Assistant Project Manager

Needham Market (moving to Stowmarket in late 2026)

£41,075 - £43,792

Cotswold Archaeology are recruiting for an Assistant Project Manager to join the Cotswold Archaeology team at their Suffolk regional office.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and passionate individual to assist in the delivery of a diverse portfolio of fieldwork projects, whilst working for one of the largest and most respected archaeological companies in the country.

About the role

You will assist and support the management and successful delivery of a portfolio of commercial archaeological projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and other project resources (vehicles, survey equipment etc.).

The role involves a mixture of office-based work and site visits, comprising, assisting in the management, delivery and supervision of archaeological projects, supporting project set-up/logistics and the production of start-up documentation (including risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation works); assisting in overseeing archaeological fieldwork; ensuring that analysis is undertaken to the highest standards and quality assuring the production of client reports; the provision of specialist advice and client liaison.

The successful candidate will be a member of CIfA at MCIfA, or able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements and will join if appointed. A full manual driving licence is also essential as travel across our sites will be required.

The post will involve visits to project and client locations where overnight stays will be required.

About you

Candidates will have a degree/post-graduate degree in archaeology or a related subject or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role.

The successful applicant will need to possess excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills, capable of managing a demanding work schedule, with the ability to lead a project team, prioritise project work, and ensure targets are met without compromising on quality.

Location

The position will be based at our Suffolk regional office, which is currently in Needham Market, but will be moving to Stowmarket later in 2026, and will involve working on sites across the UK.

a competitive salary
generous annual leave allowance
company sick pay
pension and life assurance schemes
access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Applying

To find out more information, please contact our Principal Fieldwork Manager for Suffolk, Stuart Boulter, for an informal discussion about the role (email: ).

Closing date: 5pm Friday 28th August 2026

Interviews will be held in person at our Suffolk office w/c 8th September 2026.

We reserve the right to close this role early if multiple applications are received.

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

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Fieldwork Project Manager

Department: Fieldwork

Report to: Principal Fieldwork Manager

Pay Scale: SCP 20 - 22

Location: Needham Market

Responsible for: Fieldwork team (in conjunction with fieldwork managers)

Purpose of the role

To assist in the management of projects safely, efficiently, and effectively, and assist the Principal Fieldwork Manager and Project Managers in maintaining and developing CA’s professional reputation for the delivery of complex projects and high-quality archaeological fieldwork.

Main duties and responsibilities

To assist in the management of the safe and successful delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time, and performance targets, including the effective management of staff and other project resources (vehicles, survey equipment etc.).
To help assure the quality of archaeological fieldwork, records, archives and reports, in line with CA and industry standards, guidance and procedures.
To support the fieldwork managers in the compilation of tenders and supplier documentation and liaising with clients as appropriate to facilitate the safe and successful delivery of CA fieldwork projects to time, and performance targets.
To support the management of project resources effectively, ensuring project costs do not exceed budget and the client received value for money.
To assist in managing health and safety aspects of personally assigned projects and contribute to company policy and procedures. To liaise with HR and organize the training of staff with regard to Health and Safety, and CPD.
To assist in the performance management of designated staff and project teams, carrying out appraisals and devising development plans as appropriate.
Help formulate, initiate, and conduct, staff training programmes and materials.
Manage personal workload effectively, ensuring all financial and project administration is accurate and timely.
Represent CA at appropriate meetings, both with clients and at professional sectorial events.
To deputise for the Fieldwork Managers as required, liaising with clients and managing the work programme.
To assist in the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned.
To assist in the proactive development of new business opportunities, to secure and maintain a healthy and financially viable programme of work
Assist in the preparation of displays, promotions and publications relevant to projects undertaken or planned.
To undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as required

Personal Specification

Essential

Experience of leading commercial archaeological fieldwork projects safely, and to tight deadlines.
A sound knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation, and best practice in a commercial archaeological environment.
Proven experience in project leadership and effective site deployment of project resources.
Experience of fieldwork report writing and assuring the quality of fieldwork staff and their output.
Experience of developing good quality relations with clients and curatorial authorities.
A sound knowledge of all periods of British archaeology and archaeological resource management, and a good understanding of law and guidance relating to British archaeology.
Established IT skills including MS Word, Excel and Project.
Proven administrative skills, able to maintain accurate and timely records.
Good leadership and inter-personal skills with the ability to motivate, guide and encourage staff and the ability to work as part of a team.
Full manual UK driving licence and a willingness to travel extensively.
Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at MCIFA grade.

Desirable

Experience of line management, and conducting staff appraisals.
Experience of post-excavation assessment and archaeological publication.
Experience of managing aspects of fieldwork projects.
SMSTS safely accreditation.

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