Job Description

Job Title and Job Grade

Utilities Manager

Job grade: C5

Job Purpose

Assumes direct responsibility for the utilities function of the national Growthpoint property portfolio to ensure that stakeholders are supplied with accurate and reliable electric, water, waste, and sewer service accounts/ statements consistent with their utilisation giving due regard to the company's obligation to the customers, and various municipal bodies who authorize the utilities operations.

Oversee analysis of utility data sets to support accurate and consistent customer accounts/statements, periodic forecasting and identify performance improvement opportunities in utility consumption and revenue collection.

Role Location

Growthpoint Head Office in Sandton, Johannesburg. The Company will accommodate some flexibility in this regard.

Working Conditions

This position is office based and works on a normal 40 hours a week. Busy periods may require extra hours to ensure deadlines are met. Employees will be required to travel for business purposes.

Reporting Manager

The Utilities Manager reports to the Head of Property Services.

Duties and responsibilities

Primary

Lead and manage the team of utilities specialists whose function, targets, skills, and responsibilities are aligned to deliver on the department outcomes. Manage, develop, and lead. Provide single point of contact with the sector business units for the operational focus areas described in 2 - 4 below as well as the full range of utilities related matters not specifically covered in items 2 - 4. Responsibilities are applied to all property sectors on a national basis.

General

Advises Growthpoint in developing utility strategies, policies, and objectives. Assures that Growthpoint is provided accurate, timely information to facilitate appropriate policy/decision-making as it pertains to utilities. Leads in the acquisition of electric power and water supplies as well as waste management services to provide sufficient and cost-effective resources for Growthpoint Stakeholders. Ensure utility's power, water and sewer operations are in compliance with all city policies and applicable municipal guidelines, rules regulations and public utility principles/practices.

Property interface

Oversight and allocation of responsibility for resolution of:

o Municipal account management and queries.

o Tenant billing management and queries.

Utilities data

Establish and oversee implementation of a utilities data strategy which meets and aligns to the business objectives. Determine key priorities for the utilities specialist focused on data with regards to delivering on the range of data sourcing, analytics, and reporting requirements for the business. Metrics related to resource areas such as waste and other relevant resource areas may be added to this portfolio in time depending on Growthpoint's strategic objectives. Oversee the implementation and contract management for the Growthpoint Single Trench and Open Access Network Fibre Policy and associated service providers.

Utilities Management Company (UMC) interface

Implement and manage systems and processes for accurate and consistent information flow between the UMC and Growthpoint business units. Manage the UMC policy and service level agreements. Industry trends and business innovation. Continually monitor industry trends, evaluate new products and services for potential value add to the business, and participate in industry working groups. Oversee pilot tests of cutting-edge utility management solutions. Plan, develop, implement, and maintain programs, policies, process/procedures, and guidelines for systems/users within the service line, inclusive of establishing controls. Engage in a culture of continuous improvement and innovation by leveraging business intelligence, adopting, and participating in the development of best practices, new tools, process re-engineering and other ideas that provider service delivery efficiencies.

Experience

At least ten (10) years' experience in a utilities management function, 5 of which must be at senior management level. Proven experience in end-to-end utilities management including a working knowledge of electricity, water, waste, electrical, mechanical, smart metering, building automation and control systems across commercial office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use building types. Ability to do detailed financial statement analysis. Ability to do detailed analysis of utilities budgeting. Ability to do detailed analysis of utility billing, recovery, and consumption reports. Experience presenting information to all levels of management. High levels of commercial acumen. Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with third parties, municipalities, and stakeholders. Understand all Tariff requirements for Commercial property.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's Degree in Finance/Accounting or a BSc (Property Studies) degree with electives (Sustainability & Environment) and post grad qualification. Utilities Manager course or similar field

Competencies

Strategic focus and a thought and informed opinion leader who will inspire people with innovative ideas. Has ability to turn ideas into reality, Passionate, professional, assertive, and driven to continuously add value, Exemplary leadership skills with an ability to manage conflict and give direction in a matrix structure A team player with an ability to achieve results through others, Exceptional working relationship builder at all levels, with a consultative approach, Excellent negotiator with good verbal and written communication skills

Media Links

https://growthpoint.co.za/