PRINCIPAL FIELDWORK MANAGER (CONSULTANCY)

Salary: £47,384 – £51,317 (depending on experience) + generous benefits package

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week

Locations Headland Archaeology and RSK Group office locations where we have established heritage staff, for example: Hereford, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Silsoe, Helsby.

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 8am on 1st December 2025. Headland Archaeology reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before this point: please apply ASAP

 

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for an archaeological project manager to join our expanding Consultancy team.

 

Why Should You Apply?

We are a privately-owned archaeological business, part of the RSK Group, a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services. We provide heritage services to the development and construction sectors in UK and across the world.

The Headland Archaeology and Built Heritage Consultancy Team prides itself on offering independent, excellent technical advice to clients and colleagues which is rooted in years of experience in the sector. We tell clients what they need to know, rather than what they want to hear.

The team works on a wide range of projects, from large-scale energy and transport infrastructure to the remodelling of individual historic properties. Wherever development encounters the historic environment we are involved in understanding, assessing and shaping key decisions.

With offices in England and Scotland, we offer our employees:

  • Unique knowledge and expertise. For more than 20 years, Headland has provided not only business-focused archaeology but also people-focused business. We are highly respected within our industry for our achievements in innovation, tailor-made development coaching and training, and our expertise in commercial archaeology.
  • Strong pioneering spirit. Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
  • Stable company with excellent growth. Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
  • Good work environment. You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
  • Opportunity to influence. You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
  • Part of RSK group. You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development. The group has c.15,000 employees and c.230 environmentally led companies.

 

The Role

We are looking for an archaeological field work project manager to join our consultancy team to manage the execution of field work projects for our clients. This role is distinct from project management in the Headland contracting team. You will support the servicing of consultancy clients requiring fieldwork services outside the core work undertaken by other Headland colleagues. This will involve the deployment of Headland colleagues and external subcontractors. Quality assurance and ensuring consistency of outputs will be a key component of the work.

We are seeking candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and good understanding of British Archaeology. You will have experience of managing commercial field archaeology projects in Britain, will be able to sell our services to new clients and help develop existing commercial relationships. You will be a good team worker who can promote new ideas and new ways of working, and motivate your teams to deliver projects to programme and to budget. Applications from experienced Project Officers and Senior Archaeologists will be considered.

As a commercial company there is plenty of scope to utilise existing skills, discover new ones and develop your strengths. You will encounter numerous opportunities for personal development and promotion. With a proactive post-excavation department we are producing a growing number of monographs and other peer reviewed publications every year; our dedicated training team (CIfA accredited) will help support your projects and RSK provides a wealth of opportunity to broaden the range and nature of the experience enjoyed by our staff.

 

You must have the following essential criteria:

  • A desire to lead, develop and learn
  • Detailed experience and understanding of UK commercial archaeology and planning legislation
  • Experience in the management of archaeological projects
  • Full clean UK driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles
  • Willingness to travel and be responsible for managing projects across the UK
  • Degree level education or equivalent in a relevant subject
  • Be prepared to join CIfA if not already a member (at MCIfA- level)
  • A demonstrable portfolio of reports
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Experience in the production of tenders and PQQs
  • Experience of preparing WSIs
  • Experience/understanding of project finances and reporting
  • Experience of managing subcontractors
  • Use of Microsoft Office packages
  • Ability to use own initiative to achieve targets

A publication track-record and working knowledge of a GIS package are desirable criteria. Experience of consultancy work (preparing DBAs, EIA chapters) would be an advantage. Familiarity with Headland recording systems would be helpful.

 

Benefits we offer you:

  • Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
  • Use of cutting edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads etc.
  • Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health & Safety, Commercial, Technical and Transferable skills
  • SMSTS training where required
  • Leadership and management training and workshops
  • Discretionary annual profit bonus & performance-related bonus schemes (subject to qualifying period of employment)
  • Monthly clothing allowance
  • 33 days annual leave, rising based on service length
  • Extra annual leave purchase scheme
  • 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
  • Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
  • Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 4 times your annual salary, after a year with Headland
  • Referral scheme with generous fee
  • A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders
  • Regular performance, wellbeing & professional development check-ins
  • Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership discount, Holidays and Entertainment)
  • Health support scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
  • Paid CIfA membership
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Being part of RSK Group

 

How to apply

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we may fill the vacancy before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Send CV and covering letter to Human Resources at jobs@headlandarchaeology.com quoting reference FWMC112025 and copied to andy.towle@headlandarchaeology.com. Postal applications will not be accepted.  Informal enquiries concerning the role can be made to Andy Towle, Director (Consultancy)– tel: +44(0)7753895123.

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.