Head of Asset Management

England, United Kingdom

Role: Head of Asset Management

Department: Operations

Reports to: Director of Operations

Location: Manchester / Reading – hybrid

About Us

Leep Utilities owns and operates regulated and non-regulated multi-utility networks across the UK. With sites in MediaCityUK, Liverpool Waters and Canary Wharf, our broad range of capabilities includes electricity, water and wastewater, alongside heating, cooling and hot water services.

Leep is the result of a joint venture between the independent mid-market infrastructure investment manager, Ancala Partners LLP and one of the UK’s leading private real estate investment and infrastructure companies, The Peel Group. We deliver straightforward connections throughout the UK and hold the relevant licenses that allow us to adopt regulated utilities on new developments.

The Opportunity

The Head of Asset Management (HoAM) is responsible for overseeing the safe, compliant, efficient, and profitable operation of Leep Utilities assets via either internal resource or by approved and effectively managed subcontractors. The HoAM will ensure that robust and vigorous auditing is undertaken to ensure that Leep assets are maintained by qualified contractors and personnel and ensuring the appropriate safe systems of work are followed and maintained in all instances.

The HoAM will also be required to ensure that all Regulatory and commercial contractual obligations are met in relation to 3rd Party connection requests ensuring that no GSS standards are breached. Responsibility for ensuring that suitable business reporting is in place to meet the obligations for monitoring financial performance vs budget, operational performance vs the business plan and monthly/quarterly board reports and progress on key activities. Working with the Director of Operations, the HoAM will be responsible for the delivery of key items within the Leep Five Year Plan, ensuring they are resourced and executed effectively.

Key Responsibilities

To be responsible for ensuring compliance to the Regulatory & Licence obligations that fall under the remit of Operations & Maintenance or 3rd Party Connections activities for the formally adopted Leep portfolio

To be responsible for ensuring compliance to the commercial contractual obligations that fall under the remit of Operations & Maintenance or 3rd Party Connections activities for the formally adopted Leep private asset portfolio

The line management of all direct reports within the Asset Management Team in line with all Leep Procedures and Policies

Ensure that a suitable structure is in place to ensure that Asset Management Personnel are effectively in line with all Leep Procedures and Policies

To ensure that adequate records are maintained for all post adoption operational activities undertaken all of Leep’s asset portfolio for both preventative and reactive interventions.

Support the Operations budget setting and management process by taking the lead on the planning and execution on all financial items associated with Asset Management activities. Including the planning and provision for forecasted portfolio changes, changes in legislation, staff planning, personnel development and supporting the five year plan.

Ensure that robust and adequate controls and processes are in place to ensure that the financial management and monitoring of all planned and ad-hoc asset management works undertaken on Leep’s behalf.

Responsible for ensuring that necessary financial control and procedures are complied with such as the timely raising and monitoring of all required purchase orders for contractor works, identifying variances when they occur, as well as the timely review and receipt of incoming invoices and challenging where relevant

To take the lead on all Asset Management contracts and tenders. Ensure that any contracts have been suitably vetted and approved by the legal team and have undergone the necessary Corporate governance prior to award

Conduct regular business risk reviews and mange actions arising to feed into the wider Operations risk register and help minimise company risk, whilst maximising commercial returns

Working with Head of Project Delivery to ensure that new assets are handed over with all relevant records, agreements and contracts in place

Ensure standards of installation, pre-energisation checks and sign off meet and/or exceed requirements

Day to day operational management of Leep Utilities assets

Implement suitable and sufficient standards to ensure effective operational business management & reporting (including KPI’s)

Provide support to the sales team on all matters related to Asset Management activities and/or requirements

Provide support to the Director of Operations on all site operations enquiries

About You

A minimum of 5 years’ experience of working in a regulatory (DNO or Water Company) organisation in an Operational Management role

Good Knowledge of the general utility industry

Proven track record of the management of utility contractors

Working familiarity with SHEQ management and audit

Understanding of regulatory standards applicable to the business and the processes required to be compliant with them

Good computer and reporting skills

Adaptability and an eagerness to learn

Your Development and Benefits

At Leep, we believe in stable growth and putting our people first. Our 5-year strategic growth plan gives us stability today and prepares us for the future, while nurturing a strong collaborative and supportive culture.

Our benefits include:

Salary which aligns to your experience and skillset

25 days paid holiday + bank holidays

An additional day off to celebrate your birthday

Annual discretionary bonus

Car allowance

Company pension plan

Health Cash plan through Westfield Health

Option to purchase additional holiday days through our Holiday Buying Scheme

Engagement committee with events throughout the year, including Christmas Party, Summer Party and individual team socials

Paid professional memberships relevant to your role and access to professional development opportunities

Additional benefits to be discussed at interview

Our Values

At the forefront of everything we do:

Safety Customer Promise Accountability Reliability Respect Flexibility

Equal Opportunities

Leep Utilities is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you require any appropriate accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.