Assistant Markets Manager

Help manage some of London\’s most iconic street markets – support traders and keep things running smoothly

Help manage some of London\’s most iconic street markets – support traders and keep things running smoothly
From the bustle of Portobello Road to community pop-ups across the borough, our markets are a vital part of life in Kensington and Chelsea. As Assistant Markets Manager, you\’ll play a key role in overseeing their safe and successful day-to-day operation – getting stuck in to resolve issues, lead a dedicated team and support the growth of vibrant local commerce.Working Style:You\’ll be based in the Borough for 5 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you\’re working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you\’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents\’ lives.What you\’ll be doing:You\’ll support the Markets Manager in running the Markets and Street Trading Office – stepping in when they\’re away, especially on Saturdays and during leave periods.Your responsibilities will span Portobello and Golborne Road markets, partner and community markets, isolated traders and storage units. You\’ll be the go-to contact for issues as they arise, from resolving trader concerns to working with emergency services or council teams to keep things moving and safe.A typical day starts early -7am on Fridays and Saturdays and 8am the rest of the week – and you\’ll be visible and present until markets close, which may be as late as 8:00pm. You\’ll lead and support a team including Market Enforcement Officers, Business Support Officers and our Notting Hill Carnival Street Trading Officer, setting daily priorities and managing outputs.You\’ll also help deliver our Markets Plan 2022-27, ensuring actions are taken on time, good practice is embedded and new opportunities for street trading are explored. That includes everything from developing seasonal or specialist markets to helping plan and manage street trading for major events like Notting Hill Carnival, where you\’ll act as a Bronze lead on the day.You\’ll monitor activity, respond to councillor queries, work with partners and ensure toilets, waste, storage and operations are well managed. You\’ll also record decisions and escalate issues when needed, support colleagues during difficult situations and carry out basic health and safety checks. Counter Terrorism training and exercises will be part of your ongoing development.For further details, please review the Job Description and Person Specification What you\’ll bringYou\’ll bring solid experience in street trading or market management, backed by a relevant qualification or equivalent practical expertise. You understand the daily pressures of running public-facing outdoor services and are confident leading a team and taking initiative under pressure.You\’ll have a good working knowledge of relevant legislation such as the London Local Authorities Act 1990 and be comfortable applying it in real-world situations. You\’ll be a practical problem-solver, with a track record of identifying issues, resolving them efficiently and maintaining high standards.You care about placemaking, local communities and supporting independent businesses. You\’ll be confident dealing with traders, residents and council teams alike, able to handle conflict with calm and professionalism, and committed to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all.You\’ll be a strong communicator, both in person and in writing, and confident using IT systems for record keeping, email, reports and spreadsheets. You\’ll need to be flexible and resilient – comfortable working outdoors in all weathers, including early mornings, weekends and bank holidays when required.Above all, you\’ll be someone who thrives in a varied, fast-paced role where no two days are the same – and who believes in the value of markets for the communities they serve.Why join usAt RBKC, we\’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future.You\’ll be joining a forward-thinking markets team that\’s on a journey of renewal and growth. Our Markets Plan is focused on strengthening our local offer and creating more opportunities for traders, residents and visitors alike. In 2023, we were named Best Large Outdoor Market by NABMA – and we\’re just getting started.You\’ll find support to grow your career, space to contribute ideas and recognition for the difference you make. This is a role where you can take ownership, lead from the front and help shape the future of one of London\’s most loved trading communities.About usKensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.As Assistant Markets Manager, you\’ll be right at the heart of that mission – working across the streets and spaces where our borough comes to life. Your energy, care and leadership will help ensure that our markets stay clean, safe and vibrant – and continue to bring people together, day after day.Interview Details Interviews will take place on W/C 6 October 2025Ready to join us?We\’re all in – are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we\’d love to hear from you.Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description.
We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range.
Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.
We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible. #J-18808-Ljbffr