Digital Forensics Lab - Digital Forensics Technical Manager

CACI Ltd; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology consultancy in Northallerton is seeking a Technical Manager for its Digital Forensic Laboratory. This role requires extensive expertise in digital forensics, compliance with UK standards, and leadership in technical direction. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Computer Science or a related field and experience in managing complex digital investigations. This position promotes innovation and is essential for maintaining high standards of forensic integrity.

Benefits

Diverse workplace environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in technical leadership roles within an accredited Digital Forensic environment.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and best practices in Digital Forensics.
• Ability to conduct and manage large digital investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical authority within the Digital Forensic Laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with UK standards and accreditation.
• Oversee technical management of Digital Forensic Investigation schemes.

Skills

Leadership

Forensic expertise

Quality focus

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

Degree in Computer Science or Digital Forensics

Tools

Forensic software and hardware tools

Job description

Headquartered in London, CACI Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of CACI International Inc., a publicly listed company on the NYSE with annual revenue in excess of US $6.2bn and employing approx. 22,000 people worldwide.

CACI Ltd is an international data and technology consultancy with £154m turnover and 1200 employees. We are passionate, progressive and unafraid of challenge; our mission is to use technology and data-driven insight to make a commercial difference.

We provide expert advice and hands-on system management to help our national and global clients get the most from technology and data. We use innovation wisely to deliver well thought-out digital solutions and software.

CACI's Digital Solutions, Operational Systems and Network Services Groups provide a range of software, Consultancy and managed services to clients. With experience and understanding of systems integration, analytics and secure cloud and managed services, we help clients improve operational processes, gain greater insight into their business and reduce costs.

From data integration, web reporting and activity-based costing to mobile working, telecom operational support systems and online transactional solutions, we help our clients to understand their business, manage performance and deliver value for money services to their customers.

The Technical Manager will serve as the principal technical authority within the Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL), providing expert knowledge and leadership across all aspects of Digital Forensics and associated services.

This role is pivotal in ensuring the technical integrity and compliance of both Digital Forensic Investigations and Proficiency Testing activities, whether conducted within the laboratory or in external environments. The Technical Manager will be responsible for embedding and upholding all relevant standards (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17043, FSR Codes) across all services, ensuring alignment with accreditation requirements and best practice.

The Technical Manager will play a critical role in shaping the laboratory's technical direction, supporting innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of forensic integrity and operational effectiveness.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert technical input to ensure that CACI's Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) service offerings and laboratory environments meet and maintain all required specifications, standards, and accreditations.
• Act as the technical lead for accreditation and assessment activities, ensuring compliance with UK standards including ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17043, the Forensic Science Regulator's Code of Practice, and ILAC G19.

Laboratory Infrastructure & Compliance

• Collaborate with the Operations Director and Quality Manager to establish and maintain efficient, compliant laboratory environments, contributing to their design, layout, and technical infrastructure.
• Ensure all technical aspects of DFL services meet UK compliance requirements and maintain readiness for external assessments.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the technical management of Digital Forensic Investigation and Proficiency Testing schemes, ensuring operations align with the Quality Management System (QMS) and meet established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Monitor and audit service delivery to ensure quality, timeliness, and compliance with agreed standards.

Equipment & Systems Management

• Assist with the procurement, installation, configuration, and ongoing management of all equipment, software, and systems required to deliver DFL services.

Business Development & Representation

• Support CACI Ltd. sales and business development teams in sourcing, tendering, and securing contracts, or introducing new products and services.
• Represent DFL and CACI Ltd. externally to enhance reputation, promote services, and support the development of new offerings aligned with industry best practice.

Service Delivery & Competency

• Oversee Digital Forensic activities and related services to fulfil customer contracts and maintain personal technical competence.
• Assess and support the competency of DFL UK staff to ensure resilience and quality assurance.

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Ensure compliance with departmental and organisational standards, including ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO/IEC 17043:2023.
• Contribute to the continual improvement of the QMS through updates to procedures and policies, validation activities, audits, corrective and preventive actions, and quality control.

Management & Deputisation

• Provide management information to support laboratory operations and quality performance.
• Deputise for the Laboratory Management Team during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational oversight.
• Line manage assigned staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Innovation & Professional Development

• Perform environmental horizon scanning and research into emerging digital forensic methods, tools, risks, and opportunities.
• Attend conferences and training to ensure DFL remains a leader in digital forensic services and emerging issues.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Educated to degree level in a Computer Science or Digital Forensic based discipline or significant experience of working within Technical leadership roles within an accredited Digital Forensic environment and having completed significant training in these areas.
• Knowledge and understanding of established principles and best practices, Forensic Science Regulators Codes of Practice, BS EN ISO/IEC17025, ILAC G19 and other related guidance documents applicable to Digital Forensics, as well as relevant criminal laws, judicial processes and legislations.
• Knowledge and understanding of BS EN ISO/IEC 17043, proficiency testing (PT) and Inter Laboratory Comparison (ILC).
• Advanced knowledge and experience of common operating systems, file systems, applications and networking technologies.
• Experience of managing and conducting large and complex digital investigations, using a range of forensic hardware and software tools, applications and techniques.
• Has experience in preparing complex digital examination reports and is able to present digital evidence in a clear and professional manner within Court proceedings.
• Knowledge and understanding of the definitions of Abusive Imagery categorisation (Sentencing Council Definitive Guidelines), Victim ID processes, and the CAID system.
• Full current UK / European driving licence (incl. business insurance). Willingness and ability to travel for business purposes.
• Willingness to participate in an out-of-hours call-out rota, and ability and willingness to work flexibly where required to meet departmental and organisational need and demand.
• Ability to multitask and manage several projects at any given time.
• Good communication skills.

ROLE DEMANDS

Leadership & Accountability: Ability to lead teams, make informed decisions, and take ownership of service delivery.

Technical Excellence: High-level forensic expertise and commitment to maintaining best-in-class standards.

Quality Focus: Strong understanding of quality systems, accreditation requirements, and continuous improvement.

Adaptability: Capable of stepping into management roles and handling diverse responsibilities during periods of absence.

Collaboration: Works effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.

Resilience: Maintains professionalism and composure in high-pressure or sensitive situations.

Applicants should be aware that this role may involve the viewing of images containing the sexual abuse of children and other images of an extremely offensive and distressing nature. The post holder must be willing to undergo regular Psychological Assessments.

Normal demands associated within an office environment; ability to work on computer for long periods and communicate with individuals by phone, email and face to face.

Requirement for occasional travel to perform digital forensic work at scene / locations outside the Digital Forensics laboratory, involving some overnight stays.

Ability to cope working under pressure and time constraints in this uniquely challenging environment.

Agility and coordination in handling equipment and evidence as required. May be required to lift a variety of computer items and sit/stand for extended periods of time.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.