At a Glance
- Tasks: Set up and manage vibrant market stalls, engaging with traders and the public.
- Company: Join Hackney Council, a dynamic and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work outdoors every weekend, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of iconic markets, supporting local businesses and community pride.
- Qualifications: Physically fit, reliable, and a strong team player with a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
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.
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
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? Our Markets, Shop Fronts & Street Trading Service is:
- 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
Ready to Shape the Future? If you want a role where your work is visible, valued and makes a real difference every day, we would love to hear from you. 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. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
Markets and Street Trading Stall Operative in Birmingham employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As part of the Safety, Health, Environmental Quality (SHEQ) team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community safety while benefiting from comprehensive training and growth opportunities in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Markets and Street Trading Stall Operative in Birmingham
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like London Borough of Hackney, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like London Borough of Hackney!
We think you need these skills to ace Markets and Street Trading Stall Operative in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at London Borough of Hackney, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at London Borough of Hackney and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show London Borough of Hackney that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
