Vetting Manager

SUMMARY:
A Vacancy exists for a Vetting Compliance Manager in the Critical Infrastructure Division based in Centurion - Head Office
 
Position Overview
The Vetting Compliance Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the vetting process across all customers. This role ensures that all vetting activities, including background checks, polygraph scheduling, key control, and security clearances—are carried out in strict adherence to legal requirements, internal policies, and customer-specific obligations.
The manager will lead and guide the vetting team, ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (including POPIA and PAIA), and foster a strong ethical culture within the department. The position demands a high degree of integrity, analytical ability, and strong leadership to balance operational delivery with compliance excellence.

POSITION INFO:
The suitable candidate’s main responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to, the following:   
 
Vetting Oversight & Management

• Manage the end-to-end vetting process, including background checks, investigations, polygraph scheduling, and key control functions.
• Ensure vetting activities meet customer SLA requirements and contract obligations.
• Oversee accurate data capture, documentation, and reporting for vetting cases.

• Ensure vetting processes comply with all relevant legislation, including POPIA, PAIA, labour laws, and industry standards.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce vetting SOPs and compliance guidelines.
• Conduct regular audits on vetting files, processes, and systems to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Act as the ethical steward of the vetting function, ensuring integrity, fairness, and non-discrimination in all processes.

• Liaise with customers on vetting compliance matters.
• Provide regular reports, compliance statements, and updates on vetting performance.
• Manage escalations, complaints, and contractual compliance issues related to vetting.

• Supervise vetting administrators, key controllers, polygraph schedulers, and related staff.
• Provide training, coaching, and guidance to ensure staff understand compliance and ethical requirements.
• Foster an accountable, professional, and performance-driven team culture.

• Identify risks in vetting operations and implement mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including digitization and automation of vetting processes.
• Collaborate with internal audit, HR, security operations, and legal teams to align compliance practices.

• Strong knowledge of vetting processes (background checks, polygraph testing, investigations, key control).
• Deep understanding of compliance frameworks: POPIA, PAIA, ethics, data privacy, and labour law.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to compliance.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to identify risks, gaps, and corrective actions.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) to engage with executives, auditors, and customers.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information responsibly.
• Experience with audits, reporting, and SLA management.
• Agile and adaptable approach to managing multiple customer requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in law, Security Management, Compliance, or related field (postgraduate qualification advantageous).
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in vetting, compliance, or related security services role.
• Proven track record in managing compliance-driven teams.
• Experience working with telecoms, security, or other regulated industries preferred.
• Certification in compliance/ethics (e.g., CCEP, Ethics Officer Certification, or similar) is an advantage.