Executive Head Risk, & Compliance

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Role Purpose/Business Unit:

• To lead Vodacoms Financial and Digital Services(VFDS) Governance, Risk and Compliance functions (first line of defence) and ensure that the necessary controls are in place to mitigate risk exposure across the value chain
• To develop a strategy and framework to ensure that the VFDS business is conducted in a manner that is compliant with the relevant legislation and market conduct standards
• To provide reporting to the respective stakeholders including but not limited to the Board of Directors/Audit Committee, Regulatory Authorities and internal stakeholders such as Vodafone and Vodacom Group Risk and Compliance functions, and other stakeholders as and when required

Your responsibilities will include:

• To lead Vodacoms Insurance, Payments, VodaPay, Lending and Digital Lifestyle Services risk, and compliance business relationship functions and ensure that business is conducted in a manner that is compliant with the relevant legislation
• Develop and design the business relationship management strategy, frameworks, policies and procedures for each business unit as it relates to risk, compliance and regulatory
• Establish and quantify the organisation's 'risk appetite' and ensure risk approach adheres accordingly. Horizon scan to increase awareness of risks affecting the business
• Develop own risk self-assessment reports in conjunction with the actuarial teams
• Develop key risk indicator dashboards for each business unit and at an aggregated VFDS business level
• Ensure all risks are proactively identified across the Insurance group and controls are agreed with the business
• Ensure compliance with regulatory obligations whilst taking a commercial and practical approach to risk based challenges and offer appropriate solutions
• Develop a well-documented approach to governance across the Financial and Digital Services group
• Putting together a strategy to deal with various 3rd party providers including but not limited to Sponsor banks, binder holders, administrators, service providers, sales distribution channels, reinsurers etc. and ensure adequate oversight and governance is in place
• Lead the risk and compliance team in creating a risk & compliance culture within the organisation by embedding compliance principles, values and sound business practice into existing training mediums and communications
• Establish, implement and maintain risk management, compliance and governance frameworks across the various business units. Implementing a risk based approach where possible
• Develop an engagement strategy with Regulators to stay abreast with changes and proactively identify and optimise opportunities where the business can disrupt and gain market share
• Provide regular reports to boards and other relevant bodies detailing any current issues or information as required
• Corporate governance involving external risk reporting to stakeholders
• Develop a compliance training program across the business and for 3rd parties where applicable Embedding TCF outcomes across the business

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Relevant 3-year/Degree in Law/Risk Management essential
• Masters in Business Administration (preferable)
• A minimum of 8-10 years relevant experience in risk and compliance experience in fintechs and/or financial services businesses is mandatory

Job Knowledge:

• Strong Commercial and Business Acumen
• Ability to advise the business on overall strategy, business structures and optimal operating models
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with stakeholders at Executive and Board level
• Solid report writing skills and ability to succinctly define and document relevant information for various stakeholders internally and externally (Regulators)
• Solid understanding of all the legislation and applicable Codes of Conduct applicable to the various business units including Insurance, Payments, Lending, Digital Lifestyle Services and E-Commerce
• Ability to mobilize and motivate direct reports and team members to effectively deliver on their outcomes
• Computer Applications (Excel, Power Point Advanced MS Office)

Job-Related Skills:

• Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Negotiation
• Facilitation Skills
• Analytical
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Planning & Organizing
• Interpersonal
• Leadership
• Presentation skills and Training
• Networking

Closing date for Applications: 01 September 2025.

The base location for this role is Vodacom, Midrand Campus.

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.