Head of Compliance

Reference: NFR010358-Henda-1

Are you an experienced compliance leader who enjoys rolling up your sleeves just as much as shaping strategy?

We are looking for a Head of Compliance to lead the Compliance Control Function within a well-established organisation operating in the insurance and financial services sector. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on compliance professional who thrives on balancing strategic leadership with operational execution.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the organisation's regulatory integrity while fostering a strong culture of compliance across the business.

If you're passionate about governance, regulatory excellence, and making a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Compliance Strategy

• Lead and manage the organisation's Compliance Control Function.
• Develop and implement the Compliance Risk Management Plan (CRMP).
• Drive the annual Compliance Monitoring Plan.
• Identify, assess and manage regulatory compliance risks.
• Report to Executive Management, the Audit & Risk Committee and the Board.
• Monitor legislative changes and advise the business on regulatory impacts.
• Champion a strong culture of ethics, governance and compliance throughout the organisation.

Operational Compliance

• Conduct compliance monitoring, testing and file reviews.
• Investigate compliance breaches and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance registers and monitor remediation plans.
• Provide practical compliance advice to business stakeholders.
• Deliver compliance awareness programmes and training.
• Prepare high-quality compliance reports, dashboards and regulatory submissions.
• Coordinate responses to regulatory enquiries and inspections.

Policy & Governance

• Draft, review and maintain governance, risk and compliance policies.
• Ensure policies remain aligned with evolving legislation.
• Support business units with policy development and Standard Operating Procedures.

FAIS Compliance

• Maintain the FAIS Compliance Framework.
• Monitor Fit and Proper requirements.
• Oversee Representatives, Key Individuals and Supervisors.
• Assist with licensing applications and regulatory approvals.
• Review representative agreements.
• Monitor CPD and competency requirements.
• Support debarment processes and representative governance.

FICA / AML / CFT

• Maintain and review the Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP).
• Conduct AML/CFT compliance monitoring.
• Monitor Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes.
• Oversee sanctions screening and targeted financial sanctions compliance.
• Support regulatory reporting obligations.
• Deliver AML/FICA training across the organisation.

Regulatory & Audit Engagement

• Coordinate compliance activities relating to Internal and External Audit.
• Support Prudential Authority and FSCA inspections.
• Manage audit findings and monitor corrective action plans through to completion.

Legal & Commercial Support

• Review and draft commercial agreements.
• Prepare regulatory correspondence.
• Provide legal and contractual support to the wider business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Law, Compliance, Risk Management, Commerce or a related discipline.
• Compliance Institute South Africa designation advantageous.
• LLB or Admitted Attorney highly advantageous.

Experience

• 7–10 years' compliance experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in a senior compliance leadership role.
• Essential experience within the insurance or financial services industry.

Technical Knowledge

You will have strong working knowledge of

• South African insurance legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Insurance Act.
• Long-term Insurance Act.
• FAIS.
• FICA.
• POPIA.
• Financial Sector Regulation Act.
• Companies Act.
• Policyholder Protection Rules.
• Prudential Standards.
• Joint Standards.
• Conduct Standards.
• King IV and King V principles.
• Compliance monitoring, governance, policy development and regulatory reporting.
• Exceptional legislative interpretation skills.
• Outstanding report writing and policy drafting abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High ethical standards and unquestionable integrity.
• Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.
• The confidence to work independently while influencing senior stakeholders.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

Package & Remuneration

R 900000 - R 1000000