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 salary, supportive team environment, and community engagement.
- Other info: Work outdoors in all weather, with early starts and opportunities for growth.
- 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
Market Stalls Operative x1 Scale 2 – £30,654 (pro rata for part-time)
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 employer: London Borough of Hackney
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! Spend some time visiting Hackney’s iconic stalls before your interview. Chat with traders and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only give you a feel for the role but also show your genuine interest in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've worked well in a team. Remember, as a Market Stall Operative, you'll be part of a close-knit crew, so highlighting your ability to collaborate is key.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for those early starts! If you're applying, make sure you can commit to the weekend shifts. Mention your flexibility and reliability in your conversations, as this will reassure them that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Hackney team and being part of something special.
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 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 can collaborate effectively, so share examples that showcase your ability to work well in a team.
Be Honest About Your Availability:Since this role 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 transparency and want to ensure you’re a good fit for the schedule.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your application well. A personal touch is great, but make sure it aligns with the professionalism we uphold at Hackney Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨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
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples from past experiences where you collaborated effectively, especially in physically demanding situations. This role is all about teamwork, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for the Weather
Since this job involves working outdoors in all weather conditions, be ready to discuss how you handle different environments. Mention any previous experience working outside and how you stay motivated during early starts or bad weather.
✨Safety First!
Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety. Be prepared to talk about any relevant procedures you've followed in past roles. Showing that you prioritise safety will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
