About Us

Choosing to work at Stef & Philips is about more than just having a job. All members of our team share the same goal: to help improve the lives of vulnerable people around the UK, by delivering safe, suitable homes and vital services for the homeless, backed by investors who care. This people-centred ethos is reflected in our company culture; we prioritise wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

Our Journey so Far

Stef & Philips began life in 2006 as a traditional family-run lettings agent, servicing private tenants and landlords in North London. But the UK’s urgent need for good quality social housing had a profound impact on our Founder and CEO, Chris Philippou. In 2012 he acted on that need, and we now operate UK-wide with over 3800 accommodation units, 5500 tenants and counting.

By bringing together private investors, local authorities, charities and housing associations in a spirit of trust and a shared commitment to improving tenants’ lives, we’ve created a versatile, end-to-end model that delivers fit-for-purpose accommodation and services – a setting where people can begin to thrive again.  

Our full service approach is unique. All work is carried out by dedicated in-house teams to ensure reliable, high-quality service.

The process begins with private or institutional investors looking for a positive social impact. Once we’ve helped them to source and acquire the right property, our construction arm remodels and refurbishes it to our exacting quality standards. We also sign a lease with the investor to handle lettings, management and maintenance, while protecting their capital and yields.

We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home and right now though the UK’s housing crisis is getting worse, with homelessness forecast to double over the next 25 years. We’re committed to changing that trend, combining profit with purpose.

Our roots as a family business remain at the core of who we are, as do the values that go with it, and our commitment to helping vulnerable people get the housing help they need.

The Role

The Utilities Manager will lead and manage Stef & Philips’ Utilities and Council Tax Team, ensuring the efficient setup and administration of utility and council tax accounts across the organisation’s housing portfolio. This includes overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with legislation, optimising energy contracts, supporting residents, and working closely with internal teams to ensure seamless delivery. The successful candidate will be highly organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Department & Team Management:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Utilities & Council Tax Department.

• Lead a team responsible for setting up and managing utility and council tax accounts.

• Act as the first point of contact for all team queries relating to utilities and council tax.

• Ensure that departmental processes are followed and continuously improved for efficiency and compliance.

Utilities & Council Tax Administration:

• Secure and manage utility and council tax accounts for all properties.

• Liaise with local authorities and utility providers to set up, amend, or close accounts.

• Monitor pre-payment meters to ensure consistent levels of credit are maintained.

• Manage landlord-owned sub-meters (approx. 900) and support tenants with access and top-up knowledge.

• Ensure continuity of supply across the portfolio by working with utility providers and internal maintenance teams.

Procurement & Supplier Management:

• Research and secure the most competitive energy prices and contracts.

• Build and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and local councils.

• Ensure all utility and council tax invoices are checked thoroughly against contract terms and signed off appropriately.

• Reconcile company credit cards used for utility payments and coordinate with accounts to ensure all receipts are submitted.

Financial Oversight & Reporting:

• Work closely with the Accounts Payable team to ensure accurate billing and record-keeping.

• Provide monthly departmental cash flow forecasts and cost-per-property analysis.

• Respond to billing or payment-related queries from internal and external stakeholders.

• Deliver quarterly performance updates and departmental reports to senior leadership.

Compliance, Legislation & Resident Support:

• Stay current on energy legislation, welfare rights, and government assistance schemes.

• Ensure all work complies with S&P policies, data protection laws, and energy regulations.

• Manage and resolve any gas leaks, meter disconnections, or emergency issues.

• Effectively respond to resident or client complaints, maintaining a high standard of customer service.

• Provide clear and timely written and verbal communication to residents, clients, and senior leaders.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other managers and departments to resolve operational issues quickly and effectively.

• Support sustainability goals and energy efficiency initiatives in line with the company’s broader objectives.

Skills and Experience

• Experience managing utilities and council tax in a housing or property environment.

• Strong understanding of energy markets, legislation, and welfare support related to utilities.

• Proven team leadership skills with ability to manage competing deadlines under pressure.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office packages and working with database systems.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping and reporting.

• Must have experience managing a team

Ideal but not essential

• Experience in housing or social property management.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience)

• 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

• 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

• Daily Fresh fruit