CEO

CEO

Wessex Archaeology is amongst the UK’s leading providers of archaeological and heritage services, and an educational charity, centred on the belief that investigating, understanding and sharing knowledge of the past is important and brings value to society, the economy, and the environment. It strives to develop and promote the understanding of archaeology and heritage across communities in a profitable, sustainable and equitable way. Over more than forty years, it has built up an impressive and diverse range of services to meet the needs of its commercial clients and to deliver its charitable purposes, deploying a range of unrivalled technical, interpretative, advisory and public engagement capabilities and recognised as a leader in innovation and high-quality service provision.

Having faced challenging market conditions during the 2022–23 financial year, Wessex Archaeology has responded proactively by implementing changes to enhance resilience. The organisation is at an exciting and interesting juncture in its history and now seeks candidates for the position of CEO. There is huge potential for the new CEO to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the organisation, leading on defining and delivering a new strategic direction for Wessex Archaeology, building on the organisation’s legacy of success in order to lead it positively into the next chapter of its history. The post-holder will provide visible and inspiring strategic and operational leadership and direction to the organisation, responsible for Wessex Archaeology’s performance, for ensuring its finances are well managed, for supporting its role in the dissemination of archaeological knowledge and for championing the organisation with key stakeholders, clients and partners.

The ideal candidate will bring excellent communication skills and senior leadership experience, a collegiate and collaborative approach, strong financial acumen and the drive and ambition to move Wessex Archaeology forward. Ideally, they will bring relevant commercial experience and expertise, and a sufficient understanding of and empathy with the archaeology/heritage sector. They will also bring a commitment, belief in and passion for Wessex Archaeology’s charitable mission.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Wessex Archaeology on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EBKGA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 16th October 2023.