Risk and Compliance Manager

A vacancy for a Risk and Compliance Manager has become available in our Johannesburg office.

The main function of this role is to take the lead in providing strategic legal advice regarding the interpretation and application of legislation, regulation, industry standards, codes of conduct, guidelines and to develop best practices across the firm through the development, application and management of risk and compliance management principles, firm-wide policies, procedures, and service level agreements. Specific risk areas include corporate governance, regulatory compliance, information security, protection of personal information, insurance, and operational risk.

The role is a strategic and senior one, and responsibility is for the entire firm, across all locations and offices.

Reporting to the COO, and working closely with the senior management, Heads of Departments (HODs) and Office Heads (OHs) across the continent, the successful candidate will be expected to ensure that regulatory requirements, compliance objectives and risk management are met and aligned to the firms' strategic objectives.

Job Accountabilities:

1. Design and implement risk management systems for the firm.
2. Develop and manage the compliance frameworks, policies and standards.
3. Support senior management in communicating and embedding a risk awareness culture.
4. Ensure regulatory change management and provide advice on compliance impact in the various business areas.
5. Manage and oversee all regulatory projects and ensure successful implementation thereof.
6. Manage the risk and compliance function across the firm’s external client business development and engagement practices.
7. Ensure that senior management remains informed of regulatory and legislative changes and how this may impact the firm.
8. Draft, implement and maintain all firm-wide policies, procedures and service level agreements.
9. Provide advice on client and supplier agreements, including terms of engagement.
10. Provide proactive and strategic advice and practical support on compliance or regulatory matters.
11. Implement and maintain the firm-wide risk and compliance plan.
12. Create and implement internal processes to identify and manage risk including, if required, liaising with the external auditors.
13. Manage all aspects of information protection, as required by the various regulators charged with protection of personal and corporate information.
14. Report on complex risk and compliance matters to senior management.
15. Ensure the compilation of regular risk and compliance reports, as required for each of the relevant areas of compliance, risk and governance across the firm.
16. Maintain strong working relationships with the applicable Regulators (such as Law Societies and Bar Councils).
17. Work closely with HODs and OHs to ensure compliance with relevant codes of conduct and other legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
18. Provide support, education and training to build a risk awareness culture across the firm (e.g. Protection of Information and Privacy, Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering).
19. Identify and investigate all non-compliance and ensure escalation to senior management and the appropriate authorities.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Relevant Law Degree
2. At least 5 – 7 years’ risk and compliance related experience within a professional services environment
3. At least 3 years’ experience in the management, implementation and maintenance of risk and compliance frameworks
4. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
5. Advanced reporting writing skills
6. An established network with regulators in the legal or professional services sector
7. Demonstrable experience in creating and implementing a risk and compliance strategy

Preferred Requirements:

1. BCom Degree
2. Admitted attorney
3. Experience in working across various African jurisdictions

Personal Attributes:

1. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with senior management of the firm
2. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
3. Ability to juggle priorities and understand the urgency of all tasks, and completing such tasks without sacrificing quality or compromising on standards
4. High stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure
5. Ability to be assertive and tactful
6. Innovative thinker with strong problem-solving ability
7. Ability to take initiative and operate independently
8. Flexible and adaptable to an ever-changing environment
9. An eye for detail and desire to improve standards and deliver excellence
10. Willingness and ability to work overtime whenever necessary to ensure the successful completion of a project/task when needs arise
11. Ability to stay abreast of changes to legislative and regulatory developments
12. Negotiating
13. Performing under stress
14. Strategic thinking
15. Reporting and presentation skills
16. Interpersonal skills
17. Analysis and problem-solving skills

ENS is committed to transformation and achieving equity in its workplaces. Preference will therefore be given to suitably qualified and skilled EE candidates. The closing date for all applications is close of business on Monday, 14 April 2025.

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Function: Legal, Strategy/Planning, and Public Relations

Industries: Professional Services, Banking, and Law Practice