At a Glance
- Tasks: Set up and take down market stalls, ensuring smooth operations every weekend.
- Company: Join Hackney Council, a multi-award-winning service with iconic markets.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive team environment, and community engagement.
- Other info: Work outdoors, embrace early mornings, and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of Hackney's vibrant markets and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Physically fit, reliable, and a strong team player with a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30654 - 30654 £ per year.
Fixed Term / Secondment Opportunity – 12 Months
Part Time – 7 hrs
Location: Borough‑wide Markets – Every Weekend – Outdoors – Early Starts
Be the engine behind Hackney’s legendary markets. From Ridley Road to Broadway, Hackney’s markets are iconic. As a Market Stall Operative, you’ll be on the frontline, setting up stalls before the sun rises, ensuring everything runs safely and smoothly, and keeping the heart of Hackney beating strong.
We’re looking for hardworking, practical, customer‑focused team players who love the buzz of public space and don’t mind early mornings or working in all weather. You’ll be lifting, building, packing down and talking to traders every day. This role requires working every Saturday and Sunday. Please only apply if you can commit to weekend working on a permanent basis.
The Role
Hackney’s historic markets are where early mornings meet local pride. As a Market Stall Operative, you will be part of a high‑performing operational team responsible for setting up, managing and safely taking down the borough’s street markets. You will work across Hackney’s markets and street trading sites to build, dismantle and store stalls, gazebos, tables, barriers and lighting systems. This is a physically demanding role that involves manual handling, working at pace, and operating safely in all weather conditions. You will also be one of the most visible faces of the service, supporting traders, engaging with the public, and helping ensure markets operate safely, efficiently and professionally. Shifts start early (from around 5 am) and are delivered outdoors in all weather conditions.
What the Role Involves
- Setting up and taking down market stalls, gazebos, tables and lighting
- Loading and unloading equipment from storage containers and trailers
- Installing barriers, signage and cabling safely and correctly
- Keeping market areas clean, safe and hazard‑free during and after trading
- Supporting traders with access to stalls and resolving issues on‑site
- Reporting damage, safety concerns or incidents to supervisors
- Working as part of a close‑knit team to deliver markets on time
- Representing Hackney Council professionally to traders and the public
- Working every Saturday and Sunday, with occasional weekday shifts where required
Who We’re Looking For
- Physically fit and able to carry out manual work for prolonged periods
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Reliable, punctual and able to work early starts consistently
- A strong team player with a positive, can‑do attitude
- Confident engaging with traders and members of the public
- Committed to health and safety and following clear procedures
This is a permanent operational role and is not suitable for short‑term, casual or seasonal availability.
Why Join Us
- Nationwide recognised and internationally referenced
- A multi‑award‑winning service, recognised by LGC, APSE, NABMA and others
- A driver of inclusive economic growth and community pride
- Home to iconic markets including Ridley Road, Broadway and Chatsworth Road
- A service where staff are valued, supported and developed
Equal Opportunity
Hackney Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. It works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and social class. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people.
Closing date for applications: 21 June 2026 (22:59)
Interview date: W/C 29th June 2026
Markets Stall Operative in London employer: Hackney Borough Council
Join Hackney Council as a Market Stall Operative and become an integral part of our vibrant community, where your hard work and dedication will be recognised and rewarded. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive work culture, you'll thrive in a role that not only offers the excitement of working outdoors in iconic markets but also provides opportunities for personal growth and teamwork. Embrace the chance to contribute to Hackney's rich market heritage while enjoying the benefits of a multi-award-winning service that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Markets Stall Operative in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the markets! Visit them on weekends, chat with traders and staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will give you a feel for the role and help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! Highlight any past experiences where you’ve worked closely with others, especially in busy environments. We want to see that you can thrive in a close-knit team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for those early starts! Make sure you’re prepared to discuss how you handle early mornings and physically demanding work. It’s all about showing us you’re committed to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Hackney’s iconic markets.
We think you need these skills to ace Markets Stall Operative in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Markets:When writing your application, let us know why you love markets! Share any experiences you've had that show your enthusiasm for public spaces and community engagement. We want to see that you’re excited about being part of Hackney’s vibrant market scene.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:This role is all about teamwork, so make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve worked closely with others. We’re looking for those who thrive in a team environment, so share examples that showcase your collaborative spirit!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this role requires weekend work, be upfront about your availability in your application. Let us know that you can commit to early starts every Saturday and Sunday, as this is crucial for the role.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we want to see your personality shine through, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your application well. Don’t forget to apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney Borough Council
✨Know Your Markets
Before the interview, do some research on Hackney's markets. Familiarise yourself with their history, the types of stalls, and what makes them special. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As a Market Stall Operative, teamwork is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight your ability to support others and tackle challenges together, especially in busy or outdoor settings.
✨Show Off Your Physical Readiness
This role is physically demanding, so be prepared to discuss your fitness and experience with manual work. Mention any relevant activities or jobs that demonstrate your ability to handle the physical aspects of the job, like lifting and setting up stalls.
✨Embrace the Early Starts
Since shifts start early, make sure to express your willingness to work those hours consistently. Share any past experiences where you've successfully managed early starts or worked in similar conditions, showing that you're reliable and punctual.
