Senior Operations Manager

Canterbury Archaeological Trust is seeking to appoint a Senior Operations Manager to oversee the Trust’s programmes of fieldwork and post-excavation. The primary roles are to undertake the effective co-ordination of the Trust’s operations and to ensure that the products of our work are consistent with client and Trust objectives and expectations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Trust’s existing team of Project Managers, ensuring effective scheduling of works. The post will involve coordination and management of staff and resources so that Project Managers are able to undertake their roles effectively. The role will include management and oversight of the Trust’s post-excavation portfolio, ensuring procedures are current and appropriate, and quality is maintained. The Senior Operations Manager will report directly to the Director, with whom they will hold regular weekly meetings.

The postholder must be a strategic thinker with a positive can-do attitude, a person who combines a passion for archaeology with the ability to respond rapidly, efficiently and diplomatically to changing project parameters. They must have the ability to engage positively with existing and potential clients, adopting a client-focused approach in ensuring the successful delivery of Trust projects.

Canterbury Archaeological Trust was established over 40 years ago, with a strong emphasis on high quality archaeological work, public outreach and education. We employ almost 50 staff, with our work focussing 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 with strong leadership skills who will be responsible for higher level management and oversight of Trust projects, both in the field and in post-excavation, as well as for the operational management of Trust resources. The Senior Operations Manager will be supported by experienced Project Managers and Project Officers who are responsible for the day-to-day running of projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking the effective programming of multiple field and post-excavation projects, coordinating staff and resources as required to ensure successful project completion
• Oversight and management of Project Managers to enable such programming to occur
• Oversight of post-excavation projects, ensuring products are appropriate and produced in a timely fashion, and that quality is maintained
• Regular liaison with the field, finds, environmental and post-excavation teams, to facilitate effective coordination of works

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/or post-excavation projects

Attractive Benefits Package, including:

• 25 days annual leave in addition to statutory Bank Holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Membership of company Pension Scheme
• Fully paid membership of CIfA
• Paid time and expenses to attend conferences and training courses

This is a permanent position, subject to a qualifying 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

For an informal discussion, please contact the Trust’s Director of Commercial Services, Mark Houliston – 01227 825252, mark.houliston@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