Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance

ABBYY Europe GmbH
South Africa
ZAR 500 000 - 600 000
Job description

The Head of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's governance, risk management, and compliance strategies. This senior leadership role will ensure that the organization adheres to regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies, while proactively managing and mitigating risks to the business. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in risk management, corporate governance, compliance, and internal control systems, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Governance:
    • Establish and maintain the organization's governance framework, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory standards.
    • Develop, implement, and oversee corporate governance policies and procedures.
    • Ensure Board and executive leadership receive relevant information and insights on governance matters.
    • Promote ethical business practices and a culture of accountability throughout the organization.
  2. Risk Management:
    • Lead the organization’s enterprise risk management (ERM) program, identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks (strategic, operational, financial, reputational, etc.).
    • Develop and manage risk management processes, including risk assessment, reporting, and treatment plans.
    • Advise senior leadership and departments on risk exposure and recommend actions to mitigate risk.
    • Ensure ongoing risk monitoring and reporting through the use of key risk indicators (KRIs).
  3. Compliance:
    • Oversee the development and implementation of compliance policies and programs to ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and internal standards.
    • Ensure the company’s compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, financial services regulations, and other applicable legal frameworks.
    • Lead compliance audits, inspections, and reporting activities to assess the effectiveness of compliance controls.
    • Provide training and awareness programs for employees on compliance-related topics, including ethics, conduct, and reporting mechanisms.
  4. Leadership & Stakeholder Management:
    • Lead a team of GRC professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and development to ensure a high-performing department.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, IT, operations, and HR, to implement and monitor GRC strategies.
    • Prepare and present regular reports to the Board of Directors and senior leadership on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and compliance initiatives.
    • Cultivate strong relationships with regulatory bodies, external auditors, and industry groups to stay informed about emerging risks and regulatory changes.
  5. Continuous Improvement:
    • Continuously assess and improve the organization's GRC systems, tools, and processes to ensure they remain effective and efficient.
    • Lead initiatives to drive a culture of compliance and risk awareness across the company.
    • Stay up to date with the latest trends, best practices, and regulatory developments in GRC.

Key Requirements:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Risk Management, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CRISC, CISM, CISA, CGEIT) is highly preferred.
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in governance, risk management, compliance, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Proven experience in managing risk management, governance frameworks, and compliance programs within a regulated environment. Experience working with senior leadership and boards of directors on governance, risk, and compliance issues.
  • Skills & Competencies: Strong knowledge of regulatory and legal requirements related to risk and compliance, including data protection, financial regulations, and industry-specific requirements. Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Ability to think strategically and act as a trusted advisor to senior management. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills. High ethical standards, integrity, and discretion.

Here are some of our local benefits:

  • A SZÉP Card that you can use for meals and recreational activities of your choice.
  • Private Health Insurance.
  • Optical Support: up to 25,000 HUF for glasses every 2 years after probation.
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