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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 public understanding of our past while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strategic vision in complex environments.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a role that champions archaeological advancement.
The predicted salary is between 103000 - 137000 £ per year.
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 2025–2030 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 high-quality 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 high-quality operational management.
- Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance and regulatory compliance.
- Secure and diversify income to support long-term 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, full-time 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 – oliver.startup@gatenbysanderson.com
- Rebekah Herz Bauman – rebekah.herzbauman@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.
Closing date: Wednesday 15th April
Chief Executive employer: Oxford Archaeology
Contact Detail:
Oxford Archaeology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the archaeology and heritage sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Chief Executive role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading teams and driving strategic change. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others to achieve great things.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Dive deep into Oxford Archaeology's mission and recent projects. Understanding their goals will help us tailor our conversations and show that we're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and serious about joining the team at Oxford Archaeology.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief Executive role at Oxford Archaeology. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and how it relates to their mission.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact, especially in areas like financial stewardship and organisational development.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see your passion for archaeology and heritage, so share your motivations and how they connect with OA’s charitable purpose.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, don’t hesitate to follow up. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can help keep you on their radar and shows your genuine interest in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Archaeology
✨Know Your Organisation
Before the interview, dive deep into Oxford Archaeology's mission, recent projects, and their 2025-2030 strategy. Understanding their goals will help you align your vision with theirs and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven strategic change in previous roles. Highlight your experience in fostering strong board relationships and how you've navigated complex organisational challenges.
✨Financial Acumen is Key
Be ready to discuss your financial stewardship experience. Bring examples of how you've secured funding or diversified income streams in past roles, as this will be crucial for ensuring OA's long-term sustainability.
✨Engage with Their Community
Think about how you can contribute to community engagement and public understanding of archaeology. Prepare ideas on how to strengthen partnerships within the archaeological and heritage sectors, showcasing your ability to act as an ambassador for OA.