Cook

Job Title: Cook

PP-SRS-GRD: C

Location: RAF Lakenheath

Vacancy Number: 025758

Open Date: 18 November 2025

Close Date: 02 December 2025

Work Hours Per Week: 39 hours

Salary (Per Hour): £14.16

**This is a fixed term contract projected to end 31 January 2029, depending upon budgetary constraints**

Several vacancies may be available - multiple selections may be made

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join a premier team of Cooks at the 48 Force Support Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath , United Kingdom.

What will be your primary role?

The primary purpose of this position is to prepare and cook simple food. You will be responsible for preparing and cooking items which require little or no processing. You will weigh, measure, and assemble ingredients and maintain accurate food inventories. Duties will include the cleaning of tools and equipment including (but not limited to) grills, food processors, slicing machines and toasters. In addition, you will utilize health, safety and sanitation practices, procedures, rules, and regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment.

** Experience related to food preparation and cooking is required.

We offer fantastic company benefits include:

· Competitive salary: the starting salary for this position is £14.16 per hour

· Holiday: Annual Leave + UK Bank Holidays

· Paid Sick Leave

· Pension Scheme

· Free On-Site Parking

· Employee extras such as: Life Assurance scheme, Employee Assistance Program, Specialized Training, Development Opportunities, Fitness Facilities, Receive time off, cash, and honorary awards for significant contributions

Why the US Air Force/Royal Air Force civilian employment?

U.S. Air Forces in Europe - United Kingdom (USAFE-UK), a forward detachment of USAFE, is headquartered at RAF Mildenhall, England a premier employer of over 1,200 local national employees with a right to work in the United Kingdom. Our jobs ranging from Administrative; Logistics; Trade and Labor (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC), electrician, plumbers, and general Maintenance); Civil Engineers, Lawyers, Doctors and Administrative and Management positions. The organization further serves as the focal point for overseas negotiations with His Majesty's government on a wide range of issues. Our team is dedicated to excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of operational readiness.

As the U.S. Air Forces in Europe's only fourth and fifth-generation fighter wing, RAF Lakenheath brings unique air combat capabilities to the fight, such as the most advanced Joint Direct Attack Munitions used by the F-35A & F-15E. RAF Lakenheath provides all-weather, day or night air superiority and air-to-ground precision combat capability and multi-staged improvement program avionics. Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, is located 70 miles northeast of London and 25 miles northeast of Cambridge. The Liberty Wing consists of more than 4,000 military members, over 1,500 British and U.S. civilians and includes a geographically separated unit at nearby RAF Feltwell. RAF Lakenheath is the largest U.S. Air Force-operated base in England and the only U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) F-35/F-15 fighter wing. Historically, the 48th FW has been the foundation of USAFE's combat capability and remains so today. The Liberty Wing led the El Dorado Canyon raids into Libya in 1986 and was the first F-111 fighter unit to deploy to the Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The Liberty Wing also anchored NATO forces during Operations Deliberate Force and Allied Force. Since September 11, 2001, the 48th FW has played a key role in antiterrorism operations, flying combat missions and providing combat support in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

What are the Key Skills required for this role?

1. Knowledge of the methods and procedures relating to food preparation and cooking in small quantities; and characteristics of various foods to include colors, flavors, consistencies, textures, temperatures, and cooking times.

2. Knowledge of food handling and storage practices.

3. Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation standards and procedures in order to maintain a safe and clean work environment.

4, Skill in arithmetic computations to determine precise measurements for quantities needed to prepare required amounts, multiplying ingredients and calculating servings per container; making precise measurements; and accurately weighing recipe ingredients.

1. Skill in operating, breaking down, and cleaning kitchen tools and equipment.

2. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and read and understand menus, recipes, worksheets, food labels, computerized food production sheet, and metric conversion tables.

What are the conditions of employment for this role?

1. You will be required to handle and safeguard sensitive information in accordance with applicable US and UK laws, rules and regulations.

2. You may be required to travel by military and/or civilian aircraft and you may also be required to travel to the US or other country, in the performance of official duties or attend necessary training, this position may also be coded as mission essential.

3. You will be required to complete a 6-month probationary period.

4. Overtime may be required, and you may be assigned other duties not included in this position description, but that are appropriate to the grade and skill set of the incumbent.

5. You must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

6. Shift work may be required.

7. You are required to wear safety shoes and cook's uniform.

8. You are required to possess a Food Handler's License and/or meet health-screening requirements; a high standard of personal cleanliness is required.

9. You may be required to attend Quality Improvement Training and to participate in section Quality Improvement Teams and data collection efforts.

10. Your work hours will be 39 hours per week on an as rostered schedule (this will be working any 5 days out if 7) (Various shifts / / where start & end times may be modified due to mission needs and in accordance with the organization's flexible working policies.

11. You are required to pass a pre-employment physical for this position.

NOTE: You will require a security clearance and a right to work in the UK.

This position may have certain restrictions to US citizens including US dual nationals due to the Status of Forces Agreement. For additional information contact the LNDH team on

LNDH Application

Supporting Documents to be submitted via email to

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £14.16 per hour

Expected hours: 39 per week

Work Location: In person