Food Production Operative - Cooking Team Member

Food Production Operative - Cooking Team Member

Full-Time 26400 - 31200 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our cooking team to create delicious meals loved by thousands.
  • Company: Bigham's, the UK's top chilled prepared meals brand.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, free meals, and great training opportunities.
  • Other info: Enjoy a fun workplace with excellent career growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in food production.
  • Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and teamwork skills.

The predicted salary is between 26400 - 31200 £ per year.

Job Introduction

We're looking for enthusiastic Food Production Operatives to join our award-winning London Kitchen.

At Bigham's, this role is known internally as a Cooking Team Member.

As a Food Production Operative (Team Member), you'll play a key role in producing the exceptional dishes our customers know and love.

Working as part of a supportive team, you'll help ensure every product meets our high standards for quality, food safety and presentation.

Whether you're experienced in food production or looking for a new career, we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed.

If you take pride in your work, enjoy working as part of a team and want to help create some of the UK's favourite ready meals, we'd love to hear from you.

  • Rota-Based Working Pattern
  • 45 hours per week
  • 9-hour shifts (including breaks)
  • Working 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis
  • Weekend working may be required as part of the rota
  • Role Responsibility
  • Produce high-quality products in line with Bigham's specifications and standards
  • Follow all food safety, hygiene and health & safety procedures at all times
  • Work as part of a team to deliver the daily production plan and operational targets
  • Follow product instructions, recipes and process controls accurately
  • Carry out quality checks to ensure products meet Bigham's exceptional standards
  • Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment
  • Complete production records and documentation accurately where required
  • Report any quality, safety or production issues promptly to your Team Leader
  • Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality and efficiency
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to create a positive and supportive workplace
  • Assist with training and supporting new team members where appropriate
  • Develop your skills and become multi-skilled across different production areas
  • The Ideal Candidate
  • At Bigham's, our values guide how we work every day. We're looking for people who:
  • Bring Extraordinary

You take pride in your work, enjoy delivering high standards and bring a positive, can-do attitude to everything you do.

Bring People Together

You work well with others, communicate effectively and contribute to a supportive team environment.

Bring Real Care & Attention

You have a strong eye for detail, follow processes accurately and are committed to maintaining outstanding food safety and quality standards.

  • You’ll Also Need
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • The ability to follow instructions accurately and work to agreed standards
  • A positive, motivated and reliable approach to work
  • A commitment to working safely and maintaining high quality standards
  • A good command of spoken English and the ability to complete the Bigham's English language assessment
  • A willingness to learn new skills and become multi-skilled across different areas of the operation

This is a physically active role and will require you to spend much of your shift on your feet.

Experience within food production, manufacturing, hospitality or a similar environment would be beneficial, but isn't essential as full training will be provided.

Package Description

Inspired by his travels and love of cooking, Charlie Bigham founded the business in 1996 with a simple ambition: to create really delicious food.

Nearly 30 years later, Bigham's has become the UK's number one chilled prepared meals brand, with more than 50 dishes available in major supermarkets nationwide.

Just as importantly, we're passionate about creating a great place to work.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we've been recognised as one of the UK's Best Workplaces for five consecutive years.

We've also been recognised among the UK's Best Workplaces for Development and the UK's Best Workplaces for Women.

Today, thousands of customers enjoy our meals every week, and we're continuing to grow by investing in great people, developing talent and maintaining the high standards that make Bigham's special.

Benefits

Join a business where quality, teamwork and people come first.

Working in our production teams means playing an important role in creating the meals enjoyed by thousands of customers every week.

In return, we'll provide a structured onboarding experience, ongoing training and a range of benefits designed to help you thrive.

From your first day, you'll receive

  • A competitive hourly rate of £14.03, rising to £14.40 after successful completion of probation (equivalent to £32k+ per year, based on a standard working week, excluding overtime)
  • Overtime opportunities paid at £17+ per hour
  • 28 days' annual leave, increasing with service
  • Guaranteed quarterly bonus scheme
  • Paid breaks
  • Free Bigham's meals to take home
  • Pension scheme
  • Discounts with popular high-street retailers
  • Access to Medicash and an online GP service
  • Life assurance benefit
  • Subsidised canteen
  • Excellent training and development opportunities

About The Company

At Bigham's, we're passionate about creating exceptional food and providing a great place to work, that's why we've been listed on the UK's Best Workplaces for 5 years running.

You'll join a supportive team where your contribution matters, your development is encouraged and you'll play an important part in producing the meals our customers love.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Food Production Operative - Cooking Team Member employer: Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp

At Charlie Bigham's, we pride ourselves on being a B-Corp certified employer that values sustainability and social responsibility. Our Finance Team fosters a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment in a vibrant location. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working with a dedicated team committed to excellence in every aspect of our operations.

Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp

Contact Details:

Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Food Production Operative - Cooking Team Member

Join Food Science Communities

Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp.

Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops

Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp!

Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech

Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.

Leverage University Career Services

If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Operative - Cooking Team Member

Food Safety Procedures
Hygiene Standards
Health & Safety Compliance
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Quality Control
Instruction Following

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!

Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp. Make it personal and compelling!

Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp

Know Your Lab Tech!

Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.

Show Off Your Project Experience

Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.

Emphasise Your Soft Skills

Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp’s mission.