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?
- 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.
Hackney Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. 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 especially welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under‑represented in our workforce.
Markets Stall Operative in London employer: London Borough of Hackney
Join Hackney Council as a Market Stall Operative and become an integral part of our vibrant community, where your hard work directly contributes to the success of our iconic markets. We offer a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for personal growth within a nationally recognised service. Enjoy the unique experience of working outdoors every weekend in a dynamic environment that fosters teamwork and community pride.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Markets Stall Operative in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the markets! Spend some time visiting Hackney’s iconic stalls before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the environment and chatting to traders can give you a real edge when discussing your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! This role is all about working closely with others, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. We love a positive, can-do attitude!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for those early starts! Make sure you’re ready to discuss your availability and commitment to weekend work. Showing that you’re reliable and punctual will definitely impress us.
✨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 and being part of Hackney’s vibrant market scene.
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 working in vibrant public spaces. We want to see that you’re excited about being part of Hackney’s iconic 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 collaborative environment, so share how you contribute to a positive team dynamic!
Be Honest About Your Availability:Since this role requires weekend work, be upfront about your availability. If you can commit to early starts and working outdoors in all weather, let us know! We appreciate transparency and want to ensure you’re a good fit for the schedule.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨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 shows your genuine interest in the role and helps 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 effectively in a team before. Highlight your ability to support others and tackle challenges together, especially in busy or outdoor settings.
✨Demonstrate 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 showcase your ability to handle physical tasks and work in various weather conditions.
✨Engage with Customer Service Scenarios
You’ll be interacting with traders and the public regularly. Think of examples where you've provided excellent customer service or resolved issues on-site. This will show your confidence and readiness to represent Hackney Council professionally.
