Head of Licensing (iGaming)

Black Pen Recruitment; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Compliance Manager to lead the licensing and compliance function in Cape Town, South Africa. You will drive regulatory strategy, secure licenses, and manage audits within the South African gaming landscape. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in gaming compliance, proven track record in securing licenses, and strong communication skills in English as well as additional South African languages. This full-time role offers a hybrid workplace model.

Qualifications

• 8+ years dedicated to gaming licensing/compliance in South Africa.
• 5+ years leading budgets in a regulated gaming environment.
• Proven experience securing licenses and passing audits in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute licensing strategy for the South African market.
• Track legislative changes and assess risks for executives.
• Lead audits within South African jurisdictions.

Skills

Licensed lawyer in South Africa focusing on gaming licensing/compliance

Leading teams in regulated gaming environment

Knowledge of South African gaming technical standards

Fluent in English and preferably other South African languages

Job description

Overview

Our client believes in the power of Virtual Advancementleveraging 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

Qualifications

• 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, renew, or expand 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.