Practice Area Lead Historic Environment

Ecus Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecus Ltd seeks a dynamic Archaeologist/Heritage Specialist to lead its Historic Environment team across the UK. This leadership role demands strong expertise in managing complex projects and teams within the heritage sector, contributing to innovative environmental solutions. Ideal candidates will align with the company's mission for sustainable impact and possess the vision to shape future projects effectively.

Benefits

Professional development support

Flexible working options

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading archaeology and heritage teams.
• Proven track record of P&L responsibility.
• History of managing large-scale, complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the national Historic Environment team and its development.
• Shape the strategic direction and oversee daily operations.
• Manage the winning of complex projects and ensure budget compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Acumen

Project Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in relevant field

Postgraduate qualification (or willingness to pursue)

Job description

Location: Flexible/various – This role can be based at any of our eight UK offices, with flexible and hybrid working options considered.

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Archaeologist/Heritage Specialist to lead our national Historic Environment team. This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow the archaeology, heritage, and geophysics teams as part of the wider Cura Terrae group.

We’re looking for an ambitious and visionary leader with entrepreneurial flair and technical expertise, who can position Cura Terrae at the forefront of the evolving environmental consultancy and contracting industry. Our multidisciplinary team of over 120 professionals is continuing to expand as we diversify across sectors.

This leadership role requires strong commercial acumen and the ability to inspire and guide a high-performing team. As part of the Land and Nature Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape strategic direction, oversee day-to-day business operations, and ensure compliance with company and industry standards.

About you…

We’re looking for someone who can oversee the winning and management of complex projects, bringing a strong technical background and leadership capability across Historic Environment disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant undergraduate degree, ideally with a postgraduate qualification, or a willingness to work towards one (we support continued professional development).
• Extensive experience leading archaeology and heritage teams within the UK.
• A proven track record of P&L responsibility, aligning team structures to market needs.
• Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time and within budget.
• A proactive, innovative mindset focused on evolving how traditional services are delivered, with an eye on future market needs (3–5 years ahead).
• A history of winning and managing large-scale, complex projects.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to engage and work with other technical specialists across the business.
• A passion for developing people and growing high-performing teams.

Who we are…

People, projects, and nature-based solutions for lasting impact.

Founded in Sheffield over 30 years ago, Cura Terrae’s Land and Nature division, formerly Ecus, has been at the forefront of the environmental sector, evolving alongside society’s changing environmental needs. Our headquarters remain in the ‘Outdoor City,’ complemented by offices across the UK, enabling us to deliver comprehensive services nationwide.

We offer an environmental and sustainability consulting service where we aim to integrate what we do around the core principles of achieving a zero carbon and circular economy, the ecological imperative of biodiversity enhancement, healthy environments for people and places, and consideration of the future needs and resilience of society and infrastructure.

We have a strong focus around the natural and earth sciences and can provide a service which blends key skills in ecology, landscape, heritage, archaeology and arboricultural disciplines with environmental planning and management to reimagine projects and benefit sites.

With over 30 years of experience, our areas of expertise include:

• Ecology
• Environmental planning and consenting
• Landscape
• Heritage
• Archaeology
• Carbon management
• Arboriculture
• Water consultancy

We are framework suppliers too and have long term contracts with many of the major players in the transport infrastructure sector, residential and commercial land developers, energy providers and utilities, regulators, and Government as well as the national conservation bodies, charities, and utilities. We are also an IEMA QMark registered company and work hard to encourage the professional progression of our team to contribute to their own professional development and to developing high quality and innovative practice in environmental planning and related disciplines.

We always seek to recruit dedicated professionals who are committed to achieving positive environmental and sustainability outcomes, with a track record of delivering for clients and for their colleagues.

What you’ll get from us…

Cura Terrae are committed to ensuring our employees thrive. We are proud of our values, diversity and inclusion, and the benefits we offer. Find out more about thebenefits .

Regardless of whether you currently tick all the boxes, if you think you would be a good match and can demonstrate some transferable experience, we would love to hear from you.

To apply please complete the applicationHERE , if you require any reasonable adjustments or have any questions contact the Recruitment team [e-mail]

-STRICTLY NO AGENCIES-

We do not accept CVs from third parties / agencies, and any applications received will be treated as the property of Cura Terrae. We will not be liable for any fees related to unsolicited CVs received.