Geoarchaeology Manager in Milton Keynes

Cotswold Archaeology are recruiting for a talented and experienced Geoarchaeology Manager to lead and develop our Geoarchaeology team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a results-oriented and passionate individual to develop and shape the activities and direction of our Geoarchaeology team, whilst working for one of the largest and most respected archaeological companies in the country.

About the role

The role will involve developing and leading Cotswold Archaeology’s geoarchaeological fieldwork projects across the UK. You will manage and deliver a portfolio of commercial geoarchaeological projects and maintain overall responsibility for project budgets, resources and logistics. You will have responsibility for quality assurance of geoarchaeology products and provide advice to teams across Cotswold Archaeology and to our external clients.

The role involves a mixture of office-based and site-based work, comprising:

• Managing the delivery and supervision of geoarchaeological 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 geoarchaeological fieldwork (including monitoring of geotechnical Ground Investigations and sediment sampling);
• Ensuring that laboratory work and deposit modelling is undertaken to the highest standards;
• Undertaking 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 away work where overnight stays will be required so it is essential that you have the ability to commit to this.

About you

We are keen to hear from applicants with a strong geoarchaeological background, who are currently working in commercial archaeology or have experience working in a closely related discipline. Candidates will have a degree/post-graduate degree in geoarchaeology or a related Earth science subject (including Quaternary science and physical geography) or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role.

The successful applicant will need to possess excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills, capable of managing a demanding work schedule, with the ability to lead a project team, prioritise project work, and ensure targets are met without compromising on quality. Experience in Pleistocene or Palaeolithic archaeology and/or a palaeoenvironmental specialism would be advantageous but is not essential.

Location

The position will be based at one of our four regional offices (Kemble, Milton Keynes, Andover, Needham Market) 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 and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Applying

If this sounds like you, and 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 Publications Commercial Lead, Sarah Cobain or our Environmental Manager Sarah Wyles for an informal discussion about the role: sarah.cobain@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk, sarah.wyles@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk.

Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 5th August 2026. Interviews will be held in person at our Andover office w/c 17th August 2026. 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.

Main duties of the role:

• Tender for and manage the safe and successful delivery of CA geoarchaeology projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and resources;
• Lead the successful delivery of geoarchaeology work through managing project resources effectively, ensuring project costs do not exceed budget and the client received value for money;
• Oversee and manage all health and safety aspects of personally assigned projects and contribute to company policy and procedures;
• Undertake and manage geoarchaeological reporting up to publication standard, ensuring all financial and project administration is accurate and timely;
• Oversee the effective commissioning of project work from external contributors, including the setting of appropriate briefs with agreed costs, clear deadlines and quality expectations;
• Oversee the quality and appropriateness of specialist geoarchaeology work undertaken by geoarchaeology staff and external contributors and that they adhere to legal and professional standards;
• Ensure CA adheres to all current Geoarchaeological national standards, methods and guidance, and maintain, review and actively update CA’s policies and standards;
• Manage and develop the Geoarchaeology team across all offices, ensuring their continuous improvement through performance reviews and constructive feedback, initiating training, coaching and improved practices;
• Provide geoarchaeological advice to colleagues within CA, including on-site advice for Fieldwork projects and advice to the publication team;
• Participate in working parties and task forces to implement departmental and companywide projects;
• Proactively develop new business opportunities, to secure and maintain a healthy and financially viable programme of work;
• Prepare or arrange the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned;
• Represent CA at appropriate meetings, both with clients and at professional sectorial events;
• Line manage selected departmental staff as determined by the Director of Fieldwork;
• To undertake other duties as deemed appropriate by the Head of Fieldwork.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Extensive experience of managing a broad range of commercial geoarchaeological fieldwork projects from inception to completion safely, and to tight deadlines;
• Comprehensive 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 budgets;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and people management skills, and proven ability to build and sustain positive working relationships;
• Extensive geoarchaeological knowledge with experience at a senior level of analysis, modelling and reporting within a commercial environment;
• 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;
• Experience in assuring the quality of geoarchaeology projects and reports, up to publication standard, undertaken by others;
• High level of ICT skills and familiarity with IT systems and applications including MS Word, Excel, and Access;
• Willingness to engage with colleagues, including providing on-site advice, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff across offices and between departments;
• Demonstrated experience of line management and the preparation of development plans;
• Membership of Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at MCIfA grade;
• Full manual UK driving licence and ability and willingness to commit to extensive travel, where overnight stays will be required.

Desirable

• Proven track record of writing high-level substantial contributions to publications or research projects;
• Experience of running a range of commercial archaeological fieldwork projects (evaluations, watching briefs, excavations);
• Committed to continuous professional development and actively supporting the learning and development of others through coaching training and knowledge sharing;
• Experience of the commissioning of environmental work to freelance specialists.