Head of Group Legal Compliance at TFG (The… · Western…

Head of Group Legal Compliance

Location: Western Cape, South Africa

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and commercially astute Head of Group Legal Compliance to join TFG Finance & Advisory. This leadership role is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight and assurance over the Group's legal compliance framework across South Africa, the broader African market, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Reporting to the Head of Group Risk & Assurance, the successful candidate will lead the development and execution of a world-class compliance programme, ensuring the business remains compliant with evolving regulatory requirements while enabling sustainable growth. This role will partner closely with executive leadership, Boards, regulators and business stakeholders to drive a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the Group.

About the Team

The role forms part of the Aligned Assurance function within TFG Finance & Advisory and works collaboratively across the broader Group, including Risk, Internal Audit, Legal, Human Resources, Technology, Finance, Procurement and regional compliance teams.

The team plays a critical role in safeguarding TFG through proactive compliance management, regulatory engagement, governance oversight, risk management and strategic business partnering. The function is focused on delivering independent oversight, driving accountability and embedding a strong compliance culture across diverse operations and jurisdictions.

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous enhancement of the Group Legal Compliance Framework aligned to regulatory requirements, industry best practice and TFG's risk appetite.
• Develop and execute the Group Compliance Plan, ensuring effective monitoring and oversight of compliance obligations across all business areas.
• Provide strategic oversight of compliance activities across South Africa, Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia.
• Lead compliance oversight for regulated entities, including credit, insurance and financial services operations.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with relevant legislation including the National Credit Act (NCA), Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS), AML/CTF requirements, consumer protection and privacy legislation.
• Act as the designated Compliance Officer where required and maintain relevant regulatory registrations and reporting obligations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, assess potential business impact and provide strategic guidance to Executive Committees and Boards.
• Engage with regulators, industry bodies and external stakeholders on compliance-related matters.
• Oversee regulatory inspections, investigations and remediation activities.
• Drive compliance reporting and provide assurance to Executive and Board Committees on key regulatory risks and compliance outcomes.
• Lead and enhance compliance governance structures, policies, standards and controls across the Group.
• Partner with business leaders to embed compliance requirements into business processes, products and strategic initiatives.
• Drive the use of technology and automation to improve compliance monitoring, reporting and risk management capabilities.
• Oversee privacy and data protection compliance, including POPIA, GDPR and other applicable international privacy requirements.
• Provide second-line assurance over key and high-risk compliance obligations and monitor the effectiveness of remediation activities.
• Build, develop and lead a high-performing compliance team while promoting a culture of accountability, integrity and continuous improvement.
• Support the Group's sustainability, governance and ethical business objectives through effective compliance leadership.

• LLB degree.
• Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• Membership with the Compliance Institute Southern Africa (CISA).
• Relevant recognised compliance designation, such as Compliance Professional (CProf).
• Minimum 8 years' post-articles experience.
• Minimum 3 years' people leadership experience.
• Proven leadership experience within a legal compliance environment.
• Extensive experience within a regulated financial services, credit, insurance or similar regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with regulators and senior governance structures.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • National Credit Act (NCA)
  • Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA)
  • Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS)
  • Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing requirements
  • Consumer protection legislation
  • Data privacy legislation including POPIA and GDPR
  • Corporate governance and regulatory frameworks
• Experience managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience presenting to Executive Committees, Boards and Audit & Risk Committees.

Advantageous:

• Experience within a listed or multinational organisation.
• Retail industry experience.
• Exposure to international regulatory environments, particularly the United Kingdom and Australia.
• Experience with ESG, sustainability and emerging governance requirements.

Skills:

• Regulatory Compliance Management
• Governance and Assurance
• Compliance Risk Management
• Regulatory Change Management
• Legal and Regulatory Interpretation
• Stakeholder and Relationship Management
• Board and Executive Reporting
• Strategic Planning and Execution
• Policy Development and Implementation
• Compliance Monitoring and Testing
• Data Privacy and Information Governance
• Financial Services Regulatory Knowledge
• Leadership and Team Development
• Technology-enabled Compliance and Automation
• Strong Communication and Influencing Skills
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Capability
• Commercial Acumen and Business Partnership

Behaviours:

• Being Resilient - rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
• Building Effective Teams - forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective.
• Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success.
• Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions.
• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets.
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.
• Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach and decision-making based on the situation.

• Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation.

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace, it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We’re a purpose-led business, and on this team, you’ll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry.

We’re the designers, the makers, the shakers and the teams behind the scenes.

Are you with us?