At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate exciting NPD projects and support innovation in a dynamic bakery environment.
- Company: Join a leading bakery manufacturer with a focus on innovation and creativity.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid options, and the chance to work with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in NPD while making a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Ideal for recent graduates or those with 1-2 years in NPD; attitude matters most.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and development.
Are you a switched-on graduate or someone with 1-2 years’ experience in NPD or FMCG, looking for a role that gives you real exposure, responsibility, and variety? Or are you an experienced NPD professional seeking a part-time or flexible role without stepping away from meaningful work? This could be the perfect opportunity.
The Opportunity
We are recruiting a Concept Coordinator to join the Innovation team of a large bakery manufacturer, working directly with the Head of Innovation during an exciting and fast-paced period. This is a highly visible role that sits at the heart of the Innovation function, supporting everything from customer presentations and benchmarking to visit preparation, process improvement, and feasibility meetings. It’s a fantastic chance to gain a broad understanding of NPD and Innovation, develop commercial awareness, and work closely with senior stakeholders, or to continue using your experience in a flexible way.
What you’ll be doing
No two days are the same. Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating customer and internal visits: displays, visual props, samples, lunch menus
- Benchmark and sample shopping (e.g. Ocado and store visits)
- Supporting customer and internal presentations: helping turn initial content into polished, engaging decks
- Working closely with Category and Commercial teams to support concepts and value messaging
- Supporting Innovation and NPD procedures: updating documents, ways of working and training materials
- Managing couriers and samples for PR and customer presentations
- Chairing feasibility meetings when the Head of Innovation is off-site
This role is not kitchen-based.
Who this role is for
This role would suit:
- A recent graduate with a strong interest in food, innovation, and FMCG
- Someone with 1-2 years’ experience in NPD looking for broader exposure and development
- An experienced NPD professional seeking a part-time or flexible role
You don’t need extensive industry experience, what matters most is attitude, organisation, and confidence.
What we’re looking for
- Highly organised and able to juggle multiple priorities
- Proactive, self-sufficient, and comfortable working at pace
- Confident communicating with senior stakeholders
- A genuine foodie with a creative mindset
- Not timid - trusted to step in, take ownership, and make things happen
- A team player who adds momentum rather than needing close supervision
Practical Details
- Working Pattern: Currently part-time (3 days per week), Open to full-time, Flexible hours considered (e.g. school hours or 4 shorter days)
- Hybrid Working: 1 day per week working from home
- Travel: Driving licence and access to a vehicle essential
Why apply?
- Work directly with a Head of Innovation
- Gain exposure across end-to-end NPD and Innovation
- Be involved in major customer submissions and senior visits
- Build commercial, creative, and operational experience in a supportive team
- A rare role offering breadth, visibility, and flexibility
For more information please get in touch for a confidential chat or apply with your CV today.
NPD Co-ordinator 12 months FTC in Manchester employer: The Oval Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Oval Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Co-ordinator 12 months FTC in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show genuine interest in their innovation process and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can add value to the team. Confidence is key, so rehearse with friends or in front of a mirror.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Co-ordinator 12 months FTC in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh: Make sure your CV is up to date and tailored to the NPD Co-ordinator role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, especially in NPD or FMCG.
Read the Job Specs Carefully: Before applying, take a good look at the job specs. Understanding what we’re looking for will help you craft a more targeted application that stands out.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires juggling multiple priorities, make sure to showcase your organisational skills in your application. Give examples of how you've managed tasks effectively in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨Know Your NPD Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of New Product Development (NPD) and the FMCG sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and innovative practices in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires juggling multiple priorities, be prepared to discuss how you've managed similar tasks in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational skills and ability to work at pace. This will demonstrate that you can handle the dynamic nature of the job.
✨Prepare Engaging Presentation Content
As you'll be supporting customer and internal presentations, think about how you can contribute to making content engaging. Bring examples of past presentations or decks you've worked on, and be ready to discuss your creative process. This will highlight your proactive approach and creativity.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your experiences with senior stakeholders. Role-play potential interview scenarios with a friend or family member to build your confidence. Remember, this role is about taking ownership and making things happen!