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 are interested in hearing from applicants at varying stages in their career. We will make appointments at the upper end of the salary range for those with the right skills and experience.
We take pride in Oxford Archaeology’s ethos of professionalism in commercial delivery and academic rigour in our published output and 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.
OA is committed to inclusivity and collaboration, working cross-sector with both commercial and academic partners, and has a reputation for quality, innovation, and digital enterprise.
Position:
Due to an expanding portfolio of work, we are seeking to appoint Project Managers to join our highly successful and respected team at OA North, in Lancaster. 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 OA North Management Team headed by Fraser Brown. We operate a hybrid working policy.
Although previous experience in archaeological project management and/or a background in the delivery of archaeology on infrastructure projects would be 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 delivering post-excavation programmes, representing clients as a consultant in heritage resource management, or experience of planning and development control. In addition, we welcome those who are just starting out in archaeological project management and who can otherwise demonstrate a broad range of relevant skills and experience in commercial field practice.
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.
These are full time roles based in our Lancaster office, although flexible working arrangements may be possible.
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 knowledge and understanding of project management procedures including budget and programme management.
- Understanding of health, safety and environment management systems and processes.
- 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 operate according to the principles and practices related to continuous improvement, equal opportunity, stress management, team building, leadership, and motivating staff and to understand 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.
- A flexible approach and a willingness to innovate.
- Ability to drive.
Desirable:
- 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/proofing archaeological publications.
- Ability to carry out academic research.
- 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 salary £37,832 to £48,311 (appointments will be made on the basis of demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate).
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and 3 concessionary days at Christmas.
- Local government ‘defined benefit’ pension scheme (LGPS).
- Training and opportunities for career progression.
- 100% of CIfA subscription fees (if you are not a member, or wish to upgrade, we will give paid time and support).
- Cycle to work scheme.
If you would like to discuss the role and opportunities on offer, please contact in complete confidence:
Fraser Brown (Regional Manager, OA North): fraser.brown@oxfordarchaeology.com/ 07989 195151 or Alan Lupton (Operations Manager, OA North): alan.lupton@oxfordarchaeology.com/ 01524 880222
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 an application form, available from:
https://oxfordarchaeology.com/jobapplication
Please enclose a CV and covering letter with your application.
Closing Date: Monday 29th May 2023
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