Lower Marsh Market Manager

If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information.

Job Description and Person Specification

• Term: Permanent
• Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
• Schedule: Full time, although part time options will be considered
• Hours: 8am - 4.30pm - some flexible working and evening/weekend shifts may be required
• Reports to: WeAreWaterloo BID’s Chief Executive

Lower Marsh Market Ltd is seeking a Market Manager to oversee the strategic and operational management of Lower Marsh Market, a community hub since the 1800s and now an iconic central London destination.

Company Description

Lower Marsh Market (LMM) is a vibrant and historic street market in London’s Waterloo, SE1, operated by Lower Marsh Market Ltd with managerial oversight from WeAreWaterloo, the Business Improvement District (BID) for the neighbourhood. The Market operates Monday - Friday from 11am - 3pm, when a road closure is in place. There are approximately 15-30 traders on any given day on the market; an array of hot food traders selling a diverse range of cuisines, plus a handful of craft traders. There is an exciting opportunity to launch a new Saturday market at Lower Marsh. Lower Marsh Market Ltd has its own Board and budget and invests any operating profit back into the market and its surroundings. WeAreWaterloo BID is governed and funded by the local business community, which includes a wide range of hospitality, cultural, SME and charitable institutions. Powered by a team of passionate individuals, WeAreWaterloo works to improve Waterloo as a place to work, visit and live by rolling out diverse and creative programmes that enhance and protect the environment, celebrate and promote its unique character, and connect those within it. Lower Marsh is a key part of WeAreWaterloo’s Placemaking Strategy.

Job Description

• Work with the WeAreWaterloo CEO, team and LMM Board to develop the strategic direction of the Market to generate footfall, spend, reach new audiences and positively impact the street.
• Work in partnership with the WeAreWaterloo CEO to develop and deliver an annual business plan for the market.
• Prepare for and lead quarterly LMM Board Meetings, with support from the WeAreWaterloo CEO.
• Stay abreast of the broader market scene to ensure adherence to best practice and the generation of new ideas.
• Represent LMM through trade group memberships, i.e NABMA, and explore relevant partnerships.
• Build a network of relationships with key stakeholders in the area, including relevant officers at Lambeth Council and Lower Marsh businesses.

The Lower Marsh Market Manager is supported by a Market Operations team who look after the day to day running of the market. Currently the structure sees one Market Operations Supervisor in place, supported by two further operational staff on site. A part time Admin Assistant supports the Lower Marsh Market Manager in the office, both visiting the market often to oversee operations.

• The LMM Manager will be required to:
• Oversee line management of the Market Operations Team and Admin Assistant, which includes:
• General day to day management of contracted and casual/bank staff members
• Delivery of staff appraisals and training
• Keeping track of staff hours and annual leave for payroll purposes
• Creating staff schedules with the Market Supervisor
• Overseeing the implementation of a daily task schedule which covers activities related to set up, break down and down-time

• Devise new ways to improve the customer experience at LMM.
• Work with WeAreWaterloo’s Head of Public Realm on the physical environment, working together to improve the look and feel of the street.
• Prepare for a monthly finance meeting, which is run in conjunction with LMM’s bookkeeper, to provide an accurate picture of the forthcoming month’s trader bookings.
• Work with LMM’s accountant and WeAreWaterloo’s CEO to review management accounts and annual budgets.
• A robust in-house system is used to record, communicate and store all trader documents. The Market Manager is responsible for managing this system on a day-to-day basis, with support from the LMM Administrative Assistant. Training will be provided.
• It is the Market Supervisor’s role to set up, break down and store market equipment daily. It is the Market Manager’s responsibility to support the team to ensure efficient and safe systems are in place to achieve this, and to make sure that all equipment is well maintained by the team - to meet safety and aesthetic standards.
• The Lower Marsh Market Manager and Admin Assistant are office based. The Market Operations team operates from a designated storage area. The LMM Manager must support the Supervisor to ensure this space is kept clean, safe and well maintained at all times.
• Support the Operations team to solve any issues/upkeep associated with the street’s infrastructure, including electricity boxes/access points.
• Work with Lambeth Council to adhere to conditions with the Licence Agreement, meeting with the Licensing team regularly.
• Work with the LMM team to deliver periodic trader inspections/spot checks to ensure traders remain in compliance with their Terms & Conditions and compliance paperwork.
• Update and review Trader Agreements to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose.

• Develop a recruitment plan to attract new traders, and oversee all tastings for prospective new traders.
• Work with the LMM Admin Assistant to track trader attendance, trader payments, requests, pitch plans, and compliance documents.
• Liaise with traders to create daily market layouts and ensure proper and timely payments are made.
• Respond to trader enquiries, with support from the Admin Assistant.
• Ensure that all submitted compliance documentation meets required standards.
• Work with the Admin Assistant to streamline the trader recruitment process.
• Liaise directly with Lambeth Council to address any issues with applications and paperwork from prospective traders.

• Concept and deliver events to support footfall to Lower Marsh Market, working with the WeAreWaterloo team and often in collaboration with businesses on the street.
• Work with WeAreWaterloo’s marketing team to support and coordinate all events on the street.
• Work with the WeAreWaterloo marketing team who manage social media channels and content ideas.
• Oversee the LMM website which is managed by the LMM Administrative Assistant.

Person Specification

• Experience of managing markets or operating in a similar environment
• Experience of budget management
• Experience managing and supporting staff to operate to their full potential
• Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to forward plan and drive improvements
• Excellent communicator who can engage a variety of stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure

• Knowledge of working with a local authority
• Understanding of London’s markets
• Experience facilitating outdoor events
• Experience working with CRMs or other project management systems
• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends, with time off in lieu

Further job details and how to apply:

• Tenure: Permanent, full time - part time options will be considered.
• Benefits: Includes 30 days’ paid holiday during the calendar year, plus statutory holiday on all UK public holidays.
• Place of work: This is an area-based role and you will need to be active and present in Lower Marsh, with some evening and out-of-hours work required occasionally.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements, job shares or other well-considered proposals for the role.

Application is by CV and covering letter, explaining why you would like the role and feel you would be a good fit for the position. Please send your application to Kate Poulter. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 3rd June 2026. Interviews are planned to take place on 9th June 2026.