At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Cooking Team to prepare high-quality meals in a modern kitchen.
- Company: Charlie Bigham's, the leading brand in chilled pre-prepared meals.
- Benefits: Earn £32k+, enjoy overtime pay, and receive free meals.
- Other info: Enjoy a consistent 4 on, 4 off schedule with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: No chef experience needed; we provide full training and a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: A hands-on attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Charlie Bigham's Quarry Kitchen, Dulcote Quarry, Wells BA5 3FH
Job Reference: charliebighams/TP/19158/513
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £14.72–£15.33 per hour | £32k–£33k+ per year | Overtime £20+ per hour | 4 days on, 4 days off
Working Hours: 40
Closing Date: 20/06/2026
Job Category: Production/Manufacturing
Region / Division: Wells; Somerset
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.
- A competitive hourly rate of £14.72, rising to £15.33 after 3 months.
- Overtime paid at 1.5x your hourly rate (£20+ per hour).
- 28 days’ annual leave, increasing with service.
- Quarterly bonus.
- Free Bigham’s meals to take home.
- Discounts with popular high‑street retailers.
- Life assurance benefit.
- 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.
Job Introduction:
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.
Main Responsibilities:
- 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.
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) employer: Charlie Bighams
Charlie Bigham's is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a structured work-life balance with a 4 on, 4 off shift pattern. Employees benefit from comprehensive training through Bigham’s Academy, generous annual leave, and perks such as free meals and discounts at popular retailers, all within a supportive team environment that values care and attention to detail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Charlie Bigham's. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their cooking crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Cooking Team Member, teamwork is key. Think about examples from your past where you've worked well with others. Being able to share these stories will highlight your ability to bring people together in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on approach! During the interview, emphasise your reliability and willingness to learn. Share any experiences where you've tackled challenges head-on, especially in fast-paced settings. This will demonstrate that you’re ready to get stuck in and contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the Bigham’s family. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for food and teamwork shine through. We love candidates who are excited about the role and ready to dive into the cooking process with us!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly in food production. We appreciate skills like teamwork and reliability, so don’t hesitate to showcase those!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We’re busy folks, so keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our Cooking Team.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the quickest way for us to get your application and start the conversation!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlie Bighams
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Charlie Bigham's and their values. Understanding their commitment to quality and teamwork will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role is all about working as part of a team, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Highlighting your ability to communicate and support your teammates will make you stand out.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
They mention that no previous cooking experience is required, so focus on your eagerness to learn and develop new skills. Share any experiences where you’ve quickly picked up new tasks or adapted to new environments.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling fresh ingredients and maintaining hygiene standards. Brush up on basic food safety practices and be ready to discuss how you would ensure a clean workspace while working efficiently.
