Technical Services Manager

Job content

Salary: £32,305.95 – £42,018.85 (depending on experience) + generous benefits package

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week

Locations: Based in Headland Midlands & West (Hereford), South & East (Silsoe), Scotland (Edinburgh) or Yorkshire & North (Cleckheaton). Potential for other locations; home working expected during COVID-19 restrictions.

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 10am on 27th September 2021. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we may fill existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Why Should You Apply?

We are a privately owned archaeological business, part of the RSK Group, a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services. We provide heritage services to the development and construction sectors in UK and across the world. With four offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees:

Unique knowledge and expertise. For more than 20 years, Headland has provided not only business-focused archaeology but also people-focused business. We are highly respected within our industry for our achievements in innovation, tailor-made development coaching and training, and our expertise in commercial archaeology.
Strong pioneering spirit. Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
Stable company with excellent growth. Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
Good work environment. You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
Opportunity to influence. You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
Part of RSK group. You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development. The group has over c. 6000 employees and c.105 environmentally lead companies.

The Role

We are strengthening our Technical Services department and are seeking an experienced leader who can help us develop our team and services. Technical Services provides support to our field teams in the areas of surveying, site recording, data management, GIS and project design, and ensures the data produced by field projects is fit for purpose and ready for use by others.

You will be self-driven with a positive outlook and good understanding of British Archaeology. You will be experienced in surveying and data management in archaeology and capable of managing these activities across the company. You will be experienced in managing the performance and morale of small teams, and will be expected to build the support and resources you require to meet your targets.

You will be responsible for Headland’s surveying and data gathering (paper and paperless recording, photography and project management data) activities, as well as developing GIS and project design services for field projects. This includes managing the development and application of procedures, including change management; final quality assurance and signoff of field and project management data; reviewing and signing off RAMS; tendering support for fieldwork projects and an opportunity to lead tenders on technical projects; developing relationships with suppliers, partners and potential clients; development and promotion of services; department budgeting and financial control; annual planning and performance management; liaison with other teams including sales, post-excavation and SHEQ; and steering overall technical strategy. You will also have an appetite for new ideas and continual development and improvement.

You will manage a vibrant team of around ten skilled surveyors, data managers and GIS specialists, with room to expand and enrich this team to meet departmental goals and match the growth of the Contracting section as a whole. A key part of Headland’s ethos is building up the skills of our fieldwork teams, and much of the department’s work revolves around training and support for site staff. Your work will be primarily desk-based, with periodic travel around the UK to project sites, company and client offices and trade shows/conferences. You will be supported in your role by the Head of Contracting with further technical and strategic support from the Head of Innovation and Technology.

As a commercial company there is plenty of scope to use existing skills, discover new ones and develop your strengths. You will encounter numerous opportunities for personal development and promotion. With a proactive Technical Services department we are developing our systems and capabilities constantly; our dedicated training team (CIfA accredited) will help support your work and RSK provides a wealth of opportunity to broaden the range and nature of the experience enjoyed by our staff.

You must meet the following essential criteria:
Degree level education or equivalent in a relevant subject
Demonstrable experience of taking responsibility for survey and data management projects of significant scale, including estimation of resources required
A portfolio of data management work
Demonstrable experience of introducing new ideas, improving existing processes and developing a team
Experience of coordinating site teams, and providing training, feedback, and support
Sound understanding of archaeological recording; data tidying and presentation.
Full clean UK driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles
Willingness to travel and work on projects across the UK
Experience with QGIS and CAD
Advanced use of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel
Ability to work under pressure and use your own initiative to achieve targets
Attention to detail and a track record of bringing projects to completion
Excellent organisational skills
A desire to lead, develop and learn
Willing to embrace inclusion and diversity
Willingness to develop your people skills and attend mental health awareness course

Programming, database management and photogrammetry experience, a valid CSCS card, SSSTS/SMSTS and CIfA membership are desirable criteria.

Benefits we offer you:
Leadership and management training and workshops
SMSTS training where required
Constant H&S training
33 days annual leave, rising based on service length
Extra annual leave purchase scheme
5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
Annual profit discretionary bonus and performance-related bonus schemes
Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
Paid CIfA membership and CSCS card
Relocation package
Monthly clothing allowance
Health support scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Referral Scheme
Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership, Holidays and Entertainment)

Your contractual place of work will be one of the locations listed above, and you will be expected to report there in person when required for inductions/training/meetings/briefings etc. During the current COVID emergency most of our management team is currently working from home.

How to apply

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement.

Informal inquiries concerning the role can be made to Jürgen van Wessel ().

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

COVID-19: We have wide-ranging COVID-19 plans in place and are following all current official guidance on maintaining a safe working environment during COVID-19. We are in constant communication with our clients to ensure all staff can continue to work and operate safely while travelling and working on site and/or in the offices. All inductions include a comprehensive COVID-19 brief, and all projects have a daily H&S COVID-19 update.

At RSK we operate an open and relaxed management culture that nurtures continuous improvement and innovation, adopting a proactive growth strategy helps us to run a sustainable and profitable business while providing new and exciting career opportunities for all. The company prides itself on providing employees with a rewarding and challenging career, encouraging Continuous Professional Development and enabling them to reach their full potential. Listed as being in the top 3 environmental consultancies and listed in the Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250, there has never been a more exciting time to join.

Furthermore, retaining our employees is the building block of a successful organisation and we want to ensure you maintain a healthy work life balance, with many opportunities for flexible working, social activities, and community involvement projects.

RSK is also committed to our Corporate Responsibility strategy. We seek to minimise our impact on the environment; to engage positively with the community and education groups; to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to work; and to promote Corporate Responsibility throughout our supply chain.

RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer