Assistant Project Manager

Cotswold Archaeology; Wolverton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Pension and life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Free annual flu jabs

Job summary

Cotswold Archaeology is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to join our Milton Keynes regional team. You will help deliver a varied portfolio of commercial archaeological projects, coordinating staff and resources while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

The role blends office work with site visits, requiring strong communication, leadership, and logistical planning. A full UK driving licence and MCIfA eligibility are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading commercial archaeological fieldwork projects safely, and to tight deadlines.
• Sound knowledge of Health and Safety legislation in a commercial archaeological environment.
• Proven experience in project leadership and effective site deployment of project resources.
• Experience of fieldwork report writing and assuring the quality of fieldwork staff and outputs.
• Experience of developing good quality relations with clients and curatorial authorities.
• Knowledge of all periods of British archaeology and resource management, and relevant law/guidance.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel including overnight stays.
• Membership of CIfA MCIfA or ability to join MCIfA immediately on appointment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the management and delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time and performance targets.
• Support fieldwork managers in tender preparation and client liaison to facilitate safe, on-time delivery.
• Help manage project resources and budgets to ensure value for money.
• Assist in health and safety management and ensure compliance with policies.
• Line manage staff and contribute to staff training programmes.
• Represent CA at meetings and professional sector events; deputise for Fieldwork Managers as required.
• Assist in developing new business opportunities and project promotions.

Skills

Leadership

Health & Safety

Project leadership

Client liaison

Driving licence

Education

Archaeology degree

Tools

MS Word

Excel

MS Project

Job description

Cotswold Archaeology are recruiting for an Assistant Project Manager to join the Cotswold Archaeology team at their Milton Keynes regional office.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated and passionate individual to assist in the delivery of a diverse portfolio of fieldwork projects, whilst working for one of the largest and most respected archaeological companies in the country.

About the role

You will assist and support the management and successful delivery of a portfolio of commercial archaeological projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and other project resources (vehicles, survey equipment etc.).

The role involves a mixture of office-based work and site visits, comprising, assisting in the management, delivery and supervision of archaeological projects, supporting project set-up/logistics and the production of start-up documentation (including risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation works); assisting in overseeing archaeological fieldwork; ensuring that analysis is undertaken to the highest standards and quality assuring the production of client reports; the provision of specialist advice and client liaison.

The successful candidate will be a member of CIfA at MCIfA, or able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements and will join if appointed. A full manual driving licence is also essential as travel across our sites will be required.

The post will involve visits to project and client locations where overnight stays will be required.

About you

Candidates will have a degree/post-graduate degree in archaeology or a related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role.

The successful applicant will need excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills, capable of managing a demanding work schedule, with the ability to lead a project team, prioritise project work, and ensure targets are met without compromising on quality.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• generous annual leave allowance
• company sick pay
• pension and life assurance schemes
• access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• free annual flu jabs

Closing date: 10 am, 9th November 2026

Interviews will be held in person at our Milton Keynes office, week commencing 16th November 2026

We reserve the right to close this role early if multiple applications are received.

Cotswold Archaeology is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are assessed solely on the candidate's relevant skills and experience relevant to the role.

We will take into consideration any reasonable adjustments required to support you. Should you need adjustments during the recruitment process, or require additional support related to neurodiversity or for any other reason, please let us know by contacting [e-mail]

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration

Job Description

Purpose of role:

To assist in the management of projects safely, efficiently, and effectively, and assist the Principal Fieldwork Manager and Project Managers in maintaining and developing CA's professional reputation for the delivery of complex projects and high-quality archaeological fieldwork.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To assist in the management of the safe and successful delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and resources.
• To help assure the quality of archaeological fieldwork, records, archives and reports, in line with CA and industry standards, guidance and procedures.
• To support the fieldwork managers in the compilation of tenders and supplier documentation and liaising with clients as appropriate to facilitate the safe and successful delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time, and performance targets.
• To support the management of project resources effectively, ensuring project costs do not exceed budget and the client received value for money.
• To assist in managing health and safety aspects of personally assigned projects and contribute to company policy and procedures. Ensure all projects adhere to legal and professional standards.
• Line manage selected departmental staff as determined by the Head of Fieldwork.
• Help formulate, initiate, and conduct, staff training programmes and materials.
• Manage personal workload effectively, ensuring all financial and project administration is accurate and timely.
• Represent CA at appropriate meetings, both with clients and at professional sectorial events.
• To deputise for the Fieldwork Managers as required, liaising with clients and managing the work programme.
• To assist in the proactive development of new business opportunities, to secure and maintain a healthy and financially viable programme of work.
• To assist in the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned.
• Participate in working parties and task forces to implement departmental and companywide projects.
• Assist in the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned.
• To undertake other duties as deemed appropriate to the role.

Essential

• Experience of leading commercial archaeological fieldwork projects safely, and to tight deadlines.
• A sound knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation, and best practice in a commercial archaeological environment.
• Proven experience in project leadership and effective site deployment of project resources.
• Experience of fieldwork report writing and assuring the quality of fieldwork staff and their output.
• Experience of developing good quality relations with clients and curatorial authorities.
• A sound knowledge of all periods of British archaeology and archaeological resource management, and a good understanding of law and guidance relating to British archaeology.
• Established IT skills including MS Word, Excel and Project.
• Proven administrative skills, able to maintain accurate and timely records.
• Good leadership and inter-personial skills with the ability to motivate, guide and encourage staff and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Full manual UK driving licence and a willingness and ability to travel extensively, including overnight stays, when required.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at MCIfA grade, or be able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for membership of CIfA at MCIfA level and agree that they will join immediately upon appointment.

Desirable

• Experience of line management, and conducting staff appraisals.
• Experience of post-excavation assessment and archaeological publication.
• Experience of managing aspects of fieldwork projects.
• SMSTS safely accreditation.