Programme and Operations Manager

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

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Trust’s existing team of Project Managers in regard to both excavation and post-excavation work, ensuring effective scheduling of works and resources. The post will involve coordination and management of staff and resources, ensuring that they are in the right place at the right time to ensure Project Managers are able to undertake their roles effectively. The Programme and Operations Manager 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.

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 the programming of field and post-excavation projects and the operational management of Trust resources. The key responsibilities will involve:

Programming

• Undertaking the effective programming of multiple field and post-excavation projects to ensure successful completion
• Management of, and regular liaison with, Project Managers and the finds, environmental and post-excavation teams, to enable such programming
• Management which ensures that quality is maintained, and the reputation of CAT upheld
• Management which ensures that projects are completed within negotiated parameters
• Assessment of historic projects, to determine the best way of bringing them to completion
• Cooperation and liaison with the Director of Commercial Services and the Contracts Manager
• Regular reporting to the Director

Operations

• Efficient and effective management of staff and resources to ensure that sufficient are available for Project Managers to undertake their roles
• Management which ensures the Trust has appropriately trained and skilled staff to undertake our variety of projects
• Management which ensures 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
• 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
• A commitment to the professional development of the Trust and positive engagement with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
• 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
• The production of Risk Assessments, Written Schemes of Investigation and other project paperwork required for successful and safe project implementation
• The preparation of material to assist the finance team with invoicing

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 and post-excavation projects
• An understanding of the technical and specialist services required to take a project to successful completion, including the procedures and methodology of assessment, analysis and reporting
• 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
• 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
• 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