We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Archaeological & Heritage Consultant to join our team. The role focuses on delivering high-quality archaeological and heritage advice and assessments to support planning, development and conservation projects across the UK, balancing heritage significance with sustainable growth.
You will lead the preparation of complex technical reports, provide robust and defensible advice on the historic environment within the planning system, and work closely with clients, planners, architects and design teams to manage heritage and archaeological risk. The role suits a confident practitioner with strong analytical skills and a detailed knowledge of the UK planning framework for the historic environment.
You will play an important part in leading projects, supporting business development and mentoring junior colleagues, working within a close-knit team to share good practice, ensure quality and help the team continue to grow and build on its strong reputation.
The role will include
Assessment and reporting
- Preparing technical assessments for planning and EIA projects, including:
- Desk-based assessments
- Heritage Statements and Statements of Significance
- Heritage Impact Assessments and Archaeological Impact Assessments
- Environmental Statement chapters (Cultural Heritage / Archaeology)
- Assessing the significance and setting of designated and non-designated heritage assets using recognised methodologies
- Undertaking site inspections, archival research and baseline data collection
- Designing and monitoring fieldwork programmes (WSIs, briefs and mitigation strategies)
Advice and stakeholder engagement
- Providing proportionate, evidence-based strategic planning and heritage advice to developers, local authorities, architects and design teams
- Advising clients on planning policy, legislation and archaeological risk
- Identifying heritage constraints, risks and opportunities early in the design process and proposing pragmatic mitigation strategies
- Liaising with conservation officers, planners, curators, Historic England, contractors and other consultees
- Representing clients at meetings, consultations, appeals, hearings and public inquiries where required
Project and client management
- Acting as primary client contact, building trusted relationships, growing accounts and identifying follow-on opportunities
- Managing multiple projects concurrently and coordinating subcontractors as required
- Preparing scopes of work, fee proposals and contributing to bids
- Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams
- Mentoring junior colleagues
About you
- Degree in Archaeology, Heritage, Built Heritage/Conservation, Planning or a related discipline
- 5+ years' experience in heritage or archaeological consultancy, commercial archaeology or planning-led projects
- Demonstrable experience producing high-quality technical reports for planning applications and EIA
- Strong understanding of:
- NPPF, PPG, local policy and heritage legislation
- Listed buildings, conservation areas, setting and non-designated assets
- British archaeology
- Cultural heritage assessment within EIA
- Strong report writing and analytical skills
- Organised and proactive, with a proven ability to manage projects and your own workload independently
- Commercial awareness and the ability to manage budgets and deadlines
- Confident communicator with clients and stakeholders
- IHBC and/or CIfA membership (desirable)
- Full UK driving licence
We offer
- Competitive salary and benefits, dependent on experience
- Flexible remote working
- Varied, interesting and high-profile projects nationwide
- Professional development, CPD and accreditation support
- A friendly, supportive and collaborative team environment
If you're passionate about archaeology and heritage and want to apply your skills in a consultancy that makes a real difference to how the historic environment is managed, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply: Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role by 4th December to hannah@ghcheritage.co.uk
