Compliance Officer

Role overview

This position is for a Compliance Officer based in Umhlanga, South Africa, working on site five days per week. The role sits within an international specialist recruitment business with more than 25 years of experience and a workforce of over 120 people across the UK, the Netherlands and South Africa. The company works across engineering, technology, renewable energy and other specialist sectors, supporting contractors and clients on projects in Europe and internationally.

The main purpose of the job is to manage contractor compliance from the point of placement through to the completion of each assignment. You will help ensure that workers satisfy client, legal and regulatory requirements before starting, remain compliant during the assignment, and keep records updated throughout the process. The role calls for strong organisation, initiative and the ability to coordinate multiple contractors across different countries and compliance standards.

Key duties

• Oversee the complete contractor compliance journey from placement to project end.
• Review, collect and approve all required compliance paperwork before contractors begin work.
• Check right-to-work documents according to the assignment country.
• Verify certificates, licences, qualifications and competency evidence.
• Carry out employment reference checks and keep accurate documentation.
• Follow up with contractors to secure missing documents and meet deadlines.
• Organise pre-start compliance checks in line with client and legal obligations.
• Arrange renewal training and re-certification where needed.
• Track expiry dates for certificates and manage renewals ahead of time.
• Conduct regular check-in calls with contractors during assignments to support ongoing compliance and wellbeing.
• Keep compliance information accurate and current in internal systems.
• Support mobilisation for international contractors.
• Assist with visa and work permit paperwork when required.
• Make sure compliance processes match internal policies, client expectations and applicable laws.
• Work with recruitment consultants and managers to ensure contractors are ready for project start dates within required timelines.

Experience and background

The ideal candidate will already have compliance experience in a recruitment agency setting, preferably with contract or temporary workers. Experience in engineering, construction, blue-collar recruitment, renewable energy, international workforce recruitment or healthcare would be a strong advantage.

Particularly relevant experience includes contractor mobilisation, international compliance, visa and work permit administration, right-to-work checks across multiple countries, contractor onboarding, compliance audits, and managing certification or training records.

About you

You should be highly organised, detail-focused and comfortable balancing several priorities at once. Strong communication skills are important, as the role involves regular contact with contractors, clients and internal teams. A proactive, practical approach is expected, along with confidence handling confidential records and working in a busy recruitment environment. Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and CRM or ATS systems is also needed.

Desirable experience

Helpful additional experience includes working with international contractors, understanding compliance requirements in European markets, supporting engineering or renewable energy projects, handling overseas mobilisation processes, or using contractor management and compliance platforms.

What the employer offers

• Opportunity to join a long-established international recruitment company with a strong track record.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Career growth opportunities within a global organisation that is expanding.
• Exposure to international clients and projects.
• Modern office premises in Umhlanga.
• Competitive pay and benefits.

Additional information

The employer states that this vacancy is being handled by an employment agency in relation to the role.