Head of Licensing

Black Pen Recruitment; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Compliance Lead in Durban to oversee licensing for the South African gaming market. The successful candidate will hold an LLB, possess 8 years of experience in gaming compliance, and have proven success with regulators. Responsibilities include developing regulatory strategies, managing audits, and mentoring a compliance team. This full-time hybrid role requires strong communication skills in English and familiarity with South African legislation.

Qualifications

• 8 years dedicated to gaming licensing/compliance.
• Proven success in securing licenses and passing audits.
• Clear communicator; fluent in English and additional South African languages an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company’s licensing strategy for South Africa.
• Direct relations with South African regulators.
• Oversee audits to ensure compliance and remediation.
• Mentor a high-performing compliance team.

Skills

Licensed lawyer in South Africa

Experience in gaming licensing

Leadership in regulated gaming environments

Regulatory strategy development

Technical knowledge of gaming regulations

Education

LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

Job description

Our client believes in the power of Virtual Advancement leveraging digital innovation and strategic foresight to help businesses excel in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on agility and adaptability, they work alongside organisations to simplify complexity, enhance operations, and implement strategies that foster long-term success.

Their team partners with startups, SMEs, and large enterprises across various industries, enabling clients to harness technology, data, and strategic insight to gain sustainable competitive advantage. From expanding into new markets to building resilient financial roadmaps, our client serves as a trusted advisor committed to creating meaningful impact. Whether the goal is operational optimisation or future‑focused growth, our client delivers the clarity and capability needed to navigate change and lead with confidence.

Role Overview

Lead the company’s licensing and compliance function specifically for the South African market. Own regulatory strategy, secure new licenses, protect existing approvals, and ensure audit‑ready operations across all relevant jurisdictions within South Africa. Report directly to the executive team and act as primary liaison with South African regulators, gaming laboratories, and industry bodies.

Job Type: Full‑time / Permanent

Location: Cape Town

Workplace: Hybrid

Requirements

• Licensed lawyer in South Africa with 8 years dedicated to gaming licensing / compliance with a strong focus on the South African market.
• 5 years leading teams and budgets in a regulated gaming environment with proven experience in South Africa.
• 8 years in gaming regulation including 5 years in a senior‑leadership capacity with significant experience in the South African market.
• Demonstrated success securing licenses and passing regulator audits within South Africa.
• Deep knowledge of South African gaming technical standards, AML / CTF rules, responsible‑gaming frameworks and data‑protection laws.
• Proven ability to influence senior regulators and industry associations in South Africa.
• Clear, concise communicator; fluent English mandatory; additional South African official languages (e.g. Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa) an asset.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute licensing strategy for the South African market; secure renewal or expansion of all gaming licenses in South Africa.
• Own the regulatory roadmap for South Africa: track legislative changes, assess risk, and brief executives on impact and mitigation within the South African context.
• Lead audits within South African jurisdictions; ensure zero‑finding outcomes and timely remediation.
• Direct regulator relations in South Africa: negotiate license conditions, respond to enquiries, and represent the company in hearings with South African authorities.
• Oversee technical certification with gaming labs for South African market requirements; sign off on system releases and change controls.
• Design and enforce company‑wide policies (AML, KYC, RG, data, advertising) specifically tailored to South African legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing compliance team focused on South Africa; set KPIs, coach managers, and control headcount and budget.
• Provide board‑level reporting on compliance posture, emerging risks, and corrective actions relevant to South Africa.
• Deliver internal training on regulatory obligations for product operations and marketing staff operating in South Africa.

Key Skills

• Marketing & Promotions
• Attorney At Law
• Jni
• Airlines
• Art