Legal & Compliance Manager | South Africa | Permanent

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Are you an experienced legal and compliance leader with a strong background in the credit bureau or credit information industry? This is an opportunity to lead legal governance, regulatory compliance and risk management within a specialised credit bureau environment where industry knowledge and sound regulatory judgement are essential. As Legal & Compliance Manager, you will lead the legal and compliance function, ensuring the business operates in accordance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and internal governance standards. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior stakeholders, you will provide strategic legal guidance, identify and manage compliance risks, oversee investigations and audits, and ensure that regulatory obligations are embedded throughout the organisation. This role combines legal oversight, regulatory interpretation, information governance and people leadership. You will guide business decisions involving client onboarding, commercial agreements, disputes, vendor relationships and regulatory matters, while ensuring that employees understand their compliance responsibilities. You will also act as the company's Designated Information Officer, working alongside the Default Information Officer on matters relating to the Protection of Personal Information Act. Our client, operates within South Africa's credit information environment, where regulatory compliance, responsible information handling and trusted commercial relationships are central to business operations. The successful candidate will bring relevant industry experience, a practical understanding of the regulatory landscape and the ability to translate complex legal requirements into workable business processes. What You'll Do Lead and manage the Legal and Compliance Department, including team development, work allocation and delivery against departmental objectives. Work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to establish and implement legal, compliance and governance strategies aligned with business priorities. Monitor compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements, including the National Credit Act and the Protection of Personal Information Act. Research and interpret relevant legislation, case law, regulatory developments and industry practices, advising the business on their implications. Develop, review, document and implement policies, procedures and internal controls to support consistent compliance across the organisation. Plan and oversee internal compliance reviews, audits and investigations into potential breaches or compliance concerns. Assess business activities, client relationships and operational processes to identify, evaluate and mitigate legal and regulatory risks. Develop practical response plans for compliance incidents, regulatory breaches and other legal or governance issues. Prepare and submit compliance reports and regulatory documentation as required. Manage legal matters involving commercial contracts, dispute resolution, corporate governance and regulatory engagement. Support client and vendor onboarding by providing compliance guidance and ensuring appropriate due diligence and controls are applied. Work collaboratively with department heads and operational teams to embed compliance requirements into everyday business processes. Engage with external auditors, regulators and relevant industry forums, representing the business where required. Lead employee education and training on regulatory obligations, internal standards, data protection and relevant industry practices. Fulfil the responsibilities of Designated Information Officer in conjunction with the Default Information Officer, supporting appropriate information governance and compliance with POPIA. Keep the department informed of legislative changes, regulatory expectations and evolving industry practices, recommending improvements where necessary. What You Bring A strong legal and compliance background, supported by relevant tertiary qualifications in Law or a closely related field. Significant experience in legal, regulatory compliance or governance roles, ideally including leadership responsibility. Relevant experience within a credit bureau or credit information business is particularly important. Candidates should understand the regulatory and operational realities of the credit information industry. A sound working knowledge of the National Credit Act and the Protection of Personal Information Act, including their practical implications for credit information operations. Experience interpreting legislation and case law, assessing regulatory exposure and advising senior business stakeholders. Demonstrated capability in compliance monitoring, internal audits, investigations, risk assessments and the development of policies and controls. Experience managing commercial contracts, legal disputes, regulatory matters and corporate governance. An understanding of data protection, information governance and the responsibilities associated with the Designated Information Officer function. Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with executives, operational teams, clients, vendors, auditors and regulators. Proven leadership, communication, judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex legal requirements into clear, practical guidance. What Success Looks Like A well-managed Legal and Compliance Department with clear priorities, effective controls and consistent delivery. Stronger regulatory compliance and governance practices across the business. Timely identification, escalation and resolution of legal, information governance and compliance risks. Effective application of the National Credit Act, POPIA and other relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Clear, actionable legal advice that enables informed business decisions while appropriately managing risk. Reliable compliance reporting, audit readiness and constructive engagement with external auditors and relevant regulatory stakeholders. Improved employee awareness of legal obligations and consistent adoption of compliance procedures. Effective oversight of client and vendor onboarding, contractual arrangements and information-handling practices. This is a senior opportunity for a credible legal and compliance professional who understands the credit information industry and can combine regulatory expertise with commercial judgement, sound leadership and a practical approach to risk management.