Cape Town: Utilities Analyst (Retail Property Management) posted by Surge Staffing Solutions

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.

Key Responsibilities 1. Utilities Analysis & Reporting

• 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in:

  • Finance

  • Accounting

  • Engineering

  • Data Analysis

  • Property Studies

  • Or a related analytical field

Experience

• 35 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.

Knowledge Requirements

• 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.

Skills & Competencies

• 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.

Behavioural Competencies

• 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.

Work Context

• 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.