At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Cooking Team to prepare high-quality meals using modern kitchen equipment.
- Company: Bigham’s, the leading brand in chilled pre-prepared meals.
- Benefits: Earn over £33,000 per year with paid breaks and free meals.
- Other info: Enjoy 28 days' leave, bonuses, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: No chef experience needed; just follow simple recipes and enjoy a structured work environment.
- Qualifications: Reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are key.
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 At Bigham’s, our values guide how we work every day. We’re looking for people who:
- 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 Wells employer: Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp
Bigham’s is an exceptional employer that offers a supportive and dynamic work environment for Cooking Team Members. With a structured 4 on 4 off rota, competitive pay starting at £14.72 per hour, and comprehensive training through Bigham’s Academy, employees can thrive while enjoying benefits like free meals, bonuses, and discounts with high-street retailers. Join a team that values collaboration, attention to detail, and personal growth in a modern kitchen setting where your contributions directly impact the quality of our renowned dishes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days) in Wells
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Bigham’s website and social media. Understanding their values and products will help you connect during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about interviews, grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on how you can bring extraordinary energy to the team and highlight your willingness to learn.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share examples! Think of times when you’ve worked in a team or tackled challenges head-on. Bigham’s loves people who bring others together and care about quality, so have those stories at the ready.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Bigham’s family right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days) in Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and how you fit into our team.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure to read the job description carefully and follow any specific instructions we’ve provided. This shows us that you can pay attention to detail, which is super important in our busy kitchen environment.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since teamwork is key at Bigham’s, share examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the past. Whether it’s in a job or a group project, we love to see how you bring people together!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
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 at Bigham’s entails. 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 and ready to contribute.
✨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 it’s not food-related, highlight your reliability and willingness to get stuck in. Bigham’s values a proactive approach!
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Bigham’s looks for candidates who can work well in a team. Think of examples from your past where you’ve collaborated effectively with others. Be ready to share how you communicate clearly and support your teammates, as this is crucial in a fast-paced kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Quality checks and maintaining hygiene standards are key responsibilities in this role. Prepare to discuss how you ensure quality in your work and how you pay attention to detail. This will reassure the interviewers that you take pride in doing a job properly.
