At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at a vibrant market hall in Covent Garden.
- Company: Join Jubilee Market Hall, a beloved community-focused not-for-profit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a unique leadership role with potential for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic venue that values community and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in senior operational leadership, ideally in market or cultural settings.
- Other info: Transition period with outgoing CEO for smooth handover before taking full responsibilities.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
Jubilee Market Hall (JMH), a historic and much-loved, market hall in the heart of London's Covent Garden, is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a clear plan for the appointment to succeed the current Chief Executive Officer mid-2026.
This is a rare leadership opportunity to join a unique organisation that combines commercial responsibility with a strong sense of community stewardship. Owned and operated by a collective of 113 market traders, JMH is a not-for-profit enterprise that reinvests surplus income back into the market's upkeep and promotion.
You will work closely with outgoing CEO Stewart Carroll for a six-month transition period, ensuring a smooth handover of operations and governance. Following his planned departure in June 2026, you will assume broader responsibilities, with the potential to become the Chief Executive Officer.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Leading day-to-day market operations, ensuring a safe and vibrant environment.
- Overseeing a lean operational team and external consultants.
- Working with a new Head of Finance on budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
- Building and sustaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including market traders, Shaftesbury Capital Plc, local authorities, and community groups.
- Supporting the Board of Directors and the wider shareholder community.
- Contributing to long-term strategic projects.
About You
You will have at least 7 years of senior operational leadership experience, ideally from a market, cultural venue, retail, heritage, or not-for-profit background. You are a collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader with strong financial acumen and a proven track record of managing complex, public-facing environments.
If you are a resilient and adaptable leader with as passion for London and the diplomacy to manage diverse stakeholder interests, we encourage you to apply.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Nigel Wright Group
Contact Detail:
Nigel Wright Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Jubilee Market Hall's history and its community impact. Understanding the unique blend of commercial responsibility and community stewardship will help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former stakeholders of Jubilee Market Hall. Engaging with market traders, local authorities, and community groups can provide valuable insights into the operational challenges and opportunities, which you can leverage in conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex public-facing environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated stakeholder interests, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead in a diverse setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your financial acumen by being ready to discuss budgeting and financial planning strategies. Given the role's emphasis on working with the new Head of Finance, having a clear understanding of financial management will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Operating Officer position at Jubilee Market Hall. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior operational leadership experience, particularly in market, cultural venue, retail, heritage, or not-for-profit sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Make sure to illustrate your collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex, public-facing environments and built relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a strong cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for London and community stewardship. Mention your adaptability and resilience, as these traits are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Chief Operating Officer role, it's crucial to highlight your senior operational leadership experience. Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage complex environments, and drive operational success.
✨Understand the Community Focus
Jubilee Market Hall has a strong sense of community stewardship. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their community-focused initiatives. This will show your alignment with their goals and your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Given the diverse range of stakeholders involved, prepare to discuss your experience in building and sustaining relationships. Think about how you can effectively engage with market traders, local authorities, and community groups, and be ready to share strategies you've used in the past.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
With responsibilities including budgeting and financial planning, it's essential to showcase your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial management, reporting, and any relevant tools or methodologies you've employed to ensure fiscal responsibility.