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 over £33k per year, with overtime and great perks like free meals.
- Other info: Enjoy a consistent rota with 4 days on, 4 days off and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: No chef experience needed; we provide 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.
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.
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:
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 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 Bighams
Charlie Bigham's is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a unique 4 on, 4 off work schedule that promotes a healthy work-life balance. With comprehensive training through Bigham's Academy, employees can develop their skills and advance their careers in a supportive team environment, all while enjoying benefits like free meals, discounts, and a quarterly bonus. Located in the picturesque Wells, Somerset, our modern kitchen fosters a collaborative culture where every team member plays a vital role in creating high-quality meals.
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 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 demonstrate that you can bring people together in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your hands-on attitude! During the interview, express your willingness to learn and get stuck in. Highlight any experiences where you've had to adapt quickly or take on physical tasks. This will reassure them that you're ready for the fast-paced world of food production.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and you’ll be one step closer to joining the Bigham's family!
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 get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have. We love seeing how you connect your background to the role of Cooking Team Member!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your experience without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlie Bighams
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Charlie Bigham's. Understand their values, mission, and what makes their meals special. This will not only show your interest but also help you align your answers with their culture.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As a Cooking Team Member, you'll be part of a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Emphasise your ability to communicate clearly and support your teammates, as this is crucial in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
Since no previous cooking experience is required, focus on your eagerness to learn and develop. Talk about any past experiences where you quickly picked up new skills or adapted to new environments. This will show that you're ready to embrace the training offered.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling fresh ingredients and maintaining hygiene standards. Brush up on basic food safety practices and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure quality in your work. This shows that you take real care and attention in your tasks.
