Director of Investigations

About the role

The Director of Investigations will provide strategic leadership for the Operations directorate, overseeing both proactive and reactive investigations across the UK and overseas. Reporting to senior management, the role ensures resources target the highest‑priority threats while maintaining the highest standards of criminal justice.

Key responsibilities

• Act as Head of Profession for Investigation within the NCA, driving talent management, learning opportunities and professionalisation of the investigations community.
• Lead a high‑performing team of investigators delivering risk‑based, proactive and reactive investigations.
• Communicate priorities, objectives and wellbeing initiatives to the directorate and wider agency.
• Maintain criminal‑justice standards, ensuring high‑quality prosecutions and effective casework with prosecutors.
• Brief stakeholders, partners and the agency on investigation activity in line with accountability regimes.
• Develop and implement transformational change, new tactics and capabilities to respond to evolving threats.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in leading investigative teams within law‑enforcement or security environments.
• Proven ability to make risk‑based decisions and manage complex, multi‑jurisdictional investigations.
• Strong talent‑management and mentorship skills.
• Excellent communication skills for briefing senior stakeholders and partners.
• Commitment to high standards of welfare, professionalism and ethical conduct.

Required skills

• Leadership of investigative operations.
• Strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Risk assessment and management.
• Stakeholder engagement and briefing.
• Change management and capability development.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape national investigative strategy.
• Work within a respected public‑sector organisation.
• Collaborative environment with senior leadership.
• Professional development and talent‑management programmes.