Head of Compliance

SUMMARY:
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.

POSITION INFO:
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.