Management Assistant

Cotswold Archaeology; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading archaeological practice is seeking a Management Assistant to support the Fieldwork Management team in Milton Keynes. This role involves assisting with archaeological tenders and ensuring project quality. The ideal candidate should have knowledge of archaeological practice and strong people management skills, alongside proven administrative abilities. The position offers an opportunity to learn and develop within the archaeological sector while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge in archaeological practice, including all periods of British archaeology.
• Good people management skills with the ability to organize and motivate staff.
• Working knowledge of Health and Safety requirements.
• Proven ability to write and review the full range of project documentation.
• Administrative ability in keeping records and submitting reports.
• A full manual driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist Fieldwork managers in day-to-day archaeological project operations.
• Prepare tenders and assist in pre-project planning.
• Attend project planning meetings and liaise with relevant parties.
• Ensure projects comply with health and safety standards.
• Write and compile archaeological reports and archives.

Skills

Knowledge in archaeological practice

Good people management skills

Working knowledge of Health and Safety

Ability to write and review reports

Administrative ability

Word-processing, spreadsheet and database skills

Education

Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at ACIfA level

Job description

Management Assistant

Milton Keynes location

Fixed-term role to cover maternity and any subsequent parental leave

Cotswold Archaeology is one of the largest and most respected archaeological practices in the country, employing over 350 professional staff and carrying out some of the most interesting, complex and largest archaeological and heritage projects across England and Wales.

We now have a fantastic opportunity to join the Milton Keynes Fieldwork Management team as their Management Assistant. We are looking to train and support someone coming into this key role which requires you to assist the Fieldwork Management team in the delivery of archaeological tenders and projects, in meeting performance and safety targets, in delivering training and mentoring to staff and in assuring the quality of archaeological recording and reports.

If you are looking to learn new skills, including some of the key building blocks for moving into a management role, then we would love to hear from you.

Main Activities

• Assist Fieldwork managers and assistant managers in the day-to-day running of archaeological projects, including project set-up and other project-specific tasks;

• Assist managers and assistant managers in the preparation of tenders;

• Assist managers and assistant managers in pre-project planning and preparation, including production of project-related documentation such as drafting, editing and reviewing Written Schemes of Investigation, trench plans, RAMS and Construction Phase Plans (CPP).

• Attend project planning and weekly fieldwork programme meetings and making appropriate contact with landowners, agents and other relevant parties; Assist managers and assistant managers in the quality assurance of archaeological site records, drafting, editing and reviewing reports.

• Undertake the writing and/or compilation of archaeological reports and archives;

• Develop staff, including the training, mentoring and coaching of staff, conducting annual performance reviews and providing constructive feedback;

• Assist managers and assistant managers with the completion of administrative records; Ensure all project work is carried out in accordance with CA Fieldwork standards CA Health and Safety policy and procedures, CIfA standards and industry best practice;

• Actively promote, and develop a greater public awareness and appreciation of the work of CA;

• Liaise closely with Office Administrators, Assistant Project Managers and Project Managers to ensure the smooth running of the office, including matters relating to vehicles, plant, welfare, program etc.

Person Specification

Essential

• Knowledge in archaeological practice, including a familiarity with all periods of British archaeology;
• Good people management skills with the ability to organize, motivate, train, appraise and direct staff;
• Working knowledge of Health and Safety requirements, and other relevant legislation;
• Ability to take account of business needs, budgets and timescales, within commercial archaeology when carrying out duties;
• Proven ability to write and review reports and the full range of project documentation (WSI/RAMs and CPP);
• The ability to communicate efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public;
• Administrative ability in the keeping of records and accounts and the submission of reports;
• A full manual driving licence;
• Word-processing, spreadsheet and database skills;

• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at ACIfA level, or ability to demonstrate they meet the requirements. Candidates who are not already a member of the Institute must be prepared to join immediately upon appointment.

Desirable

• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at MCIfA level.
• A health and safety qualification equivalent to SMSTS or above.

For any further specific questions about this role, please email Adrian Scruby, Principal Fieldwork Manager: [e-mail]

Application for this role is by way of providing your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and your suitability for the role.

Applications should be received by 10 am, Monday 12th January 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 19th January 2026