Market Stall Operatives

Part Time – 14 hours per week
Salary £29,703 pa (pro rata)
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.

Whether you’re looking for a full-time challenge or a part-time role (14 hours), 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.

The Role

Hackney’s historic markets are where early mornings meet local pride. As a Market Stall Operative, you’ll be part of a hardworking, high-performing team that sets up the borough’s iconic markets before most people are even awake.

You’ll work across Hackney’s street trading sites to build, dismantle, and safely store stalls, gazebos, barriers, tables and lighting — ensuring everything is in place and running smoothly for our traders and visitors. You’ll handle heavy kit, work in all weathers, and be one of the most visible faces of our frontline team — helping traders access their stalls, resolving issues on the ground, and reporting safety concerns as they arise.

What the Role Involves

– Set up and take down stalls, gazebos, tables, and lighting systems

– Load and unload materials from storage containers and trailers

– Install barriers, signage and electrical cables safely and correctly

– Keep market areas clean, clear and hazard-free during and after trade

– Engage positively with traders and the public to support great customer service

– Work every Saturday and Sunday, with occasional weekday shifts as needed

– Use initiative and teamwork to get the job done — even under pressure

– Be proud to play a central role in Hackney’s market culture

– Willingness to work every weekend and outdoors in all weather

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.

Why Join Us?

Our Markets, Shop Fronts & Street Trading Service is:

– Nationally recognised and internationally referenced

– A multi-award-winning team with accolades from LGC, APSE, NABMA and more

– A driver of inclusive growth, sustainability and cultural celebration

– Home to Ridley Road, Broadway, Hoxton and the UK’s first Zero Plastic Markets

– A place where staff thrive, innovate and shape the future of public service         delivery

Ready to Shape the Future?

If you want to make a visible impact every day, support vibrant communities, and help small businesses thrive — this is your moment

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

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.

Closing date for applications: 05 August 2025 (22.59)

Interview and assessment date: Week Commencing 26 August 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

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 also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk