Legal Governance and Regulatory Compliance Manager

Position Overview

Our holding company is a diversified conglomerate with a portfolio of subsidiaries across multiple industries. We are seeking a strategic and diligent Legal Governance and Regulatory Compliance Manager to serve as a cornerstone of our corporate integrity and risk management framework.

This role is pivotal in developing, implementing, and overseeing the corporate governance and regulatory compliance programs across the entire group of companies. The successful candidate will act as a central hub of expertise, providing guidance and support to our subsidiaries to ensure they operate within legal boundaries and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and corporate governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust corporate governance policies, charters, and frameworks for the holding company and its subsidiaries.
• Advise the Board of Directors and subsidiary boards on corporate governance best practices, fiduciary duties, and regulatory responsibilities.
• Manage the schedule for board and committee meetings, prepare agendas, and ensure accurate minute-taking and follow-up on action items.
• Ensure compliance with relevant corporate laws and governance regulations in all jurisdictions of operation.
• Design and implement a group-wide compliance management system (CMS) to proactively identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate regulatory risks.
• Continuously monitor the regulatory landscape for new and amended laws, regulations, and standards that impact the group's diverse operations (e.g., anti-corruption, antitrust, data privacy, sector-specific regulations).
• Translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable policies and procedures tailored for various subsidiaries.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments across subsidiaries and report findings to senior management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and subject-matter expert for subsidiary legal, compliance, and management teams.
• Facilitate group-wide training and awareness programs on governance, compliance, and ethics.
• Monitor and report on subsidiary adherence to group-wide policies, escalating critical issues to holding company leadership.
• Foster a unified culture of compliance and integrity throughout the organization.
• Develop and maintain key group-wide policies, including the Code of Conduct, Whistleblowing Policy, and Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy.
• Manage the group’s whistleblowing and reporting channels, ensuring all concerns are investigated appropriately and confidentially.
• Prepare and present regular reports to executive management and the board on the status of the governance and compliance program, key risks, and mitigation efforts.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized institution. A master’s degree (LLM) in Commercial Law, Corporate Law, or a related field is a strong advantage.
• Professional certification in compliance (e.g., ICA International Diploma, CCEP) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in corporate governance, legal, and compliance roles, with at least 3-5 years in a management or advisory capacity.
• Proven experience working within a holding company structure or a large multinational with multiple, distinct business units is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, company regulations, and governance codes relevant to the operating regions.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing corporate governance frameworks and compliance programs from the ground up.
• Strong risk assessment skills with the ability to design and execute effective monitoring and audit plans.
• Superior ability to influence and gain buy-in from subsidiary leadership and stakeholders without direct managerial authority. This is a non-negotiable skill for a holding company role.
• Flawless verbal and written communication skills, with the talent to distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non-lawyers.
• A collaborative and service-oriented mindset, acting as a trusted business partner and advisor to subsidiary teams.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving and the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks before they materialize.
• The highest ethical standards and the discretion to handle sensitive and confidential information.

This role is strategically positioned at the holding company level to provide centralized expertise and ensure cohesive governance. It is critical for:

• Establishing Consistency: Creating a unified standard for governance and compliance across all subsidiaries, ensuring each meets the holding company's benchmark for integrity and risk management.
• Providing Centralized Expertise: Acting as a dedicated center of excellence, providing specialized guidance that would be cost-prohibitive for individual subsidiaries to maintain independently.
• Enabling Effective Oversight: Giving the holding company’s leadership and board clear visibility into the compliance health and governance practices of its investments.
• Driving Efficiency & Knowledge Sharing: Capturing and disseminating best practices across the entire group, elevating the performance and compliance maturity of all portfolio companies.
• Ensuring Strategic Alignment: Guaranteeing that all subsidiaries' operations and strategic decisions are aligned with the core values, risk appetite, and legal obligations of the holding company.