Job Introduction
This isn’t a traditional chef role.
As a Preparation & Cooking Team Member at Bigham’s, you’ll work in a modern kitchen environment preparing ingredients and using specialist equipment that guides you step‑by‑step through each recipe.
No previous cooking experience is required — we’ll train you.
This is a hands‑on role where you’ll be involved in both preparing fresh ingredients and cooking them at scale, helping us produce the high‑quality meals Bigham’s is known for.
Working Hours:
4 nights on, 4 nights off - 6pm-6am
Role Responsibility
As a Preparation & Cooking Team Member, you will be:
- Preparing ingredients, including weighing and hand cutting fresh produce, meat and fish
- Following clear, step‑by‑step recipe instructions
- Operating cooking equipment to prepare food at scale
- Monitoring cooking processes to ensure quality and consistency
- Carrying out quality checks to meet Bigham’s standards
- Maintaining high hygiene standards and a clean, organised workspace
- Completing simple production records and logs
- Supporting effective and accurate shift handovers
- Reporting any issues with equipment in 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 have a good eye for detail and take pride in doing things properly
You’ll also need:
- A good level of physical fitness, including the ability to lift up to 20kg
- A willingness to work in temperature‑controlled areas
- A reliable, hands‑on approach to work
- A desire to learn and develop your skills
Experience in food production, kitchens or similar environments is beneficial, but not essential - full training will be provided.
Package Description
Job Description
This is a role for people who take real pride in their work and enjoy being part of a busy, hands‑on production environment. When you start your career with Bigham’s, you’ll receive:
- A competitive hourly rate of £16.98, rising to £17.68 after 3 months
(equivalent to over £37,000-£38,000+ per year, based on a 40‑hour week, excluding overtime) - Overtime paid at over £20 per hour, paid at 1.5x the hourly rate
- 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
- Access to Medicash and an online GP service
- Life assurance benefit
- Free on‑site parking
- Subsidised canteen
About the Company
Inspired by his travels and love of cooking, Charlie Bigham set up shop in 1996 with the sole 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.
