Senior Heritage Consultant

WSP; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in heritage is seeking an experienced professional in Cultural Heritage and Archaeology. You will lead fieldwork projects in the historic environment, manage teams, and develop innovative approaches to heritage challenges. Strong project management skills and expertise in Ireland's archaeology are essential. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-profile projects and enhance business development within the team.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing archaeological fieldwork projects, including financial and staff management.
• Robust knowledge of Ireland's archaeology and relevant environmental heritage legislation.
• Experience with heritage planning and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead fieldwork projects and develop archaeological strategies.
• Monitor subcontractor work and ensure compliance with protocols.
• Prepare competitive tenders and design archaeological methodologies.
• Engage in stakeholder and client liaison.

Skills

Project management in archaeological fieldwork

Knowledge of archaeology and history in Ireland

Understanding of planning processes and legislation

Excellent writing and communication skills

Business development and marketing acumen

Job description

Job Overview

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives and experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role… The Cultural Heritage and Archaeology team is one of the largest heritage consultancies in the country. It works across the UK and Ireland and covers all aspects of the historic environment (archaeology, built heritage, setting and design) throughout the full lifecycle of projects. We provide our clients with expert advice on an ever‑increasing portfolio of heritage related enquiries that address the management of change in our historic environment. We work on high‑profile and large‑scale infrastructure projects in the UK, Ireland and further afield as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, aiming to deliver high quality work while contributing to innovative approaches and challenges within the heritage sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead fieldwork projects from planning and other consent applications and deliver bespoke archaeological strategies and works for developments and infrastructure. Much of your work will need to be able to withstand the test of public inquiry.
• Monitoring and assuring the work of one of our WSP‑approved fieldwork subcontractors, both on‑site and in the technical review of deliverables, including RAMS.
• Preparing competitive tenders and designing the scope and methodology for archaeological fieldwork in accordance with WSP Health and Safety protocols and requirements.
• Producing or contributing to archaeological desk‑based assessment.
• Undertaking stakeholder, curator and client liaison.

Not only will you have a track record of successful project delivery, strong communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain excellent relationships with a range of clients and peers, you will have the drive and imagination to identify and pursue business development and marketing opportunities. You will be based in our Leeds office and will be active in promoting and diversifying the team service offering, and winning work from internal and external clients.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience of archaeological fieldwork project management (project, financial and staff management).
• Robust knowledge of Ireland archaeology and history and also full knowledge of the planning process and relevant environmental / heritage legislation and guidance in Ireland.
• Experience in most or all of the following areas: heritage and planning, masterplanning, heritage conservation, heritage led‑regeneration, recreation and tourism, heritage sustainability masterplanning, placemaking, multi‑disciplinary collaboration and business development.
• Excellent writing skills, and are a good communicator and team player.
• A highly motivated, conscientious and efficient approach to work, and are able to meet deadlines and budget within a busy consultancy environment.

Location

Leeds office

Legal Notice

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria – please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.