Head of Compliance | Parktown

Our client, a specialised insurance provider with a rich history in construction guarantees and niche underwriting, is seeking a visionary Head of Compliance Control Function. This is a pivotal role within a non-hierarchical, collaborative organization that prides itself on "Nimbility," the perfect balance of nimbleness and stability.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Transform the compliance function into a strategic partner that maps the regulatory universe and finds solutions within the South African legal framework.


Regulatory Navigation: Implement and oversee effective monitoring plans across the entire business ecosystem.


Digital Transformation: Champion the governance units digital platform, leveraging automated workflows, real-time dashboards, and data analytics over manual tracking.


Stakeholder Management: Maintain excellent working relationships with counterparts in other control functions to contribute to a robust combined assurance framework.


Objective Oversight: Maintain a primary reporting line to the Risk and Compliance Committee with unfettered access to the Board to ensure absolute independence.


Operational Excellence: Manage regulatory relationships and provide proactive advice to business heads and external partners.

Requirements:

Academic Background: A bachelors degree in Law or Finance is essential; a Masters degree is considered advantageous.

Professional Experience: Minimum of 10 years in the compliance field, including at least 2 years serving as a Head of a Compliance Control Function.

Industry Knowledge: Deep experience in the insurance sector is critical, with specific experience in non-life insurance being highly advantageous.

Statutory Approvals: A proven track record of approval by the Prudential Authority (PA) and FSCA is essential.

Specific Designations: Prior Phase I approval with the FSCA as a FAIS Compliance Officer and the appetite to serve as the Information Officer (POPIA).

Digital Conversance: High degree of digital competence and a preference for automated systems.

Action-Oriented: A "roll up your sleeves" attitude with the ability to lead a lean, high-impact team.

Complex Problem Solving: Ability to distill complex regulatory structures into pragmatic, actionable intelligence.

Relationship Focus: Exceptional communication skills to build trust with internal stakeholders and external Underwriting Management Agency (UMA) partners.