Head of Consultancy in Edinburgh

A rare opportunity to lead and grow a high-performing consultancy team. We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded leader to take on the role of Head of Consultancy, responsible for shaping, growing and leading our Consultancy Section. This is a senior leadership position with full responsibility for the performance, direction and development of a well-established team of c.25 consultants. Working with our phenomenal range of other specialists you will play a key role in driving business growth and strengthening client relationships, positioning the business at the forefront of commercial archaeology and heritage consultancy in the UK and internationally. You will also work closely with the Director of Commercial Operations and other senior leaders to deliver strategic objectives, improve performance, and expand our reach across key markets.

Why Should You Apply? We are a privately owned archaeological business celebrating 30 years since we were founded. As part of the RSK Group, we are a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services providing heritage services to the development and construction sectors in the UK and across the world. With offices in England, Scotland and Dublin we offer our employees:

• Unique knowledge and expertise. For the past 30 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. We have consistently achieved sustainable growth whilst maintaining excellent financial performance.
• Good work environment. You will work alongside friendly and professional colleagues who are 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 Role You will:

• Lead and develop the Consultancy team, across multiple locations, ensuring it is structured, resourced and performing effectively.
• Take full ownership of the section’s financial performance, including budget, forecasting, utilisation and profitability.
• Drive business development, maintaining and growing key client relationships and securing new opportunities in the UK and abroad.
• Work closely with partners within RSK and externally to deliver nationally significant projects.
• Contribute to and help deliver company strategy at a senior level.
• Strengthen collaboration across Consultancy, Contracting, Geophysics & Exploration, and Post-Excavation teams.
• Oversee the successful delivery of projects, ensuring quality, efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Represent the business externally, enhancing reputation and market presence.

In Headland we are proud of our people and we will support you to meet your goals and succeed in your role.

What we are looking for:

• You will be an experienced leader with a strong track record in consultancy, combining technical credibility with commercial awareness, people leadership and a proactive, business-focused mindset.
• You will be someone who takes ownership, identifies opportunities and drives outcomes.
• Have significant experience leading consultancy teams across a range of projects and jurisdiction.
• Be educated to degree level in a relevant subject.
• Demonstrate strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Be confident operating at senior level, influencing decisions and driving performance.
• Have good experience of working with design teams across various sectors.
• Have an awareness of the market conditions relevant to consultancy and how to approach these.
• Significant experience of negotiating and delivering heritage consultancy projects to a range of clients, understand how to build lasting relationships and meet expectations.
• Be able to build highly efficient teams providing both structure and strategy.
• Be an excellent listener and communicator with colleagues and clients relating to project work, business goals and promotion of the work of your team.
• Hold a full driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles.
• Have commercial understanding of large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Have experience in international markets.
• Be able to deliver your vision in line with that of the company.

Benefits we offer you:

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable.
• Paid accommodation when working away.
• Use of cutting edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads etc.
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes, T&Cs apply.
• Annual pay review.
• 35 days annual leave, rising based on service length (including public holidays).
• 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.
• Ongoing regular training and leadership development.
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc) and health support.
• A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders.
• Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership discount, Holidays and Entertainment).
• Paid professional membership.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric car leasing scheme.

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 existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible. Interviews are planned to be held week commencing 18th May 2026. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Andy Boucher, Director of Commercial.

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Headland Archaeology is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any adjustments to enable you to take part in the interview, please contact us so we can make suitable arrangements.