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.
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.
