Principal Compliance Lead

Are you a seasoned compliance leader who thrives in complex regulatory environments? Do you enjoy partnering with senior executives to strengthen governance frameworks, manage regulatory risk and drive organisational compliance outcomes?
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Principal Compliance Lead to join a large and highly respected organisation on an initial six-month contract. This role will lead enterprise-wide compliance activities, provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders and oversee the development and continuous improvement of compliance frameworks, policies and assurance programs.

As the Principal Compliance Lead, you will be responsible for driving a proactive and risk-based approach to compliance across the organisation. Working closely with executive leadership, you will provide expert guidance on regulatory obligations, lead complex compliance reviews and audits, and ensure governance practices remain aligned to legislative requirements and industry best practice. This is a highly visible position that offers significant stakeholder engagement and the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making at an enterprise level.

Your new role

- Lead the planning and delivery of organisation-wide compliance programs, frameworks and initiatives.

- Manage complex compliance reviews, risk-based audits, investigations and assurance activities.

- Develop, review and enhance compliance policies, standards, registers and reporting frameworks.

- Prepare high-quality executive reporting, recommendations and compliance evaluations.

- Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on regulatory obligations, emerging risks and compliance matters.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and strengthen organisational compliance capability.





- Build strong relationships across business units to support consistent compliance practices and a positive risk culture.

- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and assess impacts on organisational operations.

What you'll need to succeed

You are a highly capable compliance professional with proven experience leading governance, risk or regulatory programs within large and complex organisations. You possess exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and can confidently influence executive audiences while balancing commercial, operational and regulatory considerations.
You will also bring:

- Extensive experience leading compliance, governance, audit or regulatory functions.

- Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks.

- Demonstrated experience delivering risk-based audits, investigations and assurance programs.

- Exceptional written communication skills with experience preparing reports, business cases and executive briefings.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a strategic mindset.

- Previous experience leading teams or mentoring compliance professionals will be highly regarded.

What you'll get in return

- High-profile contract chance within a complex and evolving environment

- Exposure to executive stakeholders and strategic initiatives

- Opportunity to shape enterprise compliance and governance outcomes

- Hybrid working arrangements

- Collaborative and professional team environment

- Attractive day rate and potential contract extension opportunities

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

📌 Principal Compliance Lead (Sydney)
🏢 Hays Recruitment
📍 Sydney