The Utilities Analyst is responsible for the accurate monitoring, analysis, billing validation and cost recovery of electricity, water and waste consumption across the property portfolio. The role applies advanced data analysis, reporting tools and utility management best practices to optimise recoveries, support sustainability initiatives, and deliver actionable insights to management. The position works closely with property, finance, maintenance, utilities teams and external stakeholders to ensure efficient and compliant utility operations.

Key Performance Areas

Utility Data Analysis and Cost Recovery
• Review and optimise utility recovery ratios to ensure accurate and equitable cost allocation
• Analyse monthly municipal and tenant electricity, water and waste data to identify discrepancies, abnormal usage trends and cost-saving opportunities
• Validate municipal and tenant invoices, ensuring accuracy of metering, tariffs and recoveries in line with company billing methodologies
• Ensure accurate allocation of utility supply, metering and expenses across the portfolio

Reporting and Performance Monitoring
• Prepare detailed utility reports, dashboards and performance summaries
• Monitor utility performance, highlight anomalies and support informed management decision-making
• Identify, investigate and escalate data irregularities to minimise financial and operational risk

Stakeholder and Query Management
• Resolve tenant, municipal, billing and technical queries timeously and effectively
• Collaborate with internal teams to address utility-related issues, including:
– Property teams on tenant movements, enquiries and statement discrepancies
– Finance teams on billing adjustments, recoveries and non-payment mitigation
– Utilities teams on meter installations, replacements, inspections and readings
– Maintenance teams on faulty meters, incorrect readings and meter locations
– Municipal councils on incorrect statements, disputes and credit recoveries

Technical Support and Utility Operations
• Provide specialist technical support to property management teams on utilities-related matters
• Monitor unusual consumption patterns and work with service providers to investigate and resolve issues
• Maintain accurate records, databases and filing systems for utility data across all properties

Budgeting, Forecasting and Continuous Improvement
• Support utilities budgeting, forecasting and portfolio-wide cost management initiatives
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement efficiencies through systems and technology
• Contribute to the optimisation of utility management practices and procedures

Compliance and Regulatory Monitoring
• Monitor compliance with utility procedures and standards across the portfolio
• Stay informed on South African municipal bylaws, tariffs, Eskom electricity structures and sustainability regulations
• Ensure utility practices align with regulatory and industry requirements

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in utilities management within the energy services or property management sector

Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Strong data analysis capability with the ability to interpret complex utility datasets
• Knowledge of electricity, water and waste management in multi-tenanted properties
• Understanding of solar PV systems and renewable energy concepts
• Metering and verification principles for electrical and water systems
• Basic financial knowledge including budgeting, municipal billing and cost recovery
• Familiarity with South African municipal bylaws, tariffs and compliance frameworks
• Knowledge of electrical distribution systems and energy fundamentals
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills (intermediate or higher)

Behavioural Competencies
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented and methodical
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Effective stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines and prioritise effectively
• Proactive, self-motivated and solution-driven
• Strong collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams
• Valid Code B driver’s licence