Head of Compliance

Initiate International; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading iGaming company seeks an experienced Head of Compliance to lead the compliance function in Johannesburg. This role involves designing compliance frameworks, engaging with regulators, and ensuring adherence to licensing requirements. Ideal candidates should possess extensive knowledge of iGaming regulations and strong leadership skills. This is a strategic position that offers significant scope for innovation and growth in a highly regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of iGaming regulations and compliance best practices.
• Proven experience leading compliance functions in highly regulated sectors.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and confidence engaging regulators.

Responsibilities

• Lead the compliance function and safeguard against regulatory risks.
• Design and implement compliance frameworks for the iGaming industry.
• Act as primary liaison with regulatory authorities and manage licensing requirements.

Skills

iGaming regulations knowledge

Stakeholder management

Leadership and communication

Commercial acumen

Problem-solving skills

Integrity and professionalism

Job description

Operating in the dynamic and highly regulated iGaming sector, we are seeking an experienced Head of Compliance to lead the compliance function and safeguard the organisation against regulatory, reputational, and operational risks.

This senior leadership role requires a strategic thinker with deep industry knowledge who can balance regulatory demands with commercial objectives. You will set the compliance agenda, engage directly with regulators, and ensure the business remains fully aligned with all licensing and legislative requirements as it scales across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Compliance Strategy & Leadership
• Design, implement, and continuously improve compliance frameworks tailored to the iGaming industry’s evolving regulatory environment.
• Provide proactive guidance to executive leadership on regulatory changes and risk exposure.
• Regulatory Engagement & Licensing
• Act as the primary liaison with national and provincial gambling boards and other regulatory authorities.
• Manage all licensing requirements, including applications, renewals, and submissions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee external regulatory audits and drive clean audit results.
• Risk Management & Oversight
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments and compliance reviews to identify vulnerabilities and ensure corrective actions are implemented swiftly.
• Monitor transactions for suspicious activity and ensure timely reporting to relevant authorities.
• Compliance Culture & Training
• Develop training materials and deliver programmes to embed a culture of compliance and accountability across the organisation.
• Champion compliance awareness at all levels of the business.
• Team Leadership & Innovation
• Lead and mentor the compliance team, fostering a high-performance, growth-focused culture.
• Implement technology-driven solutions for compliance monitoring, reporting, and analytics.

Skills & Experience Required

• Extensive knowledge of iGaming regulations, licensing requirements, and compliance best practices.
• Proven experience leading compliance functions within the iGaming, online betting, or similar highly regulated sectors.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging regulators and senior executives.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret complex regulations in a business-friendly way.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and ethical judgment.
• A genuine interest in the gaming and sports betting sectors is highly advantageous.

Whats on Offer

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead the compliance function within a leading player in the iGaming sector. You will have the scope to innovate, shape strategic direction, and ensure the business continues to thrive while meeting the highest regulatory standards.

If you are a compliance leader ready to set the benchmark for regulatory excellence in iGaming, we want to hear from you.