Cotswold Archaeology
Project Manager
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Project Manager
Needham Market (moving to Stowmarket in late 2026)
£44,990 - £54,740 (SCP 23 to 29, dependant on skills and experience)
Cotswold Archaeology are recruiting for a talented and experienced Project Manager to join the Cotswold Archaeology team at their Suffolk regional office.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and passionate individual to deliver 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 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.
The successful applicant will need to possess excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, capable of managing a demanding work schedule, with the ability to lead a project team, prioritize project work, and ensure targets are met without compromising on quality.
Location
The position will be based at our Suffolk regional office, which is currently in Needham Market, but will be moving to Stowmarket later in 2026, and will involve working on sites across the UK.
Our benefits include:
- A competitive salary;
- Generous annual leave allowance;
- Company sick pay;
- Pension and life assurance schemes;
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
Applying
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If you are looking to progress your career within a leading, ambitious, and forward-thinking company, we would love to hear from you.
To find out more information, please contact our Principal Fieldwork Manager for Suffolk, Stuart Boulter, for an informal discussion about the role (email: stuart.boulter@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk).
To apply, please follow this link: Cotswold Archaeology Careers
Closing date: 5pm Friday 28th August 2026
Interviews will be held in person at our Suffolk office w/c 8th September 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
Job Title: Fieldwork Project Manager
Department: Fieldwork
Report to: Principal Fieldwork Manager
Pay Scale: SCP 23 - 29
Location: Needham Market
Responsible for: Designated Senior Project Officers, Project Officers, and project staff
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 receives 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 programs 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 program.
- Proactively develop new business opportunities, to secure and maintain a healthy and financially viable program 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.
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Personal Specification
Essential:
- Extensive experience of managing a broad range of commercial archaeological fieldwork projects from inception to completion 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 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 others.
- 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 ICT skills including MS Word, Excel, and Access.
- Proven experience of line management and the preparation of development plans.
- Full manual UK driving license and a willingness to travel extensively.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at MCIFA grade.
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 publication.
- Demonstrable experience of managing large and complex multi-site mitigation schemes, particularly infrastructure projects.
- SMSTS safely accreditation.
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