Head of Licensing

Pentasia; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly growing Online Betting Company is seeking a Head of Licensing in South Africa. This role involves leading the licensing and compliance strategy, managing regulatory relationships, and ensuring adherence to local laws. The ideal candidate is a licensed attorney with at least 8 years of gaming compliance experience and proven expertise in securing gaming licenses. Strong communication skills are essential, with fluency in English and knowledge of additional South African languages considered a plus.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience in gaming compliance and regulation.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing compliance teams.
• Proven track record in obtaining gaming licenses.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other South African languages is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead licensing initiatives across South Africa.
• Track legislation changes and evaluate risks.
• Manage audits ensuring compliance.
• Act as primary representative with regulators.
• Develop and enforce compliance policies.
• Build and mentor a compliance team.
• Deliver executive reports on compliance status.
• Provide training to internal teams.

Skills

Licensing Strategy

Regulatory Monitoring

Audit Management

Stakeholder Relations

Technical Compliance

Policy Development

Team Leadership

Communication

Education

Licensed South African attorney

Job description

Head of Licensing– South Africa

Reporting to: Executive Team

Location: South Africa, Cape Town

Overview:

A rapidly growing Online betting company are looking for a Director of Licensing & Compliance to take the lead in shaping and managing the company’s licensing and compliance framework in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

Licensing Strategy & Execution:

• Lead all licensing initiatives—apply for, renew, and expand gaming licenses throughout South Africa.

Regulatory Monitoring & Risk Management:

• Track changes in legislation, evaluate associated risks, and brief the executive team on impact and mitigation plans tailored to the South African legal landscape.

Audit & Regulatory Compliance:

• Manage audits across all applicable jurisdictions in South Africa, ensuring no non-compliance findings and prompt issue resolution.

Stakeholder & Regulator Relations:

• Act as the company’s primary representative in dealings with South African regulators and authorities

Technical Compliance:

• Supervise technical certifications and approvals with gaming labs

Policy Leadership:

• Develop and enforce South Africa-specific compliance policies across AML, KYC, responsible gaming, data privacy, and advertising.

Team Management & Leadership:

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing compliance team

Board-Level Compliance Reporting:

• Deliver executive reports on regulatory status, compliance metrics, emerging issues, and corrective action plans within South Africa.

Internal Education:

• Provide training to internal teams

Qualifications & Experience:

• Licensed South African attorney with at least 8 years of experience in gaming compliance and regulation, focused on the local market.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role, managing compliance teams and budgets in a regulated environment.
• Proven track record in obtaining gaming licenses and successfully managing regulatory audits within South Africa.
• Experienced in influencing and negotiating with South African regulators and industry bodies.
• Excellent communicator with fluency in English; proficiency in additional South African languages (e.g., Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa) is a strong plus.