Head of Licensing (iGaming)

Black Pen Recruitment; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier recruitment agency is seeking a Compliance Officer to lead licensing and compliance functions in South Africa. The role requires a licensed lawyer with expertise in gaming regulation and a proven track record in securing licenses. Responsibilities include setting the licensing strategy, leading regulatory audits, and negotiating with authorities. Ideal candidates have over 8 years of experience in the South African gaming sector and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years dedicated to gaming licensing/compliance in South Africa.
• 5+ years leading teams and budgets in a regulated gaming environment.
• Deep knowledge of South African gaming technical standards, AML/CTF rules.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute licensing strategy for the South African market.
• Lead audits with zero-finding outcomes.
• Negotiate license conditions with South African authorities.

Skills

Licensing and compliance expertise

Leadership in regulated environments

Fluent English

Knowledge of South African regulations

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 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, 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.