Investigator/Senior Investigator

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom; Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom; London, England, United Kingdom; Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Company Overview

Throughout our worldwide network of experts, clients and communities, we are renowned for our leadership in fire protection engineering – a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939. Today, our expertise extends broadly across closely related security and risk‑based fields – from accessibility consulting and risk analysis to process safety, forensic investigations, security risk consulting, emergency management, digital innovation and more. Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring our clients can protect what matters most. For over 80 years, we have helped mitigate risks that threaten lives, property and reputations. Through technology, expertise and industry‑leading research, we remain dedicated to our purpose of making our world safe, secure and resilient.

At Jensen Hughes, we believe that creating and sustaining a culture of trust, integrity and professional growth starts with putting our people first. Our employees are our greatest strength, and we value the unique perspectives and talents they bring to our organization. Our wide range of Global Employee Networks connect people from across the organization, supporting career development and providing forums for individuals to share experiences on topics they’re passionate about. Together, we are cultivating a connected culture where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed together.

Job Overview

Jensen Hughes is a market leading forensic investigation company, comprised of highly experienced investigators committed to delivering technical excellence. Operating throughout the UK, Ireland and overseas, we investigate the origin and cause of fires and explosions and other accidents or failures on land and at sea. Our clients trust us to respond rapidly and deliver conclusive reports, robust evidence, and expert testimony of the highest technical standard in courts throughout the world. A forensic investigation includes establishing the root cause of an event and determining the likelihood of a recovery from a third party or the repudiation of a claim on an insurance policy because the policyholder has failed to fulfil obligations under the contract of insurance. We have seen consistent growth in our maritime forensic investigation work and an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Investigator/Senior Investigator to join our highly qualified team, based in the UK. You can be based anywhere in the UK. The role will be aimed at supplementing our maritime forensics team while also contributing and participating to our land‑based investigations.

Responsibilities

• Attending incident scenes, documenting and collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses
• Acting as lead investigator in the investigation of the origin, cause, and development of more complex cases
• Liaising with experts representing other interested parties
• Producing consistently high quality, detailed and accurate technical reports
• Providing expert witness evidence, where required
• Utilising Jensen Hughes’ case management system to record all case‑related activity, in line with SLA requirements
• Attending joint examinations, utilising the skills of specialists where necessary
• Maintaining technical knowledge and skills through continuous professional development, by attending training courses, undertaking research and reference to scientific papers and developments in the field of fire and explosion investigation
• Attending marketing events, as required
• Produce and present articles/presentations for training or marketing purposes
• Represent Jensen Hughes at meetings/conferences as an ambassador for the company
• Undertaking the mentoring of investigators in development and to join the peer review group if requested

Requirements and Qualifications

Candidates will need to have a Chemistry qualification together with experience in the field of maritime forensic fire investigation. Membership to a professional body would be advantageous but is not essential. Regardless of academic/professional background, practical experience is essential. Appreciate the skills required to:

• Analyse air quality, monitor and interpret off gassing.
• Inspect environments (i.e. vessels) for contamination.
• Suitably collect samples while maintaining continuity of evidence.
• Participate in laboratory analysis and interpret such results.
• Use and apply documents such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code and the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, and maritime regulations such as SOLAS.
• Implement and practice safety protocols with respect to hazardous materials and environments.

The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to apply scientific and systematic approaches to the forensic examination of incident scenes. Strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to present accurate information in a clear and unambiguous manner, both verbally and in writing. Attention to detail, a flexible approach and an ability to form effective working relationships with colleagues and clients are key qualities for this position. You will be expected to be able to work independently with minimal supervision, albeit there will always be a support network of colleagues when assistance or guidance is required. This role requires frequent, often short notice, travel. Overseas travel will be required, and sometimes for extended periods at scenes. You must hold a current driving licence and, ideally, be a car owner.

Jensen Hughes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.