Markets and Street Trading Stall Operative

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.

The Role

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.

Shifts start early (from around 5 am) and are delivered outdoors in all weather conditions.

What the Role Involves

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

You will be:

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

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values