Markets and Street Trading Stall Operative

London Borough of Hackney; Langley; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Hackney is seeking a Market Stall Operative to help set up, manage and dismantle borough street markets. You will work across Hackney's markets, handling stalls, gazebos, lighting and barriers, with a strong focus on safety and customer service.

The role involves early starts around 5am, outdoor work in all weather, and frequent weekend shifts. You will be a visible service representative, supporting traders and the public while maintaining high standards of safety and

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work and manual handling.
• Weekend commitment: working Saturdays and Sundays on a permanent basis.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather and start early.

Responsibilities

• Set up and take down market stalls, gazebos, tables and lighting.
• Load and unload equipment from storage containers and trailers.
• Install barriers, signage and cabling safely and correctly.
• Keep market areas clean, safe and hazard-free during and after trading.
• Support traders with access to stalls and resolve on-site issues.
• Report damage or safety concerns to supervisors.
• Work as part of a close-knit team to deliver markets on time.
• Represent Hackney Council professionally to traders and the public.
• Work every Saturday and Sunday, with occasional weekday shifts as required.

Skills

Physically fit

Team player

Customer-focused

Reliable

Punctual

Job description

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