Project Manager (Fieldwork)

Based at: Cambridge Office

Salary range £41,001 to £52,357 (based on experience)

Closing Date: Sunday 5th January

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensure that we work on the most exciting and varied projects and can offer real opportunities for long-term employment and career development. We have offices in Cambridge, Lancaster and Oxford and are a registered heritage charity.

We take pride in Oxford Archaeology’s ethos of professionalism in commercial delivery and academic rigour in our published output. We wish to employ and develop managers with experience and skills across both of these areas. We hope to appoint individuals who can manage programmes of archaeological investigation from inception to completion.

Position:

Due to an expanding portfolio of work through the coming year, we are seeking to appoint Project Managers to join our highly successful and respected team at our office in Cambridge. The work is challenging and varied, with the opportunity to manage exciting projects of national importance and work as part of a large team of multi-disciplinary professionals. The successful candidates will report to the Cambridge office's Regional Management Team headed by Stephen Macaulay.

Although previous experience in archaeological project management and/or a background in the delivery of archaeology on infrastructure projects would be highly advantageous, we would also like to hear from you if you bring other archaeological and cultural heritage management expertise with you, whether that be in representing clients as a consultant in heritage resource management, or experience of planning and development control. 

Our philosophy of team working and mentoring creates an environment in which staff at all stages of their careers can grow and make the most of the amazing opportunities on offer.  As a member of our project management team, you will both benefit from and contribute to this process. 

If you are looking for career advancement and a challenging and satisfying working environment this is the role for you.

This would be a full-time role based in our Cambridge office, although flexible working arrangements can be discussed.

Position requirements  

Essential

• Expert general knowledge and understanding of archaeology, particularly British archaeology, and the principles, practices and processes relevant to archaeological investigation.
• Ability to manage fieldwork and/or post-excavation projects from small to large, and of all levels of complexity, and to undertake the full range of investigation tasks and techniques.
• Thorough understanding of commercial archaeology and its position within the wider construction industry.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of project management procedures including budget and programme management.
• Good understanding of health, safety and environment management systems and processes.
• Good understanding of quality management systems and processes.
• Ability to use project management tools (including the use of spreadsheets and other relevant software).
• Well-developed analytical and report writing skills, to ensure that primary data and subsequent interpretative data are presented accurately and appropriately.
• Ability to pass on expertise to others including less experienced staff, colleagues, the general public and/or other professionals.
• Well-developed and effective communication skills, including negotiation skills, specifically with clients, stakeholders, staff, management, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage the performance and development of teams or individuals, including allocation of duties, monitoring and assessing performance, and providing feedback, guidance and training appropriately. This includes the ability to deal with poor performance appropriately.
• Ability to understand and adhere to the organisational structure and lines of accountability relevant to this post and to any specific project.
• A flexible approach and a willingness to innovate.
• Ability to drive.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable experience of delivering archaeological fieldwork and post-excavation tasks on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Understanding of the various forms of contract (e.g. NEC3 and 4, JCT, ICE) under which archaeological investigations may be implemented.
• Experience of writing and/or editing archaeological publications.
• Specialist expertise in the study of a particular aspect of archaeology (e.g. a specific archaeological period or category of artefact).

Applicants should be CIfA members, or eligible for membership preferably at MCIfA level.

In return, we offer an exciting range of employee benefits:

Employee benefits:

• Competitive, constantly benchmarked, salary range of £41,001 to £52,357: appointments will be made based on demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
• Generous annual leave of 25 days holiday (depending on years of service and spinal salary point), plus bank holidays and concessionary days at Christmas.
• A generous hybrid working policy is in place, dependant on role, and a considerate approach is taken to flexible and part-time working where appropriate to the role, individuals’ personal circumstances, and the needs of the business.
• Local government ‘defined benefit’ pension scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
• Training and opportunities for career progression.
• We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• Comprehensive car for employee welfare through a number of policies, including: the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance. 
• Cycle to work scheme.

To apply

If you would like to discuss the role and opportunities on offer, please contact in complete confidence: 

Stephen Macaulay (Regional Manager, Cambridge office): stephen.macaulay@oxfordarchaeology.com  

or 

Patrick Moan (Head of Fieldwork, Cambridge office): patrick.moan@oxfordarchaeology.com

If you would like to join the team responsible for some of the most exciting archaeological projects in the UK and be part of a respected and established organisation at the forefront of British archaeology, please apply by completing the application form below.

Please submit a CV and covering letter with your application.

Interviews will be held week commencing 13th January 2025

Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration - see  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597