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 range of projects and can offer real opportunities for long term employment and career development.
The position:
Oxford Archaeology is looking to appoint a Regional Manager based in Cambridge to take the lead in all areas of practice and to lead and motivate staff to ensure project delivery and high standards within the Cambridge office. The Regional Manager will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will sit on the Corporate Management team.
OA East is based in Cambridge and operates across the East of England from the Thames to the Humber. The Regional Manager leads the Regional Management Team (which includes the Deputy Regional Manager/Head of Fieldwork and the Head of Post-excavation), overseeing a team of around 15 other managers and 120 other staff across all departments.
This is a crucial role ensuring the compliant and efficient running of the branch. The successful applicant will demonstrate sound financial awareness to enable effective planning, management and delivery of the branch budget to meet commercial targets and to help deliver the strategic objectives of the organisation. They will also demonstrate substantial experience of archaeological operations at a senior level and will have an in depth understanding of the range of commercial practice in archaeology. As the leader of our team of professionals at OA East a good grounding in the discipline of archaeology is vital and we would expect the successful applicant to have a track record that demonstrates participation in significant projects and their reports and other outputs.
The Regional Manager will demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to developing and maintaining our regional professional profile and will demonstrate exceptional communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills to enable effective communication with clients, staff, the public and other stakeholders.
Position requirements:
- Considerable expertise and/or eminence in professional archaeological practice.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of archaeological theory and practice, procedures and processes, and awareness of current developments.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of current legislation and related policies and strategies for reducing risks in the area of Health and Safety and the Environment.
- Experience of Quality and Environmental Management systems.
- The ability to lead teams of experienced and/or senior professionals, and to motivate staff at all levels.
- Well-developed and effective communication skills, including negotiation skills, specifically with clients, staff, the public and other stakeholders.
- The ability to operate independently, make decisions and solve problems when required and as appropriate, but also to operate as part of a team and be accountable to Senior Management and the Trustees.
- Extensive experience in preparing, monitoring and controlling financial plans, budgets and schedules, and in implementing and tracking projects and non-project business resources.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of project management procedures, and the ability to undertake project management confidently and competently and use project management tools.
- Well-developed analytical, report writing and advocacy skills, including the ability to deliver lectures and talks publicly, and convey one’s expertise through written material or through demonstration.
- Ability to manage the performance and development of teams or individuals, including allocation of duties, monitor and assess performance, and provide feedback, guidance and training appropriately. This includes the ability to deal with poor performance appropriately.
- Ability to understand and operate according to the principles and practices related to continuous improvement, equal opportunity, team building, leadership, and motivating staff and how these relate to human resource development and organisational effectiveness.
- Ability to understand and adhere to the organisational structure and lines of accountability relevant to this post and to any specific project.
- Ability to understand and observe the principles of Continuing Professional Development and how to prepare and maintain a Personal Development Plan.
- Possession of a current driving licence.
- Membership of the CIfA desirable and experience of working externally in a professional capacity an advantage.
Employee benefits
- Competitive salary range of £55,000 to £65,000 (appointments will be made on the basis of demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate).
- 36 days holiday (including statutory holidays and concessionary days at Christmas).
- Local government ‘defined benefit’ pension scheme (LGPS).
- Training and opportunities for career progression.
- 100% of CIfA subscription fees
- Cycle to work scheme.
The application and interview process
Please apply by completing an application form, available from: https://oxfordarchaeology.com/jobapplication.
Your application must be accompanied by a full CV (comprising qualifications, career history and publications) and an accompanying letter setting out why you are suited to the role and what benefits you can bring to the post.
Closing Date: Monday 10th April, 2023
For further enquiries concerning the post, contact the current Regional Manager; Paul Spoerry: paul.spoerry@oxfordarchaeology.com.
Interviews will take place at the OA East Office, 15 Trafalgar Way, Bar Hill, Cambridgeshire in the week commencing 10 April 2023. You will be asked to begin with a 10-minute presentation on the particular challenges faced by OA East and why you think you have the relevant skills to tackle them.
Further Information
A job description can be found here:
https://files.oxfordarchaeology.com/nextcloud/index.php/s/ngdDZfyiirCR3QB
The OA 2020-25 strategy can be found at:
https://files.oxfordarchaeology.com/nextcloud/index.php/s/aY32qNFBbGCb6yN
Further background information about the charity is available on the Charity Commissions website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
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-andimmigration
Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597