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Lead Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Insider Risk Investigator

Rosemont, IL · Hybrid

$150K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Lead complex insider risk and data loss investigations across email, endpoint, cloud, collaboration, and AI-enabled technologies * Analyze technical, behavioral, and business context to assess risk ...

Investigator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$98K/yr

... a lead investigator or as a team member; or reviewing, analyzing, organizing, and summarizing voluminous and complex documents and data. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ...

Lead Investigator is responsible for maintaining investigator files and keeps track of the active investigations to confirm thoroughness and completion. * Performs other duties as required. Job ...

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Lead Investigator information

See salary details

$47K

$98.8K

$118.5K

How much do lead investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead investigator in the United States is $98,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead investigator?

To thrive as a Lead Investigator, you need expertise in investigative techniques, evidence collection, and case management, often supported by a relevant degree and professional experience in law enforcement or compliance. Familiarity with digital forensics tools, case management systems, and certifications such as CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and leadership skills help in managing teams and communicating findings effectively. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring thorough investigations, maintaining legal standards, and achieving successful case resolutions.

How does a lead investigator typically collaborate with other departments during an investigation?

Lead Investigators often work closely with various departments, such as legal, HR, compliance, and IT, depending on the nature of the investigation. They coordinate information gathering, delegate tasks, and ensure all findings are communicated promptly and accurately. Effective collaboration helps maintain objectivity, ensures all relevant expertise is utilized, and supports a thorough investigative process. Building strong cross-departmental relationships is key to efficiently resolving complex cases and maintaining organizational integrity.

What is the difference between Lead Investigator vs Investigator?

AspectLead InvestigatorInvestigator
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant certifications, and experience in investigationsUsually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles needing basic certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads investigation teams, manages case strategies, and oversees investigationsConducts investigations, gathers evidence, and reports findings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in law enforcement, corporate security, and private investigation firmsCommon in law enforcement agencies, private firms, and regulatory bodies

In summary, a Lead Investigator typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced credentials compared to an Investigator. While both roles focus on conducting investigations, the Lead Investigator oversees teams and manages case strategies, whereas Investigators primarily gather evidence and report findings.

What is a lead investigator?

Lead Investigators are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing investigations, often within organizations, law enforcement, or research settings. They coordinate investigative teams, gather and analyze evidence, and ensure that all procedures comply with legal and ethical standards. Lead Investigators also prepare detailed reports, present findings, and may testify in court or other formal settings. Their leadership is crucial for solving complex cases and ensuring thorough, unbiased investigations.
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What cities are hiring for Lead Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Investigator job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Investigator jobs?

The top employers for Lead Investigator jobs are:

What states have the most Lead Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lead Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,777 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Senior Insider Risk Investigator

Wintrust

Rosemont, IL • Hybrid

$150K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Wintrust rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 171 rated banks


Job description

Wintrust provides community and commercial banking, specialty finance and wealth management services through its 16 bank charters and nine non-bank businesses. Wintrust delivers the sophisticated solutions of a large bank while staying true to the relationship-focused, personalized service of our community banking roots. We serve clients in all 50 states with more than 200 branch banking locations in Illinois, southwestern Florida, northwestern Indiana, west Michigan and southern Wisconsin and commercial banking offices in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Mich., and in key branch banking locations throughout Illinois. Our people are the heart of our business and we are proud to rank consistently as a top place to work. Wintrust is a $66 billion financial institution based in Rosemont, Illinois, and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "WTFC."

Why join us?

  • An award-winning culture! We are rated a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune (past 12 years) and Employee Recommended award by the Globe & Mail (past 6 years)

  • Competitive pay and discretionary or incentive bonus eligible

  • Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, a 401k plan with a generous company match and tuition reimbursement to name a few

  • Promote from within culture

Why join this team?

  • This position has the opportunity to interface with and have a positive impact on multiple areas of Wintrust's business

  • We hold ourselves accountable to high standards, share wins, operate ethically, and have fun

Position Overview

The Senior Insider Risk Investigator serves as the lead investigator for the Insider Risk Program, responsible for leading complex investigations involving data loss, insider threats, policy violations, misuse of company assets, and emerging AI-related risks. This role partners closely with Legal, Human Resources, Privacy, Cybersecurity, and business stakeholders to assess risk, drive appropriate response actions, mentor fellow investigators, and support the continuous maturation of the Insider Risk Program.

What You'll Do

  • Lead complex insider risk and data loss investigations across email, endpoint, cloud, collaboration, and AI-enabled technologies

  • Analyze technical, behavioral, and business context to assess risk, intent, and potential impact

  • Coordinate investigation activities and remediation actions with Legal, Human Resources, Compliance, Privacy, and Cybersecurity teams

  • Conduct proactive threat hunting activities to identify high-risk behaviors, emerging insider threats, and unauthorized data exposure

  • Research emerging insider threat, data protection, and AI-related risks to enhance investigative effectiveness and partner with Insider Risk Engineering team to identify monitoring gaps, provide investigative feedback, and improve alert fidelity

  • Identify opportunities to improve visibility into human-centric risks and strengthen investigative capabilities

  • Serve as the lead investigator for the Insider Risk Program, providing guidance and mentorship to other investigators sharing investigative knowledge, lessons learned, and emerging threat insights with the team

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in cybersecurity, insider risk, investigations, threat intelligence, digital forensics, incident response, security operations, corporate investigations, or related disciplines

  • 5+ years of experience conducting investigations involving data loss, insider threats, employee misconduct, fraud, abuse of access, policy violations, or other human-centric security risks

  • Experience managing complex investigations from initial intake through evidence collection, analysis, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and remediation

  • Experience working with Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Insider Risk Management, SIEM, UEBA, eDiscovery, digital forensics, or related investigative technologies

  • Experience investigating activity across endpoints, cloud, collaboration, email, identity, and data protection platforms

Benefits

Medical Insurance Dental Vision Life insurance Accidental death and dismemberment Short-term and long-term Disability Insurance Parental Leave Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employee Stock Purchase Plan at 5% discount Critical Illness Insurance Accident Insurance Transportation and Commuting Benefits Banking Benefits Pet Insurance

Compensation

The estimated salary range for this role is $150,000.00 - $165,000.00, along with eligibility to earn an annual bonus. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, such as a candidate's qualifications, skills and experience.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-JB1

From our first day in business, Wintrust has been proud to serve a variety of unique communities and people from all walks of life. To build a company that reflects the communities we serve, we believe that fostering a unique and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed will support our ongoing success. Wintrust Financial Corporation, including community banking and financial services subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.


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