Utilities Optimization Lead

CBRE Excellerate; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Excellerate in South Africa seeks an experienced Head of Real Estate to lead regional growth across Africa. You will oversee acquisitions, disposals, leases and asset management, building partnerships with senior leaders and client organizations to deliver integrated, client-focused outcomes.

The role focuses on utilities management across multiple client accounts, cost optimization, ESG compliance, and reporting, with a strong emphasis on governance, budgeting, and team leadership within

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business studies, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, or Technology
• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification and/or relevant training
• At least 5 years of experience in the utilities technical field
• Strong understanding of South African municipal procedures and accounting practices
• In-depth knowledge of Eskom and municipal tariffs, bylaws, and regulatory frameworks
• Experience in compiling greenhouse gas inventories, carbon footprinting, or carbon audits
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel, and working knowledge of Outlook and Word

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify opportunities for utilities cost savings and recovery optimization across client accounts
• Manage the analysis and reporting of technical data provided by the Accounts Payable team to ensure accurate monthly reporting, anomaly detection, and ESG compliance
• Collaborate with Utilities Managers, Financial Controllers, Council Liaison Teams, and the Energy & Sustainability team to plan, coordinate, and oversee the implementation and tracking of optimization projects
• Maintain detailed benefit tracking for all identified utilities optimization initiatives
• Develop and improve systems, processes, and reporting mechanisms to support client-specific utilities service level agreements (SLAs)
• Assist in defining user system specifications and lead the development, management, and troubleshooting of systems to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce duplication of effort
• Identify training needs and deliver training sessions to ensure effective use of systems and adherence to best practices
• Support the preparation of budgeting and forecasting for metered utility recoveries
• Lead and manage teams responsible for utility recovery processes within the Portfolio Services division
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal creditors and internal teams, providing regular updates on tariffs, municipal bylaws, and account information

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Planning and organization

Problem solving

Financial acumen

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Studies / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies / Technology

Grade 12 or equivalent qualification and/or relevant training

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

CBRE Excellerate in South Africa seeks an experienced Head of Real Estate to lead regional growth across Africa. You will oversee acquisitions, disposals, leases and asset management, building partnerships with senior leaders and client organizations to deliver integrated, client-focused outcomes.

The role focuses on utilities management across multiple client accounts, cost optimization, ESG compliance, and reporting, with a strong emphasis on governance, budgeting, and team leadership within