Head of Licensing (iGaming)

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Compliance Officer for the South African market. This role includes leading the licensing and compliance function, securing relevant licenses, and managing relations with regulators. The ideal candidate will be a licensed lawyer with over 8 years of experience in gaming regulation, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of success in South Africa. This position offers a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive relocation package.

Benefits

Full accommodation

Flight tickets

Other relocation expenses

Qualifications

• 8+ years in gaming licensing and compliance.
• Demonstrated success in securing licenses in South Africa.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of other South African languages is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the licensing strategy for the South African market.
• Manage regulator relations and ensure compliance.
• Build and mentor a high-performing compliance team.

Skills

Knowledge of South African gaming regulations

Leadership in regulated environments

Clear communication skills

Education

Licensed lawyer in South Africa

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 organizations 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 a 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 optimization 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 the primary liaison with South African regulators, gaming laboratories, and industry bodies.

Job Type: Full-time/Permanent

Location: Either South Africa, Thailand, Dubai, or Malta

Workplace: Hybrid

Relocation Package: Full accommodation, flight tickets, and other expenses. Sponsored by the company.

Requirements

• Licensed lawyer in South Africa with 8+ years dedicated to gaming licensing and 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 South Africa.
• Demonstrated success in 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; fluency in English mandatory; knowledge of additional South African official languages (e.g., Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa) is 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 risks, and brief executives on impacts and mitigation strategies.
• Lead audits within South African jurisdictions; ensure zero-finding outcomes and timely remediation.
• Manage regulator relations in South Africa: negotiate license conditions, respond to inquiries, and represent the company in hearings.
• Oversee technical certification with gaming labs for South African requirements; sign off on system releases and change controls.
• Design and enforce company policies (AML, KYC, responsible gaming, data, advertising) tailored to South African legal 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 status, emerging risks, and corrective actions relevant to South Africa.
• Deliver internal training on regulatory obligations for staff operating in South Africa.