Archaeology Planning Services Manager

We are committed to offering flexible working options for this role.

We welcome applications from everyone. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people from minority ethnic groups and people from a minority sexual orientation group because they are under-represented in this Directorate.

• Are you interested in leading the work to protect Suffolk’s rich and varied historic environment through the planning and mitigation of development across the county?
• Are you excited at the prospect of working with a team of dedicated professionals on some of the largest and most significant infrastructure projects in the country?

Then this role could be for you!

Suffolk County Council’s Natural and Historic Environment Team is actively seeking a motivated and passionate Archaeology Planning Services Manager working from Bury St Edmunds, with hybrid and flexible working options available including some working from home.

Your role and responsibilities

As an Archaeology Planning Services Manager you will:

• lead a team of archaeology professionals in delivering a busy and varied caseload of planning advice, mitigation and curatorial oversight, working with local planning authorities, contractors and developers to protect the county’s historic environment. As well as local developments, the team is dealing with a large number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP's), many of which are driven by the national and local response to the climate emergency. The team provide an essential role throughout the development consent and implementation of these projects
• ensure that the team have the resources they need to do their job to the high standards required, securing income to reinvest in the service, and working with the planning and development sector to maintain and improve our services. You will bring your own professional knowledge and experience to support casework and mentor and support others
• work closely with the Archaeology Archives and Projects Manager and the Head of Natural and Historic Environment, in the further development of the Suffolk archaeology service and in providing support to other SCC services and teams.

We are looking for someone with:

• extensive knowledge and experience of British archaeology
• considerable experience in applying planning policy guidance in development management
• some leadership experience, and the ability to manage a range of competing pressures and demands
• excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills 
• the ability to work effectively with professional colleagues, developers and senior managers and be able to influence and negotiate.

You will need:

• a degree in archaeology or related subject or equivalent experience
• ability to motivate and support others in their development as well as yourself.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

• SCC’s Archaeology Service is part of the Natural and Historic Environment Team
• We are a friendly and respected team that maintains the Historic Environment Record, supports the county’s planning authorities with development management casework and policy advice, provides archive and finds recording services and delivers outreach to the public.

We will offer you:

• the opportunity to play a critical role in protecting the historic environment of Suffolk through an unprecedented period of development activity
• the opportunity to make a positive difference for the people and environment of Suffolk
• a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment of fellow professionals
• a great benefits package, see below.

Travel and workplace requirements

We positively encourage the use of technology to communicate, but in this role you will need to travel to locations away from your contractual base, so you must either hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the recruiting manager.

This role supports hybrid working, a broadly even balance between working from home and working from an office base. If you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements, please contact the recruiting manager.

To find out more

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Tim De-Keyzer (he/him), Head of Natural and Historic Environment, on 07732 604171 or by emailing tim.de-keyzer@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

To apply and for further details, please visit: https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_1004/job/8549

Closing date: 11.30pm, 5 February 2023.

Interview date: w/c 20 February 2023.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.