Project Manager

Cotswold Archaeology are recruiting for a talented and experienced Project Manager to join the Cotswold Archaeology team at their Milton Keynes regional office.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a self motivated  and passionate individual to deliver a diverse portfolio of fieldwork projects,  working for one of the largest and most respected archaeological companies in the country.

About the role

You will manage and deliver a portfolio of commercial archaeological projects and maintain overall responsibility for project budgets, resources and logistics. You will have responsibility for quality assurance of archaeological archives and reports.

The role involves a mixture of office-based work and site visits, comprising; managing the delivery and supervision of archaeological projects, including ensuring project set-up/logistics and the production of start-up documentation (including risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation works) is completed; overseeing archaeological fieldwork; ensuring that analysis is undertaken to the highest standards and quality assuring the production of client reports; the provision of specialist advice and client liaison.

The successful candidate will be a member of CIfA at MCIfA, or able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements and will join if appointed. A full manual driving licence is also essential as travel across our sites will be required.

The post will involve visits to project and client locations where overnight stays will be required.

About you

Candidates will have a degree/post-graduate degree in archaeology or a related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role.  Extensive proven experience of managing a broad range of commercial archaeological fieldwork projects - from inception to completion safely, and to tight deadlines – is essential.

The successful applicant will need  excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills, capable of managing a demanding work schedule, with the ability to lead a project team, prioritise project work, and ensure targets are met without compromising on quality.

Benefits

Our benefits include: a competitive salary; generous annual leave allowance; company sick pay; pension and life assurance schemes, access to an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Applying

If you are looking to progress your career within a leading, ambitious and forward-thinking company, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Richard Young: richard.young@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk

Closing date: 10 am, 9th November 2026

Interviews will be held in person at our Milton Keynes office, week commencing 16th November 2026

We reserve the right to close this role early if  multiple applications are received.

Cotswold Archaeology is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are assessed solely on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience relevant to the role.

 We will take into consideration any reasonable adjustments required to support you. Should you need adjustments during the recruitment process, or require additional support related to neurodiversity or for any other reason, please let us know by contacting careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration

                                                                                           Job Description

Purpose of role:

To manage assigned projects safely, efficiently, and effectively, and assist the Principal Fieldwork Manager in maintaining and developing CA’s professional reputation for the delivery of complex projects and high-quality archaeological fieldwork.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Tender for and manage the safe and successful delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and resources.
• Assure the quality of archaeological fieldwork, records, archives and reports, in line with CA and industry standards, guidance and procedures.
• Manage project resources effectively, ensuring project costs do not exceed budget and the client received value for money.
• Oversee and manage all health and safety aspects of personally assigned projects and contribute to company policy and procedures. Ensure all projects adhere to legal and professional standards.
• Line manage selected departmental staff as determined by the Head of Fieldwork.
• Help formulate, initiate, and conduct, staff training programmes and materials.
• Manage  personal   workload   effectively, ensuring   all   financial   and   project administration is accurate and timely.
• Represent CA at appropriate meetings, both with clients and at professional sectorial events.
• Deputise for the Principal Fieldwork Manager as required, liaising with clients and managing the work programme.
• Proactively develop new business opportunities, to secure and maintain a healthy and financially viable programme of work
• Participate in working parties and task forces to implement departmental and companywide projects.
• Prepare or arrange the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned.
• To undertake other duties as deemed appropriate to the role.

                                                                                  Person Specification

Essential:

• Extensive experience of managing a broad range of commercial archaeological fieldwork projects from inception to completion safely, and to tight deadline
• A sound knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation, and best practice in a commercial archaeological environment.
• Proven experience in the management and control of resources and project budget
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and people management skills, and proven ability to build/manage relationships. Including the ability to deal efficiently, diplomatically, and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies, and members of the public.
• Experience in assuring the quality of fieldwork projects and archaeological reports undertaken by other
• A sound knowledge of all periods of British archaeology and archaeological resource management, and a good understanding of law and guidance relating to British archaeology.
• Expert IT skills including MS Word, Excel, and Access.
• Proven experience of line management and the preparation of development plans;
• Full manual UK driving licence and a willingness and ability to travel extensively, including overnight stays, when required.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) at MCIfA grade, or be able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for membership of CIfA at MCIfA level and agree that they will join immediately upon appointment.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable commitment to developing personal skills and those of other staff, with experience of providing coaching and training;
• Experienced at post-excavation assessment and archaeological publicatio
• Demonstrable experience of managing large and complex multi-site mitigation schemes, particularly infrastructure projects
• SMSTS safely accreditation.