Market Stalls Operative x3

ABOUT THE ROLE

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. This is your chance to be part of one of the UK’s most celebrated market services, supporting local businesses, helping residents, and making Hackney a better place to live, shop and celebrate.

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.

This is a physically demanding outdoor role with early starts and manual handling but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’ll be helping local businesses grow, keeping the streets lively and safe, and making Hackney’s markets happen.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions.

These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add.

AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Salary: £27,711 – £28,128 (pro rata for part-time)

Interview date: 24th February 2026

Location: Borough-wide Markets – Every Weekend – Outdoors – Early Starts

Contract: This is a permanent operational role and is not suitable for short-term, casual or seasonal availability.

Hours: Part Time – 7 & 14 hrs / Shifts start early (from around 5am) and are delivered outdoors in all weather conditions.