Project Manager – Archaeological Fieldwork
Working arrangements: Flexible, however will require site attendance as required.
About HEA
HEA provides archaeological and heritage consultancy services across the UK, helping clients navigate heritage requirements and deliver development projects successfully. We take a pragmatic, proactive approach to archaeological risk, combining high technical standards with effective project delivery, clear communication and sound commercial management.
We are looking for an experienced Archaeological Project Manager to lead the delivery of archaeological fieldwork across the South of England, managing projects from initial planning and mobilisation through to fieldwork completion, post-excavation reporting and archiving. The role will combine practical fieldwork management with written work, including preparing project documentation, Written Schemes of Investigation (WSIs) and archaeological desk based reports.
The role
This is a hands-on project management role for someone who understands the practical, technical and commercial demands of archaeological fieldwork. You will plan and coordinate archaeological investigations, locate and manage field teams and specialist contractors, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and within budget.
Working closely with HEA colleagues, clients, contractors and local authority archaeological advisers, you will take ownership of project delivery, resolve issues as they arise and maintain high standards of archaeological practice and client service. Alongside managing works on the ground, you will undertake written work yourself, preparing and reviewing technical documents and reports. You will bring together site records, archaeological findings and specialist contributions to produce clear, accurate project outputs.
Key responsibilities
- Project planning and mobilisation: Plan archaeological evaluations, excavations and watching briefs. Prepare or review WSIs, risk assessments, method statements and site procedures, and organise mobilisation.
- Fieldwork management: Coordinate site teams, supervisors and contractors, ensuring staffing, equipment, plant, welfare and logistics are in place.
- Team and contractor management: Allocate resources, brief teams, monitor performance and productivity, and provide practical guidance and support.
- Health and safety: Implement and monitor site health and safety arrangements, ensuring appropriate documentation, inductions and safe working practices are in place and followed.
- Programme and budget management: Monitor progress, expenditure and resource requirements against agreed budgets and programmes. Identify risks and potential overspend early and take corrective action.
- Client and stakeholder liaison: Maintain effective relationships with clients, principal contractors, consultants and local authority archaeological advisers, resolving technical and practical issues.
- Scope control: Identify changes to agreed work, assess programme and cost implications, and ensure variations and additional fees are agreed and recorded.
- Archaeological quality: Ensure investigations meet approved specifications and relevant professional standards, with appropriate oversight of recording, finds, samples and project archives.
- Written work and reporting: Personally prepare and review WSIs, evaluation reports, excavation reports, watching brief reports and post-excavation assessments appropriate to the project. Interpret findings, coordinate specialist contributions and deliver clear, accurate reports to agreed deadlines.
- Project completion: Manage the transition from fieldwork to post-excavation analysis, reporting and archiving, ensuring records and materials are complete and appropriately handed over.
About you
You will have demonstrable experience managing commercial archaeological fieldwork, with the technical knowledge, organisational skills and commercial awareness needed to deliver multiple projects successfully.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a strong practical background in commercial archaeology, including evaluations, excavations and watching briefs.
- Can confidently lead field staff, site supervisors and external contractors.
- Has experience preparing WSIs, risk assessments, method statements and site procedures.
- Understands site health and safety and can maintain safe working practices.
- Can manage project budgets, staffing costs, resources and programmes.
- Has strong analytical and report-writing skills, with experience personally preparing archaeological reports and incorporating specialist contributions.
- Can manage post-excavation processes and maintain technical quality through to final reporting and archiving.
- Communicates clearly with clients, contractors, colleagues and local authority archaeological advisers.
- Understands construction programmes and can balance archaeological requirements with the practical demands of development.
- Is organised, proactive and confident resolving problems and managing competing priorities.
Relevant archaeological qualifications and membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, ideally at MCIfA level, are welcomed. Equivalent demonstrable experience will also be considered.
The opportunity
You will play a key role in HEA’s archaeological fieldwork delivery, taking responsibility for a varied portfolio of projects and working with a flexible network of field staff and specialist contractors. We value technical integrity, clear communication and practical problem-solving. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects.
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