At a Glance
- Tasks: Set up and take down market stalls, ensuring smooth operations every weekend.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's award-winning team at iconic markets.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive environment, and a chance to engage with the community.
- Other info: Work outdoors in all weather and enjoy early starts.
- Why this job: Be part of Hackney's vibrant market scene and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Physically fit, reliable, and a strong team player.
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
- 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
Contact our support team: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
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 employer: Hackney Borough Council
Join Hackney Council as a Market Stall Operative and be part of a dynamic team that keeps the borough's iconic markets thriving. With a commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and the opportunity to engage with the vibrant community, this role offers meaningful work in a celebrated environment. Enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to local pride while working outdoors every weekend in a role that values your hard work and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Markets Stall Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the markets! Visit them on weekends, chat with traders and observe how everything runs. This will give you a solid understanding of what’s needed and show your genuine interest when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for those early starts! If you can demonstrate your commitment to waking up at the crack of dawn and working in all weather, you’ll stand out as a reliable candidate. Show us you’re up for the challenge!
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your teamwork skills! This role is all about working closely with others, so share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. We want to see that you can be a positive force in our team.
✨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 awesome team at Hackney’s markets.
We think you need these skills to ace Markets Stall Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Markets:When you write your application, let us know why you love markets! Share any experiences you've had in similar roles or how you enjoy engaging with the public. 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 your ability to work well with others. Give examples of how you've collaborated in past jobs or projects. We’re looking for those who can keep the energy up and support their teammates!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this position requires weekend work, be upfront about your availability in your application. If you can commit to early starts and working outdoors, let us know! We appreciate honesty and clarity right from the start.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and check for any typos. A well-structured application shows us that you take this opportunity seriously. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney Borough Council
✨Know Your Markets
Familiarise yourself with Hackney's markets, like Ridley Road and Broadway. Understand their unique vibes and what makes them special. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
As a Market Stall Operative, teamwork is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlight your positive attitude and willingness to support others, especially in busy environments.
✨Prepare for the Physical Demands
This job is physically demanding, so be prepared to discuss your fitness and ability to handle manual work. You might even want to mention any relevant experience with lifting or working outdoors in various weather conditions.
✨Engage with Customer Service Scenarios
Since you'll be interacting with traders and the public, think about how you'd handle different customer service situations. Prepare to discuss how you would resolve issues on-site and keep the market running smoothly.
