Head of Licensing (iGaming)

Black Pen Recruitment; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks an experienced legal professional to head compliance and licensing for the South African gaming market. This role requires strong leadership skills and extensive knowledge of South African gaming regulations. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years in gaming compliance and a proven ability to manage regulatory relationships effectively. Responsibilities include developing compliance strategies, leading audits, and mentoring a team while ensuring adherence to South African laws and standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in gaming licensing/compliance in South Africa.
• 5+ years leading teams in regulated environments.
• Success in securing gaming licenses in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Execute licensing strategy for the South African market.
• Lead audits ensuring compliance with South African regulations.
• Mentor a high-performing compliance team focused on South Africa.

Skills

Leadership in gaming compliance

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of South African gaming standards

Ability to influence regulators

Education

Licensed lawyer in South Africa

Job description

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, 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.