At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Cooking Team to prepare high-quality meals using modern kitchen equipment.
- Company: Charlie Bigham's, a leading brand in pre-prepared meals.
- Benefits: Earn over £33k per year, enjoy free meals, and receive discounts at popular retailers.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: No chef experience needed; we provide training and a consistent work schedule.
- Qualifications: A hands-on attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
The following content displays a map of the job's location - Charlie Bigham's Quarry Kitchen, Dulcote Quarry, Wells BA5 3FH.
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent
£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.
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:
- 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) in Somerset employer: Charlie Bighams
At Charlie Bigham's, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth. Our Cooking Team Members enjoy a structured environment with comprehensive training through Bigham’s Academy, ensuring you develop your skills while enjoying benefits like free meals, discounts, and a consistent 4 on 4 off rota, all set in the picturesque location of Wells, Somerset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Operative – Cooking Team Member (4 on 4 off Days) in Somerset
✨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 Bighams.
✨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 Bighams!
✨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 Bighams, 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 Bighams, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Charlie Bighams, 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 Bighams.
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 Bighams. 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 Bighams. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlie Bighams
✨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 Bighams’s mission.