You will act as a first point of contact for the Careers and Placements team, responding to enquiries face‑to‑face, by phone and email. Alongside this, you will provide effective operational and administrative support to keep the department running smoothly.

Key responsibilities include coordinating meetings and departmental activities, assisting recruitment and induction events, and providing diary management and administrative support to colleagues. You will also provide financial administration, including raising purchase orders, processing credit card statements and managing departmental orders. You will also act as a super-user of the Aston Futures system, used by the department to facilitate student engagement. 

We are looking for someone with experience in a busy, customer‑focused environment, strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail. You will be confident handling a range of enquiries, able to manage competing priorities, and committed to delivering excellent service in a diverse university environment.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 25 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available

Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here

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: 02 Jun 2026

Unit: Administrative & Clerical

Salary: £27,319 to £29,588 per annum

We are seeking to appoint a Research Administrator on a fixed term basis to cover a period of maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, dedicated team focused on the delivery of excellent research support within the School Research Support Team (SRST). 

The post provides high quality administrative support within the busy School Research Office which works to enhance the research environment for academic staff and postgraduate research students. Under the line management of the Research Officer you will also work closely with the Senior Research Manager as part of the School Research Support Team. 

You will have the opportunity to be involved with the different Departments and Research Centres, assisting with events and ensuring that travel arrangements and other administrative tasks are dealt with efficiently. You will also be able to utilise your excellent communication skills to build networks across the university, making connections with key professional services departments and liaising with staff at all levels. 

The School Research Support Team is a supportive and friendly team in which your professional development can thrive. This is a full-time role with some office-based work on campus and some which can be done remotely. For informal enquiries please contact the Research Officer David Richardson d.richardson3@aston.ac.uk.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus and from home dependent on the activity.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 25 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

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: 31 May 2026

Unit: Administrative & Clerical

Salary: £27,319 to £29,588 per annum

What you’ll do

• Run RFQs/tenders from plan to award (supplier comms, evaluation, award records).
• Source via collaborative frameworks and manage below‑threshold activity to procedure.
• Support above‑threshold procurement (PA23/PCR2015) including key docs and notices.
• Support contract management, KPI capture and benefits reporting (savings/social value).
• Advise stakeholders and build strong supplier relationships.

What we’re looking for

Essential

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
• CIPS Foundation (or equivalent) or commitment to work towards.
• Procurement experience running RFQs/tenders and keeping accurate records.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement and collaborative frameworks.
• Experience in contract management and/or supplier negotiation, with evidence of delivering savings/benefits.
• Strong IT skills (e‑tendering tools and Microsoft Office) plus clear communication and organisation.
• Procurement experience running RFQs/tenders and keeping accurate records.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement and collaborative frameworks.
• Strong IT skills (e‑tendering tools and Microsoft Office) plus clear communication and organisation.

Desirable

• Higher CIPS level and/or experience in contract management, negotiation and delivering savings.
• Experience working in Higher Education or wider public sector.

You’ll demonstrate Aston University’s values and contribute to an inclusive, collaborative culture.

 To discuss this role further please contact Sarah Carrington (Head of Procurement and Value) – s.carrington2@aston.ac.uk

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

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: 29 May 2026

Unit: Administrative & Clerical

Salary: £31,236 to £36,636 per annum

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: 29 May 2026

Unit: Administrative & Clerical

Salary: £27,319 to £29,588 per annum