoveries, revenue assurance, budgets and forecasts
• Manage municipal accounts, Eskom billing, electricity, water, sewerage and rates
• Validate utility billing calculations and identify revenue leakages and recovery opportunities
• Oversee utility reconciliations and investigate discrepancies between expenses and recoveries
• Manage metering infrastructure, meter verification and accurate meter-to-tenant allocations
• Analyse consumption trends, utility data and large datasets to identify anomalies and cost-saving opportunities
• Develop dashboards, management reports and analytics to improve visibility and decision-making
• Drive automation, data integrity and process improvements across the utilities function
• Manage utility service providers, vendors, contracts and service-level agreements
• Lead, coach and develop the utilities team, including performance management and resource allocation
• Partner with internal stakeholders to improve utility performance and tenant service delivery
• Support sustainability, ESG reporting, solar initiatives and energy-efficiency projects

Job Experience and Skills Required:

• Matric / Senior Certificate - essential
• Mathematics strongly advantageous; Accounting advantageous
• Relevant tertiary qualification in utilities, engineering, property, finance or a related field advantageous
• Minimum 5 years' utilities management experience
• 3-5 years' management and team leadership experience
• Commercial property or property management experience strongly preferred
• Strong expertise in utility recoveries and revenue assurance
• Sound knowledge of municipal tariffs, Eskom billing, electricity, water and sewerage recoveries, and rates management
• Strong understanding of metering principles, meter verification and electrical distribution systems
• Experience managing municipal accounts, utility providers and service contracts
• Advanced Microsoft Excel - essential
• Power BI and SQL experience - essential
• Experience analysing large datasets and developing reporting dashboards
• Strong financial acumen and commercial awareness
• Governance, compliance and risk management experience
• Sustainability, energy management or ESG exposure advantageous
• MDA or other property management systems advantageous

The Ideal Candidate:

• Analytical, data-driven and highly detail-oriented
• A confident leader who can develop and motivate a team without micromanaging
• Assertive, proactive and comfortable influencing senior stakeholders
• Strong in problem-solving, decision-making and stakeholder engagement
• Passionate about continuous improvement, cost optimisation and service delivery

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Take ownership of utilities management across a national commercial property portfolio
• Lead and develop an established utilities team
• Play a strategic role in improving revenue recoveries and reducing utility costs
• Exposure to solar, energy optimisation and sustainability initiatives
• Opportunity to influence operational performance and deliver measurable cost savings
• Short-Term and Long-Term Incentive opportunities (both performance-based and not guaranteed)
• Medical aid and provident fund included in the CTC
• Additional leave benefits, including birthday, religious and personal leave

Apply Now!