Job Description

Please note this role is 100% office-based role as we do not offer hybrid working. The role will be based in our head office located in Southgate, North London.

Job Title:

Utilities Manager

Department:

Utilities & Council Tax

Reports to:

CEO

Working Hours:

9am-5:30pm Monday- Friday

Location:

Office (Southgate)

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive

Utilities Manager

to lead the Utilities & Council Tax function at

Stef & Philips

, a leading provider of high-quality housing and support services for vulnerable people across the UK. This pivotal role involves overseeing all utility and council tax operations across our growing national property portfolio, ensuring the effective setup, management, and optimisation of gas, electricity, water, and council tax accounts.

As Utilities Manager, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and compliant utility and council tax administration. Your work will ensure continuity of supply for over 3,800 properties, help manage the financial impact of utility usage, and directly contribute to the comfort and stability of our residents--many of whom are in vulnerable or transitional situations.

You will be expected to build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, energy suppliers, and internal departments, whilst ensuring operational efficiency, excellent customer service, and full regulatory compliance. This is a highly cross-functional role, requiring excellent communication and coordination with internal teams such as Housing, Maintenance, Compliance, Finance, and Asset Management.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in utilities management within housing or property sectors, experience leading high-performing teams, and the ability to problem-solve and implement improvements in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. You'll also be responsible for supporting the organisation's wider sustainability and cost-efficiency goals through smart procurement, usage monitoring, and accurate reporting.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing, socially driven organisation, helping to ensure our homes are powered, compliant, and ready for those who need them most.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Departmental Oversight

Lead and manage the Utilities & Council Tax department, overseeing day-to-day operations to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. Provide direction, guidance, and support to the team, including training and performance management. Serve as the first point of escalation for team queries or complex utility and council tax issues. Drive continuous improvement by reviewing departmental processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing best practice procedures.

Utilities & Council Tax Administration

Set up, amend, and close utility and council tax accounts for all company-managed properties, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Monitor and manage the use of pre-payment meters across the portfolio, ensuring sufficient credit levels are maintained. Oversee the management of over 900 landlord-owned sub-meters, ensuring accurate billing, tenant support, and maintenance coordination. Ensure all residents are supported with practical advice on accessing and managing utility services.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong working relationships with energy suppliers, local authorities, and key service providers. Act as the primary liaison for utility providers and local councils to facilitate account management, resolve billing disputes, and address service interruptions. Work collaboratively with internal departments such as Maintenance, Housing, and Accounts Payable to ensure service continuity and operational efficiency.

Procurement & Contract Management

Source and negotiate competitive rates for utility contracts, ensuring value for money and financial sustainability. Maintain an overview of active contracts and tariff structures, and manage renewals or supplier changes as needed. Ensure supplier contracts are effectively monitored and all service level agreements (SLAs) are adhered to.

Financial Oversight & Reporting

Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of utility-related invoices and company credit cards. Work closely with the Accounts Payable team to maintain accurate records and resolve billing discrepancies. Produce and present regular reports including cash flow forecasts, cost-per-property analyses, and performance metrics for the senior leadership team. Monitor and manage utility spend against departmental budgets, flagging risks or cost variances.

Compliance & Risk Management

Stay informed of current utility legislation, housing-related energy regulations, welfare support schemes, and data protection laws. Ensure all utilities and council tax functions operate in compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policy standards. Lead on the resolution of emergency utility issues, such as gas leaks, disconnections, and supply failures, coordinating with relevant teams and authorities. Maintain accurate, GDPR-compliant records and ensure all resident data is handled securely.

Resident Support & Customer Service

Ensure a resident-focused approach to utility and council tax management, supporting tenants with payment issues, access to support schemes, and general queries. Manage complaints related to utility services or council tax swiftly and professionally, escalating where appropriate. Ensure timely and clear communication with residents, colleagues, and external stakeholders via written and verbal channels.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Work collaboratively with other internal teams, including Housing Management, Maintenance, Compliance, and Asset Management, to align service delivery. Support wider organisational goals such as sustainability, energy efficiency, and improving the resident experience. Attend interdepartmental meetings and contribute to cross-functional initiatives as required.

Skills & Knowledge

Utilities and Council Tax Expertise

Proven experience managing utility services and council tax administration within a housing, property, or facilities management environment.

Energy Market & Regulatory Knowledge

Sound understanding of utility markets, contract negotiation, prepayment and sub-metering systems, and relevant legislation including Ofgem regulations, data protection laws, and council tax protocols.

Leadership and Team Management

Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team, set clear objectives, manage workloads, and deliver departmental targets under pressure.

Procurement & Supplier Management

Strong skills in sourcing utility contracts, negotiating supplier agreements, managing SLAs, and maintaining supplier relationships.

Financial Acumen

Confident in managing budgets, reconciling accounts, validating invoices, and reporting on utility spend and cash flow forecasts.

Problem-Solving & Decision Making

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to resolve complex service, billing, or operational issues quickly and effectively.

Customer Service & Resident Support

A resident-focused approach with empathy and professionalism when dealing with vulnerable individuals or resolving complaints.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with residents, local authorities, suppliers, and internal stakeholders at all levels.

Technical Proficiency

High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and working with CRM or housing management systems (e.g. Salesforce or equivalent).

Organisational & Time Management

Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and maintain attention to detail in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Risk and Compliance Awareness

Knowledge of risk management in utility provision, health and safety considerations (e.g. gas safety), and ensuring operational compliance with industry regulations.

Desirable (Ideal but Not Essential)

Experience working in the

social or supported housing

sector. Familiarity with

tenant welfare support schemes

, fuel poverty initiatives, and energy efficiency programmes. Awareness of

sustainability goals and carbon reduction targets

in housing management. Knowledge of

construction or refurbishment processes

involving utility installation.

Benefits

23 days leave, plus bank holidays Additional holiday days for long service - up to 28 days Celebration of tenure 3 years 500 5 years 1000 10 years 5000 Private health insurance with Vitality Birthday off One well-being day off per year Maternity/Paternity Pay Pension schemes increase - after 2 years. 500 referral scheme for staff who refer a new employee, paid upon passing probation. Company payday lunch

Diversity & Inclusion

Stef & Philips is built on acceptance, respect, and inclusion, where everyone feels that they belong and can make a meaningful contribution. We encourage applicants regardless of religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family, or parental status. If you need any assistance or accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Health & wellbeing programme Referral programme Sick pay
Application question(s):

Are you within commutable distance to our head office in Southgate? Are you able to work 5 days a week in the office?
Experience:

Utilities Manager: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 14/08/2025
Reference ID: Utilities Manager