At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Cooking Team to prepare high-quality meals using modern equipment and step-by-step recipes.
- Company: Bigham's, the leading brand in chilled pre-prepared meals with a passion for delicious cooking.
- Benefits: Earn over £33,000 per year, enjoy paid breaks, free meals, and discounts at popular retailers.
- Other info: Enjoy a consistent 4 on 4 off rota with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: No chef experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and teamwork spirit to a fun kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: A hands-on attitude, willingness to learn, and good physical fitness are essential.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 33000 £ per year.
This isn't a traditional chef role. As a Cooking Team Member at Bigham's, you'll work in a modern kitchen environment using specialist equipment that guides you step‐by‐step through each recipe. No previous cooking experience is required - we'll train you. If you're hands‐on, reliable and enjoy working as part of a team in a busy environment, this could be a great fit. Our Cooking Teams play a vital role in producing the high‐quality meals Bigham's is known for, preparing ingredients and cooking them to the right standard ready for our Assembly Teams.
Working hours
- 4 days on / 4 days off
- 6am – 6pm
- No late nights or split shifts — just a consistent rota.
Role Responsibility
As a Cooking Team Member, You Will Be:
- Following clear, step‐by‐step instructions using cooking equipment
- Operating machinery to cook ingredients at scale
- Preparing and handling fresh ingredients
- Carrying out quality checks to ensure our standards are met
- Maintaining high hygiene standards and a clean workspace
- Completing simple production records and logs
- Supporting effective shift handovers
- Reporting any equipment issues within your area
The Ideal Candidate
What You'll Need:
- Bring extraordinary – you enjoy working in a fast‐paced environment, take a positive approach and are happy to get stuck in
- Bring people together – you work well as part of a team, communicate clearly and support those around you
- Bring real care & attention – you pay attention to detail and take pride in doing a job properly
You'll Also Need:
- A good level of physical fitness, including the ability to lift up to 20kg
- A reliable and hands‐on approach to work
- A willingness to learn and develop in the role
- Experience in food production or a kitchen environment is helpful, but not essential - full training will be provided
Package Description
Earn over £33,000 per year, with overtime paid at over £20 per hour. No chef experience needed — earn £32k+, work 4 on 4 off and follow simple step‐by‐step cooking processes in a structured kitchen environment.
When you start your career with Bigham's, you'll receive:
- A competitive hourly rate of £14.72, rising to £15.33 after 3 months. (equivalent to over £32,000 per year, rising to over £33,000, based on a 40‐hour week, excluding overtime)
- Overtime paid at 1.5x your hourly rate (£20+ per hour)
- 28 days' annual leave, increasing with service
- Quarterly bonus
- Paid breaks
- Free Bigham's meals to take home
- Pension scheme
- Discounts with popular high‐street retailers
- Life assurance benefit
- Free on‐site parking
- Subsidised canteen
You'll also have the opportunity to take part in training delivered by our Bigham's Academy, helping you develop your skills, progress your career and increase your earnings.
About The Company
Inspired by his travels and love of cooking, Charlie Bigham set up shop in 1996 with the role aim of creating really delicious dishes. Twenty‐five years later Bigham's is now the number one brand in the chilled pre‐prepared meal category. With over 50 dishes available in major supermarkets.
Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days) in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp
Bigham's is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary starting at over £32,000 per year with opportunities for overtime and bonuses. Our modern kitchen environment fosters teamwork and hands-on learning, ensuring that every Cooking Team Member receives comprehensive training and support while enjoying benefits like free meals, discounts, and a pension scheme. With a consistent 4 on 4 off rota, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the production of high-quality meals that our customers love.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days) in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Bigham's. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Even though no experience is needed, it’s a good idea to get familiar with basic cooking techniques. Watch some videos or try out simple recipes at home to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your teamwork! During the interview, share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Bigham's values collaboration, so showing that you can communicate and support others will go a long way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings there, making it easier for us to connect with you about opportunities at Bigham's.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days) in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond just your work experience. Share your enthusiasm for food and teamwork – it’ll make your application stand out.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure to read the application instructions carefully. We love it when candidates pay attention to detail, so follow any specific guidelines we’ve set out. It shows us you can follow step-by-step processes, just like in the kitchen!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since we’re all about teamwork at Bigham's, don’t forget to mention any experiences where you’ve worked well with others. Whether it’s in a job or a group project, showing that you can collaborate effectively is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a Cooking Team Member involves. Familiarise yourself with the step-by-step cooking processes and the importance of teamwork in a busy kitchen environment. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Hands-On Attitude
Since this role is all about being hands-on, be prepared to discuss any previous experiences where you've worked in a practical setting. Even if you haven't worked in a kitchen before, think about times when you've tackled physical tasks or worked as part of a team. Highlighting your reliability and willingness to learn will go a long way.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Bigham's values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Whether it's in a job, sports, or even group projects, demonstrating your ability to communicate clearly and support your teammates will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About Training and Development
Since Bigham's offers training through their Academy, come prepared with questions about the learning opportunities available. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also in growing your skills and advancing your career. It reflects a proactive attitude that employers love to see.
