Head of Risk

Communicate Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Communicate Recruitment in Cape Town is seeking a senior leader to head our PMO and Risk function, driving delivery excellence and robust governance in a fintech context.

The role oversees PMO strategy, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and audits, with focus on teamwork, continuity planning, and vendor risk controls.

You will mentor a high-performing team, partner with executives, and ensure programs stay on scope, time, budget, and quality.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in risk, compliance, governance, or regulatory roles.
• 5+ years leading a PMO function.
• Experience in financial services, fintech, payments, or banking.
• Strong background in project management, capacity planning, and risk frameworks.
• Certifications listed: PMP/Prince2/Agile, Certified Risk Manager, Certified Compliance Professional

Responsibilities

• PMO strategy: Develop and implement frameworks, methodologies, and governance standards.
• Enterprise risk management: Maintain risk registers, oversee mitigation plans, embed compliance culture.
• Governance & compliance: Support executive committees, ensure regulatory adherence, manage audits.
• Programme delivery: Oversee strategic initiatives, manage dependencies, ensure scope, budget, quality.
• Business continuity: Develop and test disaster recovery and continuity strategies.
• Leadership: Mentor and grow PMO and risk team, foster accountability and innovation.
• Third‑party risk: Monitor vendor compliance and establish contractual risk controls

Skills

PMO leadership

Risk management

Governance

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

PMP/Prince2/Agile

Certified Risk Manager

Certified Compliance Professional

Tools

Agile

Waterfall

Hybrid

Job description

Cape Town, Century City - Full-time in office

We are seeking an experienced leader to head our Project Management Office and Risk function. This pivotal role will drive project delivery excellence while ensuring robust risk management, governance, and regulatory compliance in a dynamic fintech environment.

Key Responsibilities

• PMO strategy: Develop and implement frameworks, methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid), and governance standards.
• Enterprise risk management: Maintain risk registers, oversee mitigation plans, and embed a culture of compliance.
• Governance & compliance: Support executive committees, ensure adherence to financial services regulations, and manage audits.
• Programme delivery: Oversee strategic initiatives, manage dependencies, and ensure projects meet scope, budget, and quality standards.
• Business continuity: Develop and test disaster recovery and continuity strategies.
• Leadership: Mentor and grow a high‑performing PMO and risk team, fostering accountability and innovation.
• Third‑party risk: Monitor vendor compliance and establish contractual risk controls.

Key Performance Indicators

• Regulatory compliance and audit readiness
• Effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies
• Timely and successful project delivery
• Strong governance and control environment
• Staff development and performance management

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years in risk, compliance, governance, or regulatory roles
• 5+ years leading a PMO function
• Experience in financial services, fintech, payments, or banking
• Strong background in project management, capacity planning, and risk frameworks
• Relevant certifications: PMP/Prince2/Agile, Certified Risk Manager, Certified Compliance Professional

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of project management, risk governance, and regulatory compliance.