Utilities Contracts Manager - 12 month FTC in Leicester

As our Utilities Contracts Manager, you will take day-to-day ownership of all energy and water contracts across our NEXT and Next owned Brand estates. You will lead the preparation and submission of accurate sustainability data to meet regulatory commitments, while managing and developing two direct reports to ensure smooth operational support. The role is offered on a 12 month fixed term contract.

What You Will Do

• Contract Management & Procurement: Lead day-to-day utility contract management for electricity, gas, and water across NEXT and other Next owned brands estates, managing supplier relationships, invoice validation, and query resolution. Support the Finance Manager with procurement activities, including tender preparation, hedging, market analysis, and contract negotiation. Monitor supplier performance and maintain accurate records of all utility contracts.
• Estate Management & Portfolio Changes: Oversee utility setups and metering for new store openings, as well as disconnections and final billing for store closures. Manage the onboarding process for new properties or brands into the utility management system. Collaborate with the Estates team to maintain an up-to-date database of site details and meter information. Manage utilities for in-store concessions, including meter validation and rebilling processes.
• Sustainability Data & Regulatory Reporting: Collect and analyse utility consumption data to prepare submissions for internal reporting and external regulatory requirements, including SECR, ESOS, CRC, and GHG reporting. Ensure all sustainability data submissions are accurate, complete, and delivered on time. Monitor changes in environmental legislation and support initiatives to identify carbon and energy reduction opportunities.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Build and maintain reporting dashboards to analyse trends in utility costs, consumption, and sustainability metrics. Manage data integrity within the utilities database to support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Manage, mentor, and support two direct reports, guiding their daily tasks and conducting regular performance reviews. Streamline administrative processes across utility invoice processing and site queries. Build strong working relationships with internal teams, including store managers, finance, and sustainability, as well as external suppliers and regulators.

What You Will Bring

• Utilities: Demonstrated experience handling energy management, utility contracts.
• Sustainability Knowledge: An understanding of sustainability reporting frameworks such as SECR or ESOS.
• People Leadership: Practical experience managing, supervising, or mentoring team members to drive high standards and efficient workflows.
• Project & Portfolio Management: Strong organisational skills with a track record of managing competing priorities, store estate changes, or complex contract renewals to tight deadlines.
• Analytical Expertise: Strong experience working with complex datasets, using advanced Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to produce precise reporting and market insights.
• Clear Communication: Ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, store teams, and external suppliers to resolve queries and deliver shared goals.