Forensics Manager (Manchester)

We are currently looking for a Forensics Manager to work with our client based in Manchester on a full-time, permanent contract.

The Forensic Manager, reporting to the Head of Investigations, will contribute to all aspects of the services and solutions provided to clients:

• Manage investigators and technicians caseload by the assignment of cases, establishment of priorities, and reviewing and evaluation of reports;• Ideally experienced in ISO 17025 accreditation, assisting with testing and establishing policies and procedures;• Monitor time worked by investigators and technicians ensuring core hours are worked each week; manage requests and claims for overtime;• Review case information to determine best forensic analysis strategy required; review all investigations to ensure case objectives have been achieved;
• To establish deadlines and provide ongoing communication of progress to keep investigations on track and on time;
• Ensuring that all work is completed within established time constraints and to the highest quality to support the business needs;
• To report or escalate issues as appropriate to the Head of Investigations;
• To prioritise research, project work and support functions undertaken within the forensic computing labs;
• Ensure all laboratory verified hardware and software is validated to meet legal requirements;
• Conduct forensically sound acquisitions, analysis and examinations of computer systems and associated media, either on site or in the lab, ensuring continuity of all exhibits and maintaining integrity throughout;
• Secure and retrieve data from computer systems in accordance with ACPO guidelines, utilising proprietary and bespoke software, in order to preserve evidence gathered during the course of investigations;
• To record the details of analysis and investigations undertaken and maintain the confidentiality of this information;
• To liaise with other bodies or agencies as and when required;
• To ensure the work meets quality standards in providing a service to all clients; to report or escalate issues, as appropriate, to the Technical Manager;
• To ensure that appropriate security and access control of forensic tools, systems and evidence is maintained at all times;
• Conduct and assist with investigations to include investigation of more complex cases beyond the competency of investigators;
• Prepare detailed reports, Criminal Justice Act statements and exhibits for the consideration of Crown Prosecution Service or other authorities who have an investigative or regulatory function;
• To testify in criminal and civil court, as required on results of seizure and handling of evidence and results of analysis conducted;
• Remain current on laws and procedures required for processing search and seize orders;
• To maintain an excellent level of technical knowledge of forensic computing best practice and law by attending relevant training courses and meetings within the forensic computing field;
• To maintain professional liaison and membership in professional organisations for cross-feed of technical information;
• Develop public, private sector and law enforcement agency liaison in areas associated with computer crime;
• To develop experience and detailed technical knowledge of current technology and the wide variety of tools and techniques used to assist in the acquisition and analysis of evidence and the identification and recovery of data;
• Manage leave and time off requests from investigators and technicians;
• To assist Head of Investigations in managing any HR issues with the Forensics team;
• Provide ‘on the job’ training in support of forensic technicians and investigators to properly handle, identify and use computer technology for the investigation of computer crime;
• Provide a leadership role and assisting junior members of staff with their personal and professional development;
• Monitor investigators competencies, advising or facilitating improvement where appropriate; amend and create new Standard Operating Procedures (where appropriate);
• To assist in the recruitment of Technical staff including subcontractors. Also ensure no reliance on one particular subcontractor;
• Assist Case Managers and BD team by quoting for new work by reviewing case paperwork in detail;
• To assist the BD team and the reputation of CYFOR with the provision of copy for relevant Blogs throughout the year;
• Proactively assist in the completion of Customer tenders;
• Assist Head of Investigations with procurement and maintenance of software and hardware for computer forensic investigations; execute verification tests of forensic software and hardware and methods to independently validate functionality;
• Assist Head of Investigations with the planning, design, research and acquisition of new or upgraded hardware and software systems; maintains current knowledge of hardware, software and network technology and recommends modifications as necessary;
• Assist Head of Investigations with developing Strategic initiatives to lower costs and to improve efficiency of ED, Cell site and Forensic depts;
• To liaise with the Finance department on a daily/weekly basis on work completed/ to be invoiced;
• Ensure all staff comply with all CYFOR policies, practices and procedures;
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required;
• To be prepared to work outside of normal office hours and/or to travel as and when required;
• To complete appropriate entries in Dynamics in an accurate and timely fashion

Details of the role:

Location: Manchester

Working Hours: Mon-Fri 37 hours Per Week.

Salary: £45,000 – £55,000

Contract: Permanent

If you wish to apply, please do so online or contact Lloyd Bailey at Peel Solutions.