Head, Compliance

Role Overview

This leadership position is responsible for steering compliance risk management across a major Tier 1 country operation. The purpose of the role is to ensure that compliance activities are carried out properly, reducing the risk of operational losses, regulatory fines, penalties, and harm to the organisation’s reputation while supporting sustainable competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Review operational activities across the country to spot compliance risks and confirm alignment with the applicable Standard Bank Group compliance frameworks and standards.
• Develop and sustain productive working relationships with regulators and key stakeholders across all areas of responsibility.
• Create, monitor, and report on compliance monitoring plans for the country so that significant breaches, exposures, and improvement areas are identified early.
• Adapt and maintain generic risk management plans to fit the specific regulatory environment of the country.
• Roll out new standards, procedures, and processes within the country by updating supporting documentation and arranging the required training.
• Carry out the regulatory duties required by the applicable governing authorities.
• Ensure the compliance team follows the agreed data model so that collection, capture, and management of data meet required standards and policies.
• Support the Functional People plan in partnership with People & Culture by identifying present and future skills needs within the team.
• Keep Country Executives, relevant CoE Heads, and Regional Compliance Heads informed about regulatory inspections and act as the communication link for requests, feedback, and findings.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting the country and turn them into practical advice for relevant stakeholders.
• Lead the embedded compliance team using lean leadership and employee engagement principles across the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, performance management, learning and development, discipline and grievances, retention, rewards, and people administration.
• Advise country management and the relevant committees on the regulatory landscape, compliance frameworks, and related developments so they can manage compliance risk effectively.
• Escalate and report material compliance matters through the established channels to support fast resolution and limit financial or reputational impact.
• Assess compliance training content to make sure it suits the country’s needs, and design and deliver tailored face-to-face training when needed.
• Evaluate compliance frameworks, standards, and procedures against the country’s regulatory needs and recommend adjustments where necessary.
• Oversee team or cost-centre finances and look for ongoing cost reduction opportunities so the embedded compliance function remains efficient and cost-effective.

Requirements

• A first degree in Audit, Legal, or Risk Management, along with a postgraduate qualification in Business Commerce from a recognised institution.
• At least 8–10 years of experience in compliance, with a strong understanding of banking products, banking activities, and the regulatory environment relevant to the role.
• At least 3–4 years of experience in business enablement / compliance-related work, with practical knowledge of the banking environment and its associated products and operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a compliance team and influence stakeholders across the organisation.
• Strong knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements and emerging developments within a specific business area.

Additional Information

Behavioural Competencies

• Presenting information clearly and effectively
• Questioning assumptions and challenging ideas constructively
• Persuading and influencing others
• Building and executing strategies
• Leading and directing people
• Adapting positively to change
• Empowering and enabling individuals
• Building strong working relationships
• Identifying new possibilities and opportunities
• Making sound decisions
• Sharing useful insights
• Maintaining high standards

Technical Competencies

• Assessing internal controls
• Understanding financial principles
• Knowledge of financial industry regulations
• Applying legal compliance requirements
• Governance of processes
• Risk awareness and management

Employment Details

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Kampala, Central Region, Uganda.

There is no stipend or salary information provided in the source.