Lead Investigator

RICS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Income protection

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Job summary

RICS is seeking a Lead Investigator to handle complex regulatory investigations. The position demands significant investigation experience, ideally within a regulatory framework. Responsibilities include leading high-stakes investigations, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and providing technical guidance. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to handle pressure effectively. Benefits include 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in complex compliance or regulatory matters.
• Ability to operate in a public-interest regulatory framework.
• Comfortable managing high-pressure environments and shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex and sensitive regulatory investigations.
• Produce high-quality investigation documentation.
• Provide coaching and technical direction to investigation specialists.

Skills

Significant investigation experience

Experience with regulatory frameworks

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Tools

D365

Job description

RICS is a global professional body bringing together a worldwide community of professionals who shape how people experience the world – from the places we live and work to the infrastructure we depend on. Through trusted standards, respected qualifications and expert insight, our members support sustainable and resilient built and natural environments.

Working at RICS means contributing to fair, transparent professional standards and acting in the public interest. Our regulatory work plays a vital role in maintaining trust in the profession and public confidence in how standards are upheld worldwide.

Role Purpose and Key Responsibilities

Reporting to a Regulatory Investigation Manager, the Lead Investigator provides technical leadership and case management on the most complex, high-risk and high-reputational regulatory investigations.

This role combines investigation casework with technical oversight. You will also be responsible to provide advice and guidance to your peers, quality assure investigation work, and sign-off to ensure investigations meet regulatory standards, KPIs and service expectations.

While the role does not include line management responsibility, it carries accountability for quality, decision‑making and supporting investigation capability across the team.

As a Lead Investigator, you will:

• Lead and be accountable for the most complex, high-risk and reputationally sensitive investigations, progressing cases in line with demanding KPIs and quality measures
• Analyse and evaluate information relating to reported conduct concerns to identify regulatory risk and determine appropriate action, applying sound professional judgement
• Operate confidently within a public‑interest regulatory framework, recognising the role and remit of the investigation process
• Produce clear, robust and high‑quality written investigation documentation that sets the standard for others
• Provide advice, guidance and direction through case discussions, advice sessions and peer support
• Deliver quality assurance reviews, ensuring consistency with RICS Standards, Conduct Rules, Bye‑laws and service expectations
• Act as a technical coach and mentor to Investigation Specialists, supporting learning, capability development and confidence in decision‑making
• Work collaboratively with managers and peers to identify training needs, share knowledge and support continuous improvement

About You

You are an experienced investigator who is comfortable operating in high‑pressure environments with complex subject matter and significant reputational impact. You bring confidence in making difficult judgement calls, while also supporting others through coaching, constructive challenge and quality assurance.

You are resilient, highly organised and motivated by public‑interest regulation, with a strong commitment to fairness, professionalism and high standards.

You’ll bring:

• Significant investigation experience within a regulator or private practice, including complex compliance and/or regulatory matters
• Experience working with regulatory frameworks and case management systems, such as D365
• A strong understanding of good regulatory practice and the ability to apply this proportionately in a non‑statutory, cross‑border context
• Experience of influencing and constructively challenging internal and external stakeholders, including members of the public
• Demonstrable experience of reviewing, quality assuring or signing off casework
• Experience supporting the development of others through coaching, training, or technical leadership
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting high‑quality documentation
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex information efficiently
• The ability to manage a demanding workload and remain effective in an environment where priorities can shift

Rewards and Benefits

RICS offers a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and work‑life balance, including:

• 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays
• Three additional days of leave when the office closes between Christmas and New Year
• Enhanced flexible leave policies (including Maternity, Paternity, and Moving House)
• A Wellbeing Day and a Volunteering Day
• Private medical insurance, income protection, life assurance, and pension scheme
• Access to staff‑led community groups and wellbeing support

Equal Opportunity Employer

RICS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and believe that our differences strengthen our organisation.

Please let us know if we can support you with any adjustments during the recruitment process.

Candidates must have the correct right to work in the country where the role is based.