Be the engine behind Hackney’s legendary markets
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.
Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
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. This is your chance to be part of one of the UK’s most celebrated market services, supporting local businesses, helping residents, and making Hackney a better place to live, shop and celebrate.
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
This is a physically demanding outdoor role with early starts and manual handling, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’ll be helping local businesses grow, keeping the streets lively and safe, and making Hackney’s markets happen.
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?
- Nationally 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
You will be joining a service that plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and animating Hackney’s public spaces every week.
Ready to Shape the Future?
For support with your application, contact: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Hackney Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.
Please note – we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high number of applications.
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our “PROUD values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Closing date for applications
12 November 2026 (22.59)
Interview date
TBC
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Markets and Street Trading Stall Operative employer: Hackney Borough Council
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to the welfare of children and young people, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a culture of collaboration, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's PROUD values promote respect, ownership, and unity, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
