Project Manager Fieldwork

Project Manager Fieldwork 

Salary range: £42,286 - £50,873 
Location: All regions (flexible working supported) 
Multiple roles. Full-time permanent contract
Reference: MANFWK.09.26 
Closing date: 9th October 2026 

Why join us?  

Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology is a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity. From our network of international offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment - above ground, below ground and underwater. We are committed to our social impact. This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work. 

Join us and you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to shaping a better future for our staff, the sector and the world. As well as having knowledgeable and dedicated colleagues, you’ll have an opportunity to access a variety of fascinating and high-profile projects and develop your skills and knowledge along the way. 

Willingness to travel from home to sites across the UK occasionally is essential. 

The role – what’s involved?

As Project Manager in the Fieldwork Team, you will oversee the planning and delivery of commercial archaeological fieldwork projects across England. You will manage field teams, coordinate resources and site activity, and help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to a high professional standard.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading, managing and motivating fieldwork teams across single-site and multi-site projects.
• Planning, coordinating and monitoring fieldwork activity, resources, programme requirements and site logistics.
• Supporting the delivery of significant infrastructure and multidisciplinary projects to agreed timescales, budgets and quality standards.
• Acting as a key communication link between site teams, project managers, colleagues, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Embedding health, safety and wellbeing expectations across all fieldwork activities.
• Using archaeological knowledge and professional judgement to guide teams, solve problems and maintain high standards of work.
• Contributing to commercial proposals and tenders, including scope, resources, costs and delivery requirements.
• Monitoring project finances, resources and risks, and supporting corrective action where needed.
• Providing professional, commercially informed advice to clients and supporting positive working relationships.
• Promoting a collaborative culture and contributing to improvements in professional practice and service delivery.

Main responsibilities will include:  

• Day to day management of fieldwork teams, both on a single site basis and projects involving multiple site teams. 
• Demonstrating strong fiscal responsibility, maintaining control of project budgets, resources and timescales throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful delivery on time and within budget. 
• Acting as a key communications link between site teams and the senior project management team 
• Making sure that health, safety and wellbeing methodologies and policies are understood, communicated, and followed on site.  
• Advising site teams to develop site strategies and monitor their success.  
• Liaising and co-ordinating works with sub-contractors and principal contractors.  
• Ensuring work is completed to deadline and to a high standard.  

What we’re looking for:

• At least two years’ experience in a similar role, including senior responsibility for leading or managing commercial archaeological fieldwork projects.
• Strong operational leadership skills, with the ability to set clear expectations and support teams across changing site and project requirements.
• A good understanding of British archaeology, professional standards and safe fieldwork practice.
• Confidence using initiative and judgement to identify issues, assess options, escalate significant risks and take ownership of solutions.
• An interest in developing the archaeological sector, sharing knowledge and contributing to continuous improvement.
• Ambition to broaden your leadership, commercial and operational experience and take the next step in your career.

Essential and desirable certification

• Full clean driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles.  
• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA) or other appropriate professional body is highly desirable, but if you don’t have this, we will support you to get it.

What can you look forward to?  

Our focus is on creating a collaborative culture where people can thrive, develop and where safety and wellbeing come first. From anonymising candidate data in our recruitment process to continuous improvements in our benefits, we’re committed to creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.  

We offer: 

• 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.  
• Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.  
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%. 
• Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary.  

Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits  

• Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.  
• Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.  
• 5 days of carers leave.  
• Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.  
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.  
• Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.  
• AIG SmartHealth – round-the-clock support for you and your family.  

Sustainability and other benefits  

• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to eligibility).  
• Bike2Work scheme.  
• 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.  
• High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.  
• Free transport from regional offices to sites.  
• Time in lieu or paid time for drivers.  
• Subsistence allowance.  

How to apply  

Interested in working with us?

Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by 9th October 2026 to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged within two weeks of the closing date. If you have questions about the role, then please contact wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. 

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process.  

Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.