Utilities Analyst (Retail Property Management)

Job Title: Utilities Analyst (Retail Property Management)

Location

Cape Town

Job Purpose

The Utilities Analyst is responsible for the analysis, management, and optimisation of utilities consumption and costs across a large, multi-portfolio retail property environment.

The role is highly analytical and data-driven, with responsibility for identifying trends, variances, recoveries, inefficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities. The Utilities Analyst leads and supports two Junior Utilities Analysts, ensuring accurate reporting, reconciliations, and compliance across the portfolio.

• Analyse utilities consumption (electricity, water, sewerage, refuse and related services) across a major multi-portfolio retail property environment.
• Identify trends, anomalies, variances, and inefficiencies in utility usage and billing.
• Perform detailed cost analysis and recovery assessments.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc analytical reports for management and clients.
• Provide actionable insights to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimisation initiatives.

1. Portfolio Management

• Oversee utilities data for multiple retail properties across the portfolio.
• Ensure accurate allocation and recovery of utilities costs to tenants.
• Review and validate utility billings, reconciliations, and recoveries.
• Monitor municipal tariffs, increases, and regulatory changes impacting utilities costs.
• Support utility-related audits and compliance requirements.

1. Team Leadership & Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and manage two Junior Utilities Analysts.
• Allocate workloads and review outputs for accuracy and completeness.
• Provide training and guidance to ensure consistent standards and best practices.
• Ensure team deadlines are met and service levels are maintained across the portfolio.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with internal departments (property management, finance, operations).
• Engage with municipal bodies and service providers regarding queries and disputes.
• Support communication with tenants regarding utilities recoveries and queries.
• Provide analytical support to senior management and portfolio managers.

1. Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and improve utilities tracking, reporting, and analysis processes.
• Ensure data integrity across utilities systems and spreadsheets.
• Contribute to the development of dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, or enhance utilities reporting.

• Degree or Diploma in:
• Finance
• Accounting
• Engineering
• Data Analysis
• Property Studies
• Or a related analytical field

• 3–5 years’ experience in utilities analysis, property management analytics, or a similar analytical role.
• Experience within retail or commercial property environments is highly advantageous.
• Proven experience analysing large data sets across multi-property portfolios.
• Experience leading or mentoring junior team members is required.

• Utilities billing structures and tariffs.
• Municipal utilities (electricity, water, sewerage, refuse).
• Cost recovery principles within retail property management.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Strong understanding of utilities-related financial controls.

• Advanced analytical and numerical skills.
• Strong Excel skills (advanced formulas, pivot tables, data analysis).
• Ability to interpret and present complex data clearly.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking ability.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple portfolios and deadlines.
• Leadership and people-management skills.

• Analytical and detail-oriented.
• Proactive and solutions-focused.
• Confident decision-maker based on data.
• Strong accountability and ownership mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative team leader and mentor.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

• Office-based role in Cape Town.
• Oversight of utilities analysis for a major multi-portfolio retail environment.
• Direct line management of 2 Junior Utilities Analysts.
• Strong interaction with finance, property, and operations teams.