At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead archaeological projects and provide expert advice across planning processes.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on sustainable heritage and environmental protection.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and discounts on travel and retail.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving history while leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified archaeologist with leadership experience and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55706 - 55706 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
Up to £55,706 per annum + benefits
Location: Essex
Working Style: Anywhere worker* (contractually based at Chelmsford office, with one day per week attendance; flexibility for home‑working and site visits across the operational area as required)
Closing Date: 9th June 2026
Key Responsibilities- You will lead the delivery and commercial growth of Place Service’s traded historic environment services, ensuring they are efficient, high‑quality and financially sustainable.
- You will balance income generation with a strong commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection and the long‑term success of the historic environment specialism.
- You will provide expert archaeological advice across the full planning lifecycle, managing the most complex and sensitive cases, representing the service at hearings, examinations in public and inquiries, delivering heritage assessments and overseeing major historic environment data, records and survey work, including the development of new tools and approaches.
- Managing complex projects and contracts involving multiple stakeholders, ensuring delivery against budgets, specifications and performance measures.
- Driving new business activity by identifying opportunities, securing new clients and leading bids and tenders for high‑value work, embedding a strong commercial mindset within the team.
- As a team lead, you will manage five line‑reports, lead archaeological advice to local planning authorities throughout Essex, St Albans, Sussex and the South Downs National Park, provide authoritative advice to council members, senior officers, clients and internal teams, build client and partner relationships, support effective team working, line‑manage consultants and contribute to skills development through training and professional learning.
- Must be a qualified archaeologist with substantial experience in historic environment services and strong leadership and commercial skills.
- Must hold a valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle or alternative mobility means.
- Proven project and contract management experience with multiple stakeholders.
- Holiday entitlement of 27 days per annum (plus bank holidays), with the possibility of buying additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
- Employee wellbeing and counselling provision.
- Volunteering leave.
- Eye care vouchers.
- Travel discounts and season ticket loans.
- Retail and restaurant discounts and cashback on purchases.
Principal Archaeologist in Essex employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
As a Principal Archaeologist with us, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that values sustainability and the preservation of our historic environment. Our flexible working arrangements allow for a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement in your career. Located in Essex, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Archaeologist in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow archaeologists and industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your past projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your answers to highlight how your skills align with their goals, especially in sustainable development and commercial growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about archaeology and want to make a difference in the historic environment sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Archaeologist in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Archaeologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in historic environment services and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about archaeology and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your commercial mindset and project management experience.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects and drive new business activity. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your archaeological knowledge and the specific historic environment services relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how they align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Archaeologist, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples where you've successfully managed projects or teams, especially in complex situations. Highlight your ability to balance commercial growth with sustainable practices.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare scenarios where you've had to manage multiple stakeholders or navigate sensitive cases, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Build Rapport
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions about their projects, and express genuine interest in their work. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also enthusiastic about joining their team.
