Cotswold Archaeology is seeking a talented and experienced Principal Fieldwork Manager to join its Milton Keynes regional office. This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to lead the Milton Keynes fieldwork team in delivering a diverse portfolio of fieldwork projects, while working for one of the country’s largest and most respected archaeological companies.
About the role
You will lead the management and delivery of a portfolio of commercial archaeological projects, with overall responsibility for project budgets, resources and logistics. You will also be responsible for quality assurance of archaeological archives and reports. The role combines office-based work with site visits. Your responsibilities will include:
- Manage the overall performance of the Milton Keynes office fieldwork team, including project oversight and staff management;
- Manage the office fieldwork programme, ensuring the continued effective and efficient deployment of resources;
- Manage the delivery and supervision of archaeological projects, ensuring that project set-up, logistics and start-up documentation, including risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation are completed;
- Oversee archaeological fieldwork;
- Ensure that analysis meets the highest standards and oversee quality assurance of client reports;
- Prepare and review fieldwork tenders for the office’s region and contribute to the delivery of major tenders across all regions.
The successful candidate will hold CIfA membership at MCIfA level or be able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements and will join if appointed. A full manual driving licence is essential, as travel between sites will be required. The role will also involve visits to project and client locations requiring overnight stays.
About you
You will have a degree or postgraduate degree in archaeology or a related subject, or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role. You will bring excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills, together with the ability to manage a demanding work schedule, lead a management team, prioritise project work and meet targets without compromising quality.
Location
You will be based at our Milton Keynes regional office and work on sites across the UK. Our benefits include a competitive salary, a generous annual leave allowance, company sick pay, pension and life assurance schemes, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
FIND OUT MORE
If you are interested and want to find out more, for an informal discussion contact Richard Young: richard.young@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Closing date: 10 am, Monday 9 November 2026.Interviews to be held on 20th November 2026.
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 careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Apply Here: https://cotswoldarchaeology.bamboohr.com/careers/269
Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
