Recruiment Coordinator (FTC 12 months)
Salary £ 35000
Bedford
Vacancy listed 22/01/2026
Application deadline 31/03/2026
Details
ARA is a unique SME representing some of the best engineering of our time. With a strong and rich heritage, we are proud to have a passionate workforce of highly skilled engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in model design and manufacture, aerodynamic testing and numerous associated technologies, e.g. Computational Fluid Dynamics.  We are actively involved in research, providing meaningful and innovative solutions and services to our global customer base.

Our site in Bedford is centred around our impressive transonic wind tunnel – the equipment which drives it – whilst the research performed is often unique to ARA and involves many bespoke processes.

We are seeking an organised and proactive Recruitment Coordinator to deliver high-quality, end-to-end recruitment support across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a business undergoing transformation and growth, where recruitment plays a key role in building future engineering and technical capability within a security-cleared environment. Working closely with hiring managers and HR colleagues, you will support effective hiring decisions, deliver a positive candidate experience, and help shape consistent and compliant recruitment practices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate and manage end-to-end recruitment activity across multiple roles and departments
  • Partner with hiring managers to understand hiring needs, role requirements and recruitment timelines
  • Draft, post and manage job advertisements across appropriate recruitment channels
  • Screen CVs, coordinate shortlisting and arrange interviews 
  • Conduct initial telephone and/or video screening interviews to assess suitability, skills and role alignment prior to shortlisting
  • Proactively source candidates using LinkedIn, job boards and social media where required, particularly for high-volume or hard-to-fill roles
  • Build and maintain talent pools for future or repeat hiring needs
  • Act as the main point of contact for candidates throughout the recruitment process
  • Deliver a positive and professional candidate experience at all stages
  • Support onboarding processes to ensure a smooth transition for new starters

About You

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an in-house recruitment role
  • Strong knowledge of end-to-end recruitment processes
  • Experience supporting engineering, technical, or specialist roles
  • Experience working closely with hiring managers and senior stakeholders 
  • Experience using job boards, CV databases, and social media recruitment
  • Organised, detail-focused, and able to manage multiple vacancies
  • Strong communication and administrative skills
  • Comfortable using recruitment systems and Microsoft Office packages, including Excel, social media recruitment and job advertising boards
  • Knowledge of contractor engagement and contract types (e.g. IR35, agency workers)

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a business undergoing transformation and growth, where recruitment has real strategic impact

  • Support the attraction of highly skilled engineering and technical talent in a security-cleared environment

  • Work closely with leaders and hiring managers across the organisation

  • Gain exposure to a wide range of complex and specialist roles

  • Join a professional, collaborative HR team that values quality, integrity, and continuous improvement

Additional Information:

  • Flexible and pragmatic approach to changing priorities

  • Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism

  • Ability to obtain and maintain UK Government Security Clearance

Please note that we operate a preferred supplier list for recruitment agencies. We are not seeking additional agency support for this vacancy and kindly ask that speculative approaches are not made.

The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements – including the last 5 years continual UK residency.
 
Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.
 


Benefits

Annual leave – 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays per annum
Contributory pension scheme whereby the company matches up to a 7% contribution
Private medical insurance
Life cover of 3 x basic annual salary
Enhanced company sick pay
BAE shares as part of the BAE share incentive plan (SIP)

This vacancy has now been closed