Assistant Post-Excavation Manager

Cotswold Archaeology maintains strong and sustainable growth, operating as one company across four offices. We have ambitious plans for the future and are committed to achieving them through growing and developing the capability of our  team of professionals. We are now looking for a skilled individual who is looking to develop their career and wants to do valuable, interesting and complex post-excavation work to join us as an Assistant Post-Excavation Manager

Based within our busy Publications department, your key responsibilities will include assisting with the management of post-excavation projects; contributing to and quality assuring analytical, interpretative and publication work; providing guidance and support to project team members; and engaging with quality systems within, and the overall management of, the Publications department and the wider company. We are keen to hear from people with less extensive project management experience who wish to develop their careers in this field. You will already have experience working within archaeological post-excavation and will have authored reports in your own right.

The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and organisational skills, able to manage a demanding work schedule, with the ability to confidently lead a project team ensuring internal and external targets are met without compromising quality standards. You will be a member of the CIfA at MCIfA level (or able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and commitment to join if appointed) and ideally hold a full manual driving licence and be able to undertake site visits.

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

Our competitive benefits package includes up to 30 days annual leave, company sick pay, death in service, pension and an Employee Assistance Programme.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please call Sarah Cobain (MK) 07718 570 882.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 23rd March. Interviews will be
held on the 1st and 2nd April 2026.  

To apply for the role by submitting a CV and covering letter please visit our careers page

https://cotswoldarchaeology.bamboohr.com/careers

Cotswold Archaeology is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are assessed solely on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or belief, age, nationality (except where work permits are required), or ethnic background.

As an inclusive employer, 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 [email protected]

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 THE ROLE

To assist in the management of Post-Excavation and Publication projects to successful completion on schedule and within budget, to undertake post-excavation project work, and to contribute to the effective management of the Publications department.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Contribute to the effective management of post-excavation projects, and to be responsible for their completion on schedule and within budget, including the effective management of contracts, staff and resources, in line with CA procedures and performance targets.


• Undertake post-excavation project work, including analysis and interpretation, the writing and compilation of assessment reports (including preparation of research designs and budgets), and of publication texts (including writing archaeological discussions through specialist period and/or area knowledge).


• Contribute to the overall management of the Publications department through effective line management of Publications staff.


• Coach project leaders in the undertaking of analytical and interpretative work, and in writing for publication.


• Support the implementation and upkeep of standardised systems of archaeological and management records, and ensure the protection of archaeological material in the care of CA.


• Contribute to departmental processes and working practices via Learning Reports, feedback to Committee Representatives and suggestions for new and improved practices.

• Represent CA at relevant meetings and develop a greater public awareness and appreciation of the company’s work through lectures, articles, website and marketing contributions, etc., and create opportunities for other members of staff to do likewise.


• Ensure that all projects are carried out in accordance with the CA Health and Safety policy, preparing risk assessments and other relevant documentation.


• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role, as required

Personal Specification

Essential

• Proven expertise in post-excavation work, including assessment and stratigraphic analysis, and experience in the writing of archaeological texts to publication standards, and in editing archaeological texts for publication.


• Thorough knowledge of all periods of British archaeology, with relevant specialist period and/or area expertise.


• The ability to manage a busy work schedule and to operate effectively as part of a management team.


• Able to build the reporting capabilities within the team through effective training, coaching, and mentoring.


• A commitment to keeping abreast of new developments, approaches and procedures in all aspects of post-excavation, publication and archiving, and the ability to communicate these to


• The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and to engage with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public in an efficient, diplomatic and professional manager


• Advanced IT skills, including MS Word, Excel, and Access.


• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA level) – or able and willing to become a member at this level.


• A full manual driving licence would be advantageous due to the requirement to undertake site visits

Desirable

• Proven experience of project management, including deadlines and budgets.


• Experience of coaching and training colleagues in post-excavation techniques, and in guiding them develop the ability to write to publication standards.


• Knowledge of archaeological administrative procedures, including the keeping of records and accounts and the submission of reports


• Proven experience in line management and conducting staff appraisals.


• A background in archaeological fieldwork conducted in a commercial setting.


• A working knowledge of IT graphics packages including GIS, and Project Information Management systems such as Deltek.