Utilities Manager
The company
From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments.
Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25.
An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. Every Thakeham home completion will be Net Zero Carbon by 2025 and we were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy.
We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.
People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We were recognised in the prestigious ‘Best Places to Work 2023’ and are listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2023.
Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.
We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.
At Thakeham we build communities, together.
The department
The utilities manager will report through the engineering department and director. The department co-ordinates and manages the due diligence and design of all infrastructure on residential led developments from land acquisition through detailed design to delivery.
The role
A unique opportunity for a high calibre detail focused utilities manager, working as part of a wider in-house engineering team. The utilities manager will ensure, while working across multiple projects at any one time, that all emerging designs, specifications and relevant information, is developed with due regard to cost, quality, time and overall viability.
The utilities manager will be supported by an existing utility coordinator and for the appropriate candidate will take on line management responsibilities.
Including but not limited to:
- Oversee and track C2 utility searches, interrogating and advising on development risk and opportunity, principally cost, programme and complexity
- Advise on layout implications, service corridors, utility budgets, utility charges, and legal issues such as leases, wayleaves and easements
- Oversee the acquisition of C3 budget costs and subsequently C4 estimates for diversions. Reviewing for potential cost savings and procuring most competitive position (accommodating cost and programme). Subsequently oversee delivery of diversion works
- Appoint and manage solicitors to process all utility legal agreements required. For example, diversions easements and sub-station transfers
- Predevelopment programme, confirm achievable utility procurement duration for project planning
- Procure appropriate temporary supplies, advising on load, cost & timing
- Produce electric vehicle charging strategies and plans for developments
- Calculate development loading and procure appropriate, point of connection, mains and connections quotations, analyse, compare and advise on tenders
- Obtain and manage mains and connections designs including coordinating combined services drawings with engineering team
- Apply for unmetered supplies for street furniture
- Manage the handover of utility procurement to the construction department to ensure stats can be programmed, called off and managed
- Oversee rebates / diversion refunds and obtain all monies due to the business
- Review and be involved in energy sustainability options to ensure detailed technical specifications are made available to facilitate formal infrastructure quoting and design. Well versed and informed on emerging policy and potential energy and utility solutions in the sector
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.
The required skills
The role will see you manage the relationship with all Utility companies on behalf of Thakeham, collecting data, placing orders, managing and tracking all disconnections, diversions, new supplies, and registration. For this role, you would preferably have;
- Experience working for a developer (preferable)
- Hardworking and have excellent communication skills
- Experience managing high-volume administrative requirements
- Pro-efficient in all Microsoft Office applications
- A strong ability to multi-task in a rapid-paced environment where relationships, organisation, and a high attention to detail is required
- Self-motivated team player but with the ability to adapt and work on one’s own initiative
- Customer focussed individual with a “can do” attitude
The benefits
- Competitive salary
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs service (plus bank holidays)
- Life assurance
- Private medical insurance
- Health screening
- Pension scheme
- Bonus scheme
- Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / working from home policy
- Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate
- Company social events
Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.
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We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.
