Research Assistant & Operations Coordinator

Company: Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance Limited
Apply for the Research Assistant & Operations Coordinator
Location: Drayton St. Leonard
Job Description:

Research Assistant & Operations Coordinator

Full Time

Drayton St. Leonard, Oxfordshire

We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and customer-focused individual to join our small and dedicated team. This is a varied role combining heritage research with day-to-day operational and administrative support.

Aston Martin Heritage Trust Museum

The Aston Martin Heritage Trust preserves and promotes the rich history of Aston Martin through its archive, museum collections, educational activities, and heritage services.

We support Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts worldwide through research services, vehicle history certification, membership programmes, and visitor experiences at the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Museum.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and customer-focused individual to join our small and dedicated team. This is a varied role combining heritage research with day-to-day operational and administrative support. It would suit a recent graduate, automotive enthusiast, history graduate, museum professional, or someone with strong administrative and customer service experience.

The Role

This position is split approximately:

60% Research Assistant

40% Operations and Admin Support

The successful candidate will play a key role in researching vehicle records and producing official documentation and reports in response to requests for vehicle information, while also supporting the smooth operation of the museum, membership programme, online sales, general enquiries and bookings.

As part of the role, the postholder will be responsible for opening and overseeing the museum each Saturday the museum is open alongside other staff and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

Heritage Services (Approximately 60%)

Research Aston Martin vehicle records using original archive materials and databases.

Produce heritage certificates and vehicle history reports to a high standard.

Respond to customer enquiries relating to vehicle history and archive records.

Maintain accurate records of requests and completed certificates.

Support the development and continuous improvement of research service offerings.

Assist with ongoing archive digitisation and historical research projects.

Administration & Museum Operations (Approximately 40%)

Manage incoming emails, telephone enquiries and correspondence.

Process bookings for museum visits, events and educational activities.

Support day-to-day museum administration and visitor services.

Manage online shop orders, fulfilment and customer enquiries.

Assist with the administration of the Trust’s supporter programme, including renewals and member communications.

Prepare routine reports and maintain administrative records.

Open and oversee museum operations on Saturdays in line with the museum’s opening schedule including hosting tours when required.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities independently.

Confident using Microsoft Office applications and databases.

Ability to work as part of a small team and take initiative when working independently.

Desirable Skills and Experience

Interest in classic cars, automotive history, museums, archives or heritage organisations.

Experience in research, records management or archive work.

Experience in a customer-facing environment.

Knowledge of e-commerce platforms or order processing.

Experience supporting membership organisations or charitable trusts.

Degree or equivalent qualification in history, heritage, museum studies, business administration, or a related subject.

Working Pattern

Full-time position.

Tuesday to Saturday.

Start date: January 2027.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work with one of the world’s most significant automotive heritage collections.

A varied role combining research, customer engagement and museum operations.

A supportive and friendly small-team environment.

The chance to contribute directly to preserving and sharing Aston Martin’s history.

28 days holiday a year increasing including bank holidays increasing with length of service

BrightHR Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential 24/7 wellbeing, counselling, legal and financial support

Staff discount and employee perks platform

Opportunities for training and professional development

The Aston Martin Heritage Trust welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences who share a passion for heritage, history and delivering excellent customer service.

Please note: This is a predominantly on-site position based at our museum. Due to the location and the absence of public transport links, candidates must hold a full driving licence and have access to their own vehicle.

If you have any questions about the role, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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Posted: October 27th, 2026