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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to shape the future of archaeology and heritage.
- Company: Join Oxford Archaeology, a leading charity dedicated to uncovering human history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national archaeological projects and public understanding.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strategic vision in complex environments.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven organisation with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Flexible within reach of Oxford, Cambridge or Lancaster
Terms: Permanent appointment
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to https://join-oxfordarchaeology.co.uk/ until the closing date of Wednesday 15th April.
Oxford Archaeology (OA) is one of the UK's leading archaeological organisations and a registered charity dedicated to advancing the understanding of human history for public benefit. Established in 1973, we work nationally across three major centres and employ around 400 archaeology professionals and specialists. From major infrastructure projects to community excavations, academic research and public engagement, OA plays a critical role in uncovering, interpreting and sharing the stories of our past.
Following a period of renewed financial strength and the launch of our 2025â2030 strategy, we are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead OA through its next phase of development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the direction of an organisation with significant national impact, a strong charitable purpose and a central role in some of the UK's largest and most complex archaeological projects.
The Role
As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across a multifaceted organisation operating in a competitive commercial environment and a dynamic heritage sector. You will ensure that OA continues to deliver highâquality archaeological research, public benefit and sector leadership while maintaining a sustainable business model.
You will work closely with the Board of Trustees and lead a capable executive team, ensuring strong governance, forward financial planning and operational excellence. Building on a consolidated financial position, you will identify areas for investment, strengthen organisational agility and champion innovation across research, community engagement, publications and professional practice.
You will also act as an ambassador for OA, building relationships across the archaeological, heritage and infrastructure sectors, raising OA's profile, and ensuring our work continues to inform and inspire public understanding of the human past.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership that supports OA's charitable purpose and competitive position.
- Lead and develop the executive team to deliver highâquality operational management.
- Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance and regulatory compliance.
- Secure and diversify income to support longâterm sustainability, including commercial and charitable funding.
- Oversee effective financial planning, controls and reporting.
- Encourage innovation, organisational development and positive cultural leadership across all teams.
- Represent OA externally, building partnerships and promoting awareness of our research and impact.
- Contribute to sector leadership and advance the practice of commercial archaeology.
About You
We are seeking an experienced organisational leader with the ability to operate confidently at executive and board level. You will bring a track record of strategic delivery, organisational development and sound financial stewardship, ideally gained in complex, multidisciplinary environments.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience as a CEO or as a senior and influential member of an executive team.
- Evidence of contributing to strong executive performance and constructive board relationships.
- Experience leading strategic change and responding to organisational challenges.
- Strong financial acumen and experience working effectively with a Finance Director.
- Successful leadership of negotiations or major partnerships.
- Ability to think strategically across commercial, academic and charitable contexts.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to motivate large specialist teams.
- Experience in archaeology or heritage is desirable but not essential. Candidates from outside the sector are welcome, provided they bring strong commercial leadership experience and can demonstrate clear motivation and alignment with OA's charitable mission.
Terms
This is a permanent, fullâtime appointment. Salary and benefits will reflect the seniority of the role and the scale of the organisation.
How to Apply
All applications are being handled by our executive search partners at GatenbySanderson. For an informal and confidential conversation, please contact: Oliver Startup â oliver.startup@gatenbysanderson.com
Oxford Archaeology is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our commitment to advancing archaeological knowledge for the public good.
Chief Executive in Oxford employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in Oxford
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the archaeology and heritage sectors, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didnât even know existed.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Oxford Archaeologyâs recent projects and initiatives. Show us that youâre genuinely interested in our mission and how you can contribute to our future.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for OA and how your leadership style aligns with our goals. Confidence is key when youâre aiming for a role as significant as Chief Executive.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in Oxford
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Chief Executive at OA. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our mission!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader, itâs crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past â we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and motivations shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application directly through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, weâre excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
â¨Know Your Organisation
Before the interview, dive deep into Oxford Archaeology's mission and recent projects. Understanding their charitable purpose and strategic goals will help you align your vision with theirs, showing that you're genuinely interested in leading the organisation.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it has driven success in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've led teams through change, fostered innovation, and built strong relationships with boards and stakeholders.
â¨Financial Acumen is Key
Since the role requires strong financial stewardship, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've secured funding and managed budgets effectively in past positions, as this will demonstrate your capability to maintain OA's sustainability.
â¨Engage with the Heritage Sector
Even if you come from outside the archaeology field, show your enthusiasm for the heritage sector. Discuss any relevant partnerships or collaborations you've been involved in, and express your eagerness to build relationships that will enhance OA's profile and impact.