Post-Excavation Manager

Cotswold Archaeology; Cirencester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Cotswold Archaeology is seeking a Post-Excavation Manager to lead post-excavation and publication work from Cirencester area with hybrid working options. You will oversee project teams, ensure timeliness and budget adherence, and maintain high publication standards.

The role requires extensive post-excavation experience, strong leadership, and the ability to coordinate across periods of British archaeology. A full driving licence and MCIfA-ready status are expected.

Qualifications

• Extensive post-excavation experience and clear leadership abilities.
• Experience writing publication texts to standard and managing budgets.
• Knowledge of British archaeology across periods and ability to mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Project manage post-excavation projects to time and budget.
• Assure quality of analytical, interpretative and publication work.
• Lead and develop staff within the Publications department.
• Prepare research designs, budgets and publication texts.

Education

MCIfA level membership (or eligible)

Tools

Deltek

GIS

MS Office

Job description

POST-EXCAVATION MANAGER

Cirencester

£44,990 - £54,740 per annum, depending on skills and experience

Cotswold Archaeology continues to grow as a sustainable and strong business, working as one company across our four offices. We have ambitious plans and are committed to achieving them through strengthening and developing our team. We are currently looking for a talented individual who wants to join us as a Post-Excavation Manager working on inspiring and challenging post-excavation work.

Working as a member of our busy Publications department, your key responsibilities will include project management; contributing to and quality assuring analytical, interpretative and publication work; providing guidance and support to project team members; and engaging with quality systems and the overall management of the Publications department and the wider company.

You will have a sound knowledge of all periods of British archaeology along with proven experience of post-excavation work and will be able to produce accurate narratives and interpretation of fieldwork results, manage specialist contributions, and write, compile and edit publication reports to a high standard. You should also have experience of managing a portfolio of post-excavation projects, and of completing such projects to budget and deadline within a commercial environment.

The successful candidate will need to possess excellent leadership and organisational skills, capable of managing a demanding work schedule, communicate effectively with clients and other stakeholders and have the ability to lead a project team and ensure targets are met without compromising on quality. You will be a member of the CIfA at MCIfA level (or able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and join if appointed) and hold a full manual driving licence.

Proximity to our Cirencester office would be advantageous with hybrid working opportunities available. Our benefits include a competitive salary; generous annual leave allowance; company sick pay; pension and life assurance schemes; and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Closing date: 10 am, Monday 2nd November 2026. Interviews will be held later in November at our offices in Kemble.

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

Job Title

Post-Excavation Manager

Pay Scale

SCP 23-29

Department

Publications

Location

Kemble, near Cirencester

Reports to

Principal Post-Excavation Manager

Responsible for

Designated team within the Publications department

Purpose of role

To manage post-excavation and publication projects to successful completion within time and budget, to undertake and quality assure post-excavation work, and to assist in the overall management of the Publications department.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To project manage post-excavation projects, and to be responsible for their completion to time and budget in line with CA procedures and performance targets.
• To assure the quality of analytical and interpretative work undertaken by project leaders during fieldwork and post-excavation, and to assure the quality and appropriateness of publication texts.
• To contribute to the overall management of the Publications department through effective line management of Publications staff at your designated office.
• To train/coach project leaders in the undertaking of analytical and interpretative work, and in writing for publication.
• To contribute to the completion of post-excavation projects, including undertaking analysis and interpretation, the writing and compilation of assessment reports (including preparation of research designs and budgets), and of publication texts (including writing archaeological discussions through specialist period and/or area knowledge).
• To assist in the development of standardised systems of archaeological and management records, and to ensure the protection of archaeological material in the care of CA;
• Enable all staff to develop to their full potential through effective supervision, training, coaching, motivation and leadership, and maintain a clear succession plan.
• Manage and authorise financial matters relating to contracts, research designs, purchase orders and payments within personal limits as set out in CA policy.
• To contribute to the overall performance and growth of the company through participation in meetings, project groups and sharing of ideas and information outside of immediate remit.
• Represent CA at appropriate meetings, and develop a greater public awareness and appreciation of the company’s work through lectures, articles, website and marketing contributions, etc., and to create opportunities for other members of staff to do likewise.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role, as required

Personal Specification

Essential

• Extensive experience in post-excavation work, including assessment and stratigraphic analysis of urban and rural sites using software packages including spreadsheets and databases;
• Experience of project management, including deadlines and budgets;
• Considerable experience in the writing of archaeological texts to publication standard, and in editing archaeological texts for publication;
• A sound knowledge of all periods of British archaeology, with relevant specialist period and/or area knowledge;
• The ability to manage their own busy work schedule and to operate effectively as part of a management team;
• Familiarity with the theory and practice of contemporary developer-led archaeology;
• The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and to deal efficiently, diplomatically and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public;
• Knowledge of administrative procedures, including the keeping of records and accounts and the submission of reports;
• Well-developed IT skills, including MS Office, graphics packages including GIS and Project Information Management systems such as Deltek;
• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA level) or able and willing to achieve membership at this level on appointment.
• A full manual driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience in coaching and training post-excavation techniques, and in helping others to develop the ability to write to publication standard;
• Experience in line management and staff appraisals;
• Experience of archaeological fieldwork conducted under commercial conditions;