Assistant Project Manager

Cotswold Archaeology are recruiting for an Assistant 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 assist in the delivery of a diverse portfolio of fieldwork projects, whilst working for one of the largest and most respected archaeological companies in the country.

About the role

You will assist and support the management and successful delivery of a portfolio of commercial archaeological projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and other project resources (vehicles, survey equipment etc.).

The role involves a mixture of office-based work and site visits, comprising, assisting in the management, delivery and supervision of archaeological projects, supporting project set-up/logistics and the production of start-up documentation (including risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation works); assisting in 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.

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, Cycle to Work scheme and free annual flu jabs.

Applying

If this appeals to you, and 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 assist in the management of projects safely, efficiently, and effectively, and assist the Principal Fieldwork Manager and Project Managers in maintaining and developing CA’s professional reputation for the delivery of complex projects and high-quality archaeological fieldwork.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• To assist in the management of the safe and successful delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and resources.
• To help assure the quality of archaeological fieldwork, records, archives and reports, in line with CA and industry standards, guidance and procedures.
• To support the fieldwork managers in the compilation of tenders and supplier documentation and liaising with clients as appropriate to facilitate the safe and successful delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time, and performance targets.
• To support the management of project resources effectively, ensuring project costs do not exceed budget and the client received value for money.
• To assist in managing 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.
• To deputise for the Fieldwork Managers as required, liaising with clients and managing the work programme.
• To assist in the proactive development of new business opportunities, to secure and maintain a healthy and financially viable programme of work.
• To assist in the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned.
• Participate in working parties and task forces to implement departmental and companywide projects.
• Assist in the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned.
• To undertake other duties as deemed appropriate to the role.
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                                                                                  Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience of leading commercial archaeological fieldwork projects safely, and to tight deadlines.
• A sound knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation, and best practice in a commercial archaeological environment.
• Proven experience in project leadership and effective site deployment of project resources.
• Experience of fieldwork report writing and assuring the quality of fieldwork staff and their output.
• Experience of developing good quality relations with clients and curatorial authorities.
• 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.
• Established IT skills including MS Word, Excel and Project.
• Proven administrative skills, able to maintain accurate and timely records.
• Good leadership and inter-personal skills with the ability to motivate, guide and encourage staff and the ability to work as part of a team.
• 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 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:

• Experience of line management, and conducting staff appraisals.
• Experience of post-excavation assessment and archaeological publication.
• Experience of managing aspects of fieldwork projects.
• SMSTS safely accreditation.