Senior Manager: Governance, Risk and Control (GRC)

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Job Summary

The Senior Manager: Governance, Risk and Control (GRC) is responsible for designing, maintaining, and assuring the pan-african compliance function’s operating architecture (Compliance Management System – CMS). The role ensures that governance structures, risk frameworks, control standards, and reporting mechanisms are clearly defined, consistently applied, and measurable across the Group. Acting as part of the GRC centre of excellence, the role establishes standards, methodologies, and performance measures for compliance risk management, and provides independent assurance over the quality and effectiveness of compliance execution. The role does not execute compliance activities — it facilitates, sets standards, measures performance, and escalates risk to ensure the function meets its regulatory obligations consistently across entities and markets.

Job Description

Governance & Compliance

• Support the maintenance and execution of Group Compliance’s governance framework.

• Assist in implementing procedures that promote sound governance and oversight of risk and controls.

• Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements.

• Contribute to governance reporting and support the delivery of the combined assurance plan.

• Maintain documentation of mandates, authorities, and governance structures.

Risk Management

• Assist in embedding the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework within Group Compliance.

• Monitor and report on emerging risks and regulatory developments.

• Conduct compliance risk assessments and contribute to stress testing exercises.

• Support the implementation of risk mitigation strategies, including business continuity planning.

• Maintain and apply compliance methodologies and frameworks such as the Compliance Charter and Regulatory Posture Framework.

Internal Control & Assurance

• Support the design and maintenance of internal control systems.

• Monitor the Compliance Regulatory and Policy universes.

• Provide quality assurance on compliance risk and control activities.

• Coordinate control-related forums, training, and governance submissions.

Risk Reporting, Insights and Data Analytics

• Aggregate and analyse risk data to support monitoring and dashboard creation.

• Assist in preparing regulatory and executive risk reports.

• Track incidents, loss events, and risk appetite metrics.

• Contribute to benchmarking and audit reporting.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead a team of GRC professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.

• Act as a key support to the Head of GRC and Compliance Executive leadership.

• Engage with internal stakeholders and support external engagements with regulators and auditors.

Policy and Framework Development

• Support the development and review of compliance policies, standards, and procedures.

• Ensure documentation aligns with regulatory expectations and internal governance standards.

Monitoring and Control Oversight

• Monitor control testing and track remediation efforts.

• Report on control effectiveness and compliance performance metrics.

Governance and Reporting

• Prepare and present compliance reports to governance committees and senior stakeholders.

• Escalate significant compliance risks and breaches as per protocol.

• Ensure transparency and accountability in compliance-related decisions.

Capability Building

• Contribute to team development.

• Lead or support compliance-related projects and initiatives.

• Drive awareness and training on governance, risk and control topics.

Deep understanding of CMS. Strong grounding in risk and control disciplines. Ability to design frameworks. Evidence-based analytical thinking. Ability to identify systemic issues. Experience in assurance or QA frameworks. Independence and strong escalation discipline.

Requirements:

• Expert-level analytical and legal interpretation skills to manage regulatory risks.

• Strong leadership and team management skills

• Strong risk management skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement

• Ability to influence and drive cultural change in governance, risk and compliance.

• Strategic thinking with hands-on approach to execution

• Familiarity with compliance tools, regulatory databases, and risk systems.

• Ability to work independently and influence without direct authority.

• High attention to detail and regulatory precision.

• Strong technical writing and documentation abilities.

Qualification and Experience:

• Relevant qualifications in Risk Management, Governance, Control, Internal Audit or Regulatory Compliance.

• Demonstrated experience in frameworks, assurance, and regulatory interpretation.

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in banking compliance, risk or governance, with at least 3 years in a leadership or specialist role.

• Strong understanding of South African financial legislation and global GRC standards.

• Experience in regulatory interpretation, risk analytics, and compliance frameworks

Education

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

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised