Head of Fieldwork

Due to the impending retirement of the incumbent, Canterbury Archaeological Trust is seeking to appoint a Head of Fieldwork to join the senior management team. The primary function of the role is to ensure the effective co-ordination of the Trust’s fieldwork teams.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Trust’s existing team of Project Managers in regard to excavation work, ensuring effective scheduling of works. The post will involve coordination and management of staff and resources, to ensure Project Managers are able to undertake their roles effectively. The Head of Fieldwork will report directly to the Director, with whom they will hold regular weekly meetings. The postholder must have a positive can-do attitude, combining a passion for archaeology with the ability to respond rapidly, efficiently and diplomatically to changing project parameters. They must have the ability to engage positively with existing and potential clients, adopting a client-focused approach in ensuring the successful delivery of Trust projects.

Canterbury Archaeological Trust was established over 40 years ago, with a strong emphasis on high quality archaeological work, public outreach and education. Our work focusses on sites of all periods from the Palaeolithic until the present day, largely centred on south-east England.  The Trust is committed to the long-term employment of its staff, supporting their well-being and continuing professional development.

Key Responsibilities

CAT is seeking a candidate who will be responsible for higher level management and oversight of the Trust’s fieldwork projects, as well as for the operational management of Trust resources. The Head of Fieldwork will be supported by experienced Project Managers and Project Officers who are responsible for the day-to-day running of projects. The key responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking the effective programming of multiple field projects to ensure successful completion
• Oversight and management of Project Managers to enable such programming to occur
• Regular liaison with the finds, environmental and post-excavation teams, to facilitate effective coordination
• Management which ensures that quality is maintained, and the reputation of CAT upheld
• Oversight of budgets, to ensure projects are completed within negotiated parameters
• Cooperation and liaison with the Director of Commercial Services and the Contracts Manager
• Being alert to new opportunities, and working with other senior staff to promote the Trust by actively engaging with existing and potential new clients
• Regular reporting to the Director

• Efficient and effective management of staff and resources to ensure that sufficient of both are available for Project Managers to undertake their roles
• Liaison with other managers to ensure the Trust has appropriately trained and skilled staff to undertake our variety of projects
• Liaison with other managers to help ensure the Trust continues to deliver a high quality training programme that meets its long-term requirements and the aspirations of its staff
• Mentoring and training of other members of staff, to ensure their continuing professional development; oversight of the Trust’s CIfA approved Trainee Training programme
• Ongoing assessment of resources and equipment – specialist, technical, functional – to ensure the Trust has the necessary requirements for successful project completion
• Staff recruitment, as required
• Preparation, updating and submission of Trust policy documents to ensure compliance with regulatory and client requirements

General

• Working at all times with professionalism, integrity and respect in regard to colleagues, clients, curators and other stakeholders
• Working towards the success of the organisation as a whole

Key Requirements

• A degree in archaeology or a related subject
• CIfA membership at MCIfA level
• Full Driving licence
• A positive can-do attitude, with an ability to respond rapidly, efficiently and diplomatically to changing parameters
• Excellent interpersonal, teamworking and communication skills, and the ability to lead teams undertaking multiple projects
• Experience of managing multiple fieldwork projects
• An understanding of the technical and specialist services required to take a project to successful completion
• A broad understanding of British commercial archaeology
• A proven and demonstrable track record of the production and editing of archaeological documents
• Sound IT skills, including MS Office
• Ability to work unsupervised with strong decision-making skills
• Adherence to specifications and budgets whilst demonstrating good time management skills
• Active engagement with and enthusiasm for archaeology
• A client-focused approach to the successful delivery of projects
• Management level knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety, preferably SMSTS qualified

Attractive Benefits Package, including:

• 25 days annual leave in addition to statutory Bank Holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Pension Scheme
• Fully paid membership of CIfA
• Paid time and expenses to attend conferences and training courses

This is a permanent post, subject to a six-month probationary period.

Please send your CV and a covering letter, including the earliest date you are available to start work, to jobs@canterburytrust.co.uk

Applicants must be a British citizen or hold a current work permit. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to any offer of employment; if you hold a Work Permit you should send a copy with your application or it will not be considered.

Canterbury Archaeological Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Registered Charity No. 278861, Company Registration No. 1441517