Lead Investigator

Chandler Macleod is currently recruiting for an experienced Lead Investigator to join a Federal Government agency on a 12-month contract.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced investigations professional to lead a team delivering complex, sensitive, and high-profile investigations while driving continuous improvement across compliance, fraud control, and payment integrity functions.

As the Lead Investigator, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to a team responsible for delivering complex investigations and regulatory outcomes. You will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external regulatory, law enforcement, and prosecution agencies to drive effective investigation outcomes and strengthen organisational integrity frameworks.
This role requires a highly skilled investigator with strong leadership capabilities, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and experience managing sensitive and complex matters.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team responsible for delivering investigation objectives and compliance outcomes.
• Manage and quality assure complex and sensitive investigations, ensuring high standards of planning, evidence gathering, reporting, and brief preparation.
• Develop investigative capability through contemporary and innovative investigative practices, tools, and methodologies.
• Promote awareness and application of organisational payment integrity and fraud control frameworks.
• Review, analyse, and report on investigation activities, outcomes, and emerging risks.
• Provide strategic insights into fraud and compliance maturity, identifying opportunities for capability uplift.
• Develop and implement initiatives to strengthen investigative practices and operational effectiveness.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and Commonwealth prosecution bodies.
• Support operational activities that may require domestic travel and occasional overnight stays.

About You To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

Investigations Expertise

• Extensive experience leading complex investigations within a government, regulatory, compliance, law enforcement, or related environment.
• Strong understanding of investigative methodologies, evidence collection, case management, and reporting requirements.
• Experience preparing high-quality briefs and investigation reports.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional excellence.
• Strong capability in workforce development and mentoring.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Exceptional relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working collaboratively with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and enforcement partners.

Critical Thinking & Decision Making

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex information and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational improvements and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and prioritisation skills.

If you are an experienced investigations leader looking to make a meaningful contribution within the Federal Government sector, we encourage you to apply today. - Aparna Garg [email protected]

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.