About Us
Past to Present Archaeology is a UK-based archaeological consultancy established in 2019, delivering development-led archaeological services across England, Scotland and Wales. Our team brings together more than 30 years of professional experience within the UK planning-led archaeology sector, providing clients with reliable, high-quality heritage solutions from initial assessment through to field investigation and reporting.
The company operates with two complementary strands of activity. The commercial consultancy provides archaeological services to developers, infrastructure projects, and planning consultants, including desk-based assessments, evaluations, excavations, watching briefs and post-excavation reporting. Alongside this, Past to Present Archaeology also undertakes research and training initiatives, including academic research collaborations and field-based educational programmes.
This role is focused specifically on leading and expanding the commercial consultancy arm of the business, developing new client relationships, securing projects and overseeing the operational delivery of archaeological services.
We are guided by core values—Professional, Unity, Integrity, Collaborative, Innovative, and Ethical—which shape our approach to both heritage management and client care.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced senior commercial archaeologist to lead the commercial operations of our growing consultancy. The Head of Commercial Archaeology will work closely with the Director to shape the company’s commercial strategy, expand our client base, and oversee the operational delivery of archaeological services. This position is ideally suited to individuals with strong experience in project, operations, or commercial management within the UK planning-led archaeology sector.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the company’s commercial strategy for archaeological services, identifying growth opportunities and strengthening the company’s position within the UK development-led archaeology sector.
- Identify new business opportunities and secure archaeological work.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, consultants, and contractors.
- Identify growth areas for the archaeological team through strategic recruitment, skills development, and expansion of service capabilities to meet evolving project demands.
- Lead the improvement of operational systems, workflows, and quality management practices in line with company growth and industry best practice.
Operational Responsibilities
- Lead and manage archaeological field teams and operational delivery.
- Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to professional standards.
- Ensure all archaeological work is delivered in compliance with relevant Health & Safety legislation, company policies, and industry best practice, promoting a strong safety culture across all projects.
- Prepare tenders, proposals, and project quotations.
- Oversee reporting and post-excavation processes.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a senior commercial archaeologist with proven experience in project delivery, business development, and team leadership.
Essential Requirements
- MCIfA (Member of CIfA)
- Significant experience managing development-led archaeological projects within the UK planning system
- Strong working knowledge of UK planning policy and archaeological mitigation frameworks
- Substantial experience in a senior project, operational or commercial management role within a commercial archaeology organisation
- Demonstrable experience preparing tenders, proposals and costed project quotations, including securing archaeological work and developing client relationships within the sector
- Strong people-leadership experience, including line management, coaching and developing staff, managing team performance, and fostering a positive, safe and high-performing work culture
- Strong understanding of project budgeting, financial control and operational delivery
- Excellent communication and client relationship skills
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable Experience
- Existing professional relationships within the development and consultancy sectors
- Experience managing multiple concurrent archaeological projects
- Experience contributing to organisational growth or operational improvement
What We Offer
- Senior leadership role within a growing consultancy
- Clear pathway to Director-level responsibility as the company grows
- Opportunity to shape the company’s commercial development and lead a commercial team
- Performance‑based profit share linked to company success
- Opportunity to lead the company toward CIfA Registered Organisation status
- Payment of professional membership fees (e.g. CIfA)
- Travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with company policy
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Company Pension Scheme
- Flexible and supportive working environment
Probationary Period
This appointment is subject to a six‑month probationary period during which performance will be reviewed.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to rupert@pasttopresent.org by Friday 1 May 2026.
Your cover letter must include examples of your experience preparing archaeological tenders and developing client relationships, including any experience securing archaeological work.
This role involves a two-stage interview process. Stage one is an initial interview. Candidates progressing to stage two will be invited to deliver a short presentation (no more than 15 minutes) outlining their vision for the role, followed by a structured discussion.