Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager
Responsible for regulatory compliance including GDPR, ISO 27001, NIS2, and DORA; manages risk analyses and security audits.
About
The Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager ensures that the organization adheres to relevant regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, ISO 27001, NIS2, and DORA. This role involves overseeing risk management processes, conducting security audits, and implementing compliance strategies to protect the organization's information assets and maintain regulatory standards.
Entering the profession — South Africa
Access to the profession is generally through higher education in business, law, finance, or related areas, followed by certifications and entry-level roles in risk, compliance, or audit departments. Continuous professional development is important to advance.
Training — South Africa
The training relies on a professional curriculum oriented towards risk management, corporate governance, compliance regulations, and internal auditing. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical case studies and internships to prepare candidates for complex regulatory environments.
The job market — South Africa
The market demand for governance, risk, and compliance managers is moderate and growing, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and the need for robust risk frameworks. Key hiring sectors include finance, telecommunications, energy, government, and consulting services.
Skills
Technical skills
- Possess in-depth knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001, NIS2, and DORA regulations.
- Expertise in risk assessment and management methodologies.
- Proficiency in security audit procedures and tools.
- Experience in compliance program development and implementation.
- Skilled in incident management and response.
- Capable of policy drafting and documentation.
- Familiarity with IT security frameworks.
Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and reporting skills.
- Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams effectively.
- Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Integrity and ethical judgment in all actions.
- Adaptability to regulatory changes and updates.
- A proactive and organized approach to tasks.
Tasks
- Develop and maintain compliance programs aligned with GDPR, ISO 27001, NIS2, and DORA regulations.
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and security audits.
- Monitor regulatory changes and update policies accordingly.
- Coordinate with internal teams to implement compliance measures.
- Report compliance status and risk findings to senior management.
- Manage incident response related to compliance breaches.
- Train staff on compliance requirements and best practices.
- Ensure documentation and evidence for audits are complete and accurate.
- Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies.
- Support continuous improvement of governance and risk frameworks.
Work environments
Work environments for professionals in this sector may vary:
Career paths
- Advance to the role of Chief Compliance Officer overseeing all compliance functions.
- Progress to become a Chief Risk Officer managing overall risk strategies.
- Transition into an Information Security Manager role leading security initiatives.
- Take on responsibilities as a Data Protection Officer ensuring data privacy.
- Evolve into a Senior Risk Consultant providing expert advisory services.
