Meet our NPD team: Ed Perkins and Craig Symonds

As part of our Meet the Team series, we’re sharing the stories behind some of our talented NPD team, who all support us on our mission to create great quality, tasty and affordable food, that people love to eat.

Today, we’re introducing our Product Development Manager, Ed Perkins and our Specification Manager, Craig Symonds. Find out more about both their stories…

How long have you worked in NPD?

E: 15 years

C:  for me it is 19 years now!

What made you consider a career in NPD?

E: When I originally joined the food industry it was within the technical team, working on raw materials, finished product specifications, and artwork. I worked closely with the product development team, and I enjoyed the fast pace and varied nature of product development, as well as the excitement of seeing products that you’ve helped to create make it on to supermarket shelves across the country. This inspired me to move into NPD!

C:  I’ve always had an interest in food after completing a bakery course and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in food and consumer management. I really enjoy the variety of work involved within NPD, it’s exciting to see the creation and innovation of new products, knowing that I played a part in making them.

What is so great about being in NPD at Compleat?

E: I get to work with a diverse and creative team both within product development and across the wider group, to launch products that people love to eat.

C:  Our NPD team is very friendly and close-knit, and we support each other in all aspects of work. I’ve made life-long friends! Across the whole group we never stand still and are always looking at improving and adapting to every challenge.

What opportunities are there within Compleat?

E: As a team, we cover all aspects of product development, from concept, all the way through to launch. As the needs of our customers and consumers evolve, different roles and opportunities for progression are always available.

C: There’s always scope to move around within the team or to other teams within the group to gather knowledge and see what job best suits you as an individual. I have had various jobs within the team which have put me in a good position for the job I am currently doing.

Why should you consider a career with Compleat?

E: We’re an agile and collaborative business, with a fantastically varied range of capabilities, products, brands, and customers. You’ll absolutely never be bored!

C: It’s a very friendly working environment with great opportunities to develop a career.

Describe an average day at Compleat

E: Each day is very different, but during a typical week, I’ll work on new and existing products in conjunction with our brands and customers. That includes creating and responding to new briefs, calculating and reviewing product costings, and organising and attending internal and external presentations. This is all whilst making sure everything is kept on-track (and within budget), so that we launch our products on time.

C: The variety of the role means there isn’t really an average day and you have to be flexible around what needs doing. It’s great collaborating with different teams and working together to overcome challenges to create great tasting food.

Want to learn about the rest of the NPD team? To hear about Lindi’s story, please visit here.