Chief Risk Officer

Rise Recruiting Agency; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting firm is seeking a Chief Risk Officer in Centurion, Gauteng. The ideal candidate will lead risk and compliance strategies, oversee financial operations, and engage with stakeholders. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree and 10-12 years of relevant experience in risk management or compliance, particularly in financial services. This role emphasizes strong leadership skills and the ability to drive organizational change.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years' experience in risk management or compliance, ideally in financial services or insurance.
• Minimum 5–8 years in senior management or executive leadership.
• Experience as Head of a Control Function is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead risk, solvency, and capital management strategies.
• Oversee compliance and governance frameworks.
• Ensure operations within defined risk appetite.
• Develop sustainability and corporate governance strategies.
• Conduct stress testing and scenario analysis.

Skills

Strategic and analytical thinker

Excellent leadership and stakeholder management

Risk analysis skills

Governance and compliance knowledge

Interpersonal and communication skills

Change management abilities

Education

Postgraduate degree in Risk Management, Compliance, Legal, Actuarial Science, or Accounting

Registration with IRMSA preferred

Job description

Overview

Job title: Chief Risk Officer

Job Location: Gauteng, Centurion

Deadline: November 17, 2025

Job Description

Risk, Legal & Compliance Leadership

• Lead the organisation’s risk, solvency, and capital management strategies.
• Oversee compliance, market conduct, regulatory complaints, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure the business operates within defined risk appetite and complies with relevant legislation and industry best practices.
• Develop and embed sustainability and corporate governance strategies.
• Oversee risk reporting, monitoring, and the execution of Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) processes.
• Manage and mature the organisation’s risk control and compliance frameworks.
• Conduct stress testing, scenario analysis, and forward-looking projections to support strategic planning.
• Establish a strong risk culture through education, awareness, and effective communication.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and industry bodies.
• Advise the Board, Audit, and Risk Committees on all matters related to risk and regulatory compliance.
• Provide actionable insights and guidance to influence business decisions.
• Drive initiatives that promote fair treatment and service excellence for clients.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams to achieve strategic objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Manage team performance, development plans, and succession strategies.
• Encourage innovation, agility, and excellence within the team.

Financial Oversight

• Manage the department’s budget and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
• Address and report any financial non-compliance or irregularities.

Job Requirements

Education & Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Risk Management, Compliance, Legal, Actuarial Science, or Accounting (FASSA or CA(SA) advantageous).
• Registration with the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) preferred.

Experience

• 10–12 years’ experience in risk management or compliance, ideally within financial services or insurance.
• Minimum 5–8 years in senior management or executive leadership.
• Experience as a Head of a Control Function highly advantageous.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong business acumen.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Skilled in risk analysis, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to manage teams and drive organisational change.