PROJECT MANAGERS (FIELDWORK) – OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE

Salary range £42,845 to £54,713 (based on experience). Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensure that we work on the most exciting and varied projects and can offer real opportunities for long-term employment and career development. We have offices in Cambridge, Lancaster and Oxford and are a registered heritage charity. We take pride in Oxford Archaeology’s ethos of professionalism in commercial delivery and academic rigour in our published output. We wish to employ and develop managers with experience and skills across both of these areas. We hope to appoint individuals who can manage programmes of archaeological investigation from inception to completion.

Due to an expanding portfolio of work through the coming year, we are seeking to appoint Project Managers to join our Oxford and Cambridge offices. The work is challenging and varied, with the opportunity to manage exciting projects of national importance and work as part of a large team of multi-disciplinary professionals. The successful candidates will report to the Oxford or Cambridge office’s Regional Management Team headed by Katrina Anker and Stephen Macaulay respectively.

Although previous experience in archaeological project management and/or a background in the delivery of archaeology on infrastructure projects would be highly advantageous, we would also like to hear from you if you bring other archaeological and cultural heritage management expertise with you, whether that be in representing clients as a consultant in heritage resource management, or experience of planning and development control. Our philosophy of team working and mentoring creates an environment in which staff at all stages of their careers can grow and make the most of the amazing opportunities on offer. As a member of our project management team, you will both benefit from and contribute to this process. If you are looking for career advancement and a challenging and satisfying working environment this is the role for you. This would be a full-time role based in our Oxford or Cambridge office, although flexible working arrangements can be discussed.

Essential Position requirements:

• Expert general knowledge and understanding of archaeology, particularly British archaeology, and the principles, practices and processes relevant to archaeological investigation.
• Ability to manage fieldwork and post-excavation projects from small to large, and of all levels of complexity, and to undertake the full range of investigation tasks and techniques.
• Thorough understanding of commercial archaeology and its position within the wider construction industry.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of project management procedures including budget and programme management.
• Good understanding of health, safety and environment management systems and processes.
• Good understanding of quality management systems and processes.
• Ability to use project management tools (including the use of spreadsheets and other relevant software).
• Well-developed analytical and report writing skills, to ensure that primary data and subsequent interpretative data are presented accurately and appropriately.
• Ability to pass on expertise to others including less experienced staff, colleagues, the general public and/or other professionals.
• Well-developed, effective and professional communication skills, including negotiation, specifically with clients, stakeholders, staff, management, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage the performance and development of teams or individuals, including allocation of duties, monitoring and assessing performance, and providing feedback, guidance and training appropriately.
• A flexible approach and a willingness to innovate.
• Ability to drive.

Desirable:

• A Site Management Safety Training (SMSTS) certificate.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering archaeological fieldwork and post-excavation tasks on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Understanding of the various forms of contract (e.g. NEC3 and 4, JCT, ICE) under which archaeological investigations may be implemented.
• Experience of writing and/or editing archaeological publications.
• Specialist expertise in the study of a particular aspect of archaeology (e.g. a specific archaeological period or category of artefact).

Applicants should be CIfA members, preferably at MCIfA level.

Employee Benefits:

• Competitive, constantly benchmarked, salary range £42,845 to £54,713: appointments will be made based on demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
• A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions.
• Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gaining access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
• Continued professional development is strongly encouraged through a very supportive approach to further training and education, attendance of and contribution to conferences, and involvement with academic institutions.
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days (depending on years of service) plus concessionary days at Christmas and Bank Holidays.
• A generous hybrid working policy is in place, dependant on role, and a considerate approach is taken to flexible and part-time working where appropriate to the role, individuals’ personal circumstances, and the needs of the business.
• We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies, including: the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance.
• Cycle to work scheme.

To apply:

If you would like to discuss the role and opportunities on offer, please contact in complete confidence: Gerry Thacker (Head of Fieldwork, Oxford office) at Gerry.thacker@oxfordarchaeology.com or Patrick Moan (Head of Fieldwork, Cambridge office) at patrick.moan@oxfordarchaeology.com.

Application details:

If you would like to join the team responsible for some of the most exciting archaeological projects in the UK and be part of a respected and established organisation at the forefront of British archaeology, please apply by completing the application form below: Project Manager (Fieldwork) – Oxford and Cambridge | Oxford Archaeology. Please submit a CV and covering letter with your application. Interviews will be held week commencing 9th March 2026.

Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration.