This role offers hybrid working in line with our Dynamic Working | Aston University

Aston University is committed to making our institution the best place to work as we deliver the ambitions of the Aston 2030 Strategy. Our people are central to our success, and we’re looking for a proactive and collaborative Talent Acquisition Associate to join our HR Operations team. In this role, you’ll support the full end‑to‑end recruitment life cycle across the University, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and engaging experience for candidates and hiring managers alike. You'll work closely with recruiting managers, HR colleagues, and external partners, becoming a trusted first point of contact for all things recruitment.

What You’ll Be Doing

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Support

• Support end‑to‑end recruitment activity—from vacancy approval to offer stage.
• Build and nurture talent pipelines, engaging prospective and passive candidates.
• Assist with advertising roles, screening applications, arranging interviews, and managing candidate communication.
• Coordinate recruitment campaigns and contribute to continuous service improvement.
• Advise hiring managers on recruitment processes, policies, and best practice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across HR and the wider University.

Systems & Administration

• Manage vacancy information within the Vacancy Management System.
• Issue interview invitations and candidate communications.
• Prepare interview materials and documentation for panels.
• Ensure accurate updates throughout the recruitment process.

Candidate & Stakeholder Experience

• Act as a key point of contact for candidates and hiring managers.
• Coordinate interviews, logistics, and panel arrangements.
• Ensure an inclusive, positive, and professional experience for all.

Pre‑Employment Checks & Onboarding

• Coordinate reference checks, right to work, DBS, medicals, and qualification verification.
• Prepare contracts using standard templates and ensure accuracy of employment terms.
• Support onboarding processes, including setting up new employees on CORE.
• Assist with casual worker appointments.

Immigration & Compliance

• Work with the Recruitment and Immigration Advisor on visa-related documentation.
• Maintain accurate audit files to support UKVI compliance.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes and candidate experience.
• Support University-wide recruitment events such as careers fairs.
• Provide flexible support during peak periods across the HR Administration team.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Experience delivering end‑to‑end recruitment in a large, complex organisation
• Experience of building and nurturing talent pipelines, engaging prospective and passive candidates.
• Strong communication skills with a track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience of using ATS or recruitment systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment.
• Knowledge of recruitment best practice, employment law principles, RTW and DBS checks.
• Excellent IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• CIPD Level 3 (or working towards), or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Experience of UKVI processes.
• Experience working in Higher Education.

Benefits and Rewards:

• We offer a benefits package which spans the full colleague life cycle and includes:
• Enjoy a generous leave package with 25 days of bookable annual leave, plus 13 bank holidays and University closure days—perfect for extended breaks over Easter and Christmas.
• Hybrid working model designed to support a healthy work–life balance
• Recognition for achievement and service
• Financial and lifestyle benefits such as pensions, discounts, and well-being plans
• Health and well-being support, including EAP, and gym access
• Community initiatives that encourage inclusion and volunteering
• Professional and personal development opportunities

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for new applicants to the Skilled Worker visa route. See here for information about Skilled Worker eligibility criteria: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Closing Date: 22 May 2026

Unit: Administrative & Clerical

Salary: £27,319 to £29,588 per annum