The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) which is part of the Department of Archaeology is inviting applications for the role of Project Manager (Grade I) The CAU is undertaking archaeological investigations on a range of excavations, evaluations and surveys throughout East Anglia. Confirmed sites include prehistoric landscapes, Iron Age and Roman settlements and various urban sites.

The role of Project Manager is to manage and actively drive a range of archaeological projects and teams, from the first client contact, through tendering, phases of fieldwork, post excavation assessment, analysis, publication and archiving. The Project Manager ensures that projects are completed efficiently, in budget, and to a sufficiently high standard to accord with various national and regional guidelines.

As part of the CAU Management Team, the Project Manager supports and contributes to the wider running of the Unit, assisting in the delivery of strategic objectives. The Project Manager is also responsible for ensuring that a safe working environment is maintained on assigned projects, minimising impacts to the environment wherever possible and following the University's Environment & Sustainability guidelines and policy.

The CAU has three Project Manager (Grade I) posts available.

Requirements:

• Educated to degree level in Archaeology or a closely related field. A related subject will only be considered if the candidate has significant practical onsite excavation experience. This will be determined by the University.
• Knowledge of planning processes in England, and skills to guide clients through the steps and documents needed to satisfy archaeological planning conditions.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of British Archaeology with expertise in archaeological fieldwork in the commercial sector.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of all aspects of fieldwork practice, with demonstrable experience of delivering fieldwork projects of all types and sizes.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of post-excavation processes, with experience of delivering post-excavation reports for all types.
• Have knowledge of tendering and budget-setting in archaeology and can reliably construct task lists and timetables for different stages of project delivery.
• Understand financial processes in archaeology with experience of raising invoices.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety requirements relating to fieldwork practice and the responsibilities that entails.
• Have a clean UK/ EU driving licence, the post holder will need to visit archaeological projects in remote and rural locations.
• Have a valid CIfA membership and SSSTS qualification.
• Have demonstrable experience of budget-setting, timetabling and decision making.
• Have demonstrable mentoring and/or line management experience of archaeological staff.

Please view the Further Particulars document to access the duties of the role, and essential and preferred role requirements.

Applications must consist of a CV and cover letter. Please include a full employment history. Particularly include information regarding projects you have directed and seen through all phases of analysis, report writing, and publication.

The role is full-time and the role holder will ideally be in post by 23rd February 2026.

Permanent: This post is permanent with ongoing funding. The post is subject to a 9-month probation period.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The closing date for applications is at 23.59 (GMT) on Friday 30 January 2026.

The interview will be held in person on Wednesday 04 February 2026.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk

Should candidates at any point wish to withdraw their application, please email the Administration team with your request ( cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk ).

Please quote reference JD48513 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.