Group Compliance: Head of Governance, Risk and Control (GRC) at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The Head of GRC (pan African role) is responsible for leading and overseeing Compliance’s governance, risk management and internal control framework. This role ensures that internal compliance functional standards, methodologies and processes, as well as relevant governance structures are effectively and consistently implemented and integrated, supporting strategic objectives while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational resilience. 
• As a key advisor to Compliance Executive leadership, this role plays a critical part in fostering a risk-aware culture, enhancing decision-making processes, and ensuring that control mechanisms align with Compliance’s risk appetite.
• The incumbent will lead a team of risk professionals and will also work collaboratively with Group Risk and Group Internal Audit to strengthen governance within Compliance.
• The Head of GRC ensures that the Group Compliance function’s activities conform to Absa’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework through the implementation and embedment of the compliance management system and related best practices. 
• This role combines deep technical governance, risk management and control expertise, with leadership responsibilities, supporting both business enablement and regulatory integrity.

Job Description

Governance & Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and maintain Group Compliance’s corporate governance framework to ensure regulatory and internal compliance.
• Advise Group Compliance’s Executive on governance best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Establish procedures to promote good governance and oversight of risk and controls within the Compliance function.
• Ensure the Compliance function’s adherence to relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, industry standards, as well as internal policies.
• Oversee reporting to senior management, audit committees, and regulatory bodies.
• Responsible for optimal combined assurance plan, governance and delivery thereof.
• Responsible for maintaining all Compliance mandates, authorities and structures.

Risk Management:

• Ensure effective implementation and embedment of an ERM framework for the Group Compliance function, identifying, assessing and mitigating key risks.
• Monitor emerging risks and regulatory changes, ensuring that the organisation adapts accordingly.
• Collaborate to integrate risk management practices into strategic decision-making.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and stress testing, ensuring robust risk controls are in place.
• Lead risk mitigation strategies, including business continuity and crisis management planning
• Oversee various Compliance-related methodologies and frameworks, including the Group Compliance Charter, Compliance Manual, Regulatory Posture Framework, etc that inform and constitute the Compliance Management system.

Internal control & Assurance:

• Design and oversee internal control systems, to ensure operational efficiency in terms of policies and controls, and externally, in terms of the Sub Risk Types (SRTs).
• Have oversight and accountability for the Compliance Regulatory and Policy universes.
• Play the role of Quality Assurance (QA) for Compliance Risk and control.
• Oversee the relevant GRC governance, including Control-related Forums, GRC Training, relevant ERC submissions etc.
• Ensure that internal audits and control testing are conducted effectively, addressing any weaknesses.
• Provide training and awareness programs on risk, control and internal controls.
• Drive continuous improvement in compliance monitoring, testing, reporting as well as compliance assurance.

Risk Reporting, Insights and Data Analytics:

• Risk data collection and aggregation
• Risk monitoring and creation of dashboards on MCO
• Regulatory and compliance reporting
• Relevant Board & Executive risk reporting
• Incident and loss event reporting
• Risk & appetite tolerance reporting
• Benchmarking & industry comparisons
• Audit & assurance reporting

Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Lead and develop the GRC team, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity, including setting objectives, mentoring, and managing performance, as well as on-the-job training, guidance and direction.
• Act as a key advisor to Compliance Executive leadership on risk, control and governance matters.
• Where relevant, engage with external stakeholders, including regulators, auditors and external bodies.
• Promote a strong risk and compliance culture through training and communication.
• Represent the Compliance function in relevant executive forums and cross-functional committees.
• Drive and implement effective stakeholder engagement strategies to embed a culture of compliance across the bank.

Policy and Framework Development:

• Lead the development and review of relevant compliance policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ensure documentation reflects regulatory expectations and internal governance standards, aligning to internal risk appetite.

People management:

• Build and lead a high performing Compliance GRC team supporting the Group Compliance Functions and existing cluster compliance GRC teams.
• Recruit the right people. Develop, motivate and manage people. Recognise performance, provide appropriate interventions and opportunities, and address poor performance.
• Set clear objectives and responsibilities for each individual. Measure performance against objectives.
• Encourage direct reports to set challenging objectives as part of the career development process and to ensure effective performance management, development and succession planning.
• Inspire and promote high performance in individuals and in the team.
• Act as a mentor and role model and drive proactive application of the Values throughout the team including establishment of common goals and objectives.
• Equip team to deliver based on a high performance culture.
• Provide strategic direction to the team in line with the strategic direction of the Compliance function.

Monitoring and Control Oversight:

• Support the design and execution of the annual Group Compliance Assurance coverage plans, including thematic reviews.
• Monitor control testing and ensure timely remediation of findings.
• Track and report on control effectiveness and compliance performance metrics.

Governance and Reporting:

• Prepare and present high quality compliance reports and briefings to governance committees, senior management and regulators.
• Escalate significant compliance risks and breaches in line with internal protocols.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in compliance-related decision-making.

Leadership and Capability Building:

• Mentor junior compliance staff and contribute towards team effectiveness and development.
• Lead or support compliance-related projects and initiatives.
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience :

• Relevant qualifications and certifications in Risk Management, Governance, Control and Regulatory Compliance.
• At least 10 years in banking regulatory governance, risk management and compliance, with at least 5 years in a senior/ executive leadership role within financial services.
• Deep knowledge of South African financial legislation and global GRC best practices and standards.
• Proven experience in regulatory interpretation, risk management, technology and data.

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

End Date: September 24, 2025