Markets Operations Lead: Frontline & Trader Growth

London Borough of Hackney; Langley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Hackney is seeking a senior operational lead for its markets and street trading locations. You will represent the Council, ensuring sites are safe, welcoming, and commercially successful, while balancing traders, residents, visitors, and the wider community.

You will spend much of your time on-site across Hackney’s markets, coordinating frontline operations, supporting colleagues, and building strong relationships with traders and partners.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading frontline operations in a busy environment.
• Ability to make decisions and resolve issues calmly under pressure.
• Strong relationships with traders, residents and partners.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of occupancy, customer experience and income generation.
• Focus on customer service while applying regulation and compliance.
• Good written communication and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Lead frontline operations across markets and street trading locations.
• Coordinate activities on site and make sound decisions when issues arise.
• Develop colleagues, set standards and deliver consistent customer service.
• Build relationships with traders to support existing businesses and new entrants.
• Grow occupancy and income by filling pitches and attract traders.
• Manage licensing, inspections and enforcement proportionately.
• Improve income collection and reduce arrears while treating businesses fairly.
• Maintain high standards in the public realm and address hazards quickly.
• Use data to monitor performance and improve service operations.
• Collaborate with the Council and external agencies on complex issues.
• Support events and campaigns to attract new audiences and businesses.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Commercial awareness

Customer service

Regulation & compliance

Written communication

Digital systems

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Case-management systems

Mobile technology

Job description

London Borough of Hackney is seeking a senior operational lead for its markets and street trading locations. You will represent the Council, ensuring sites are safe, welcoming, and commercially successful, while balancing traders, residents, visitors, and the wider community.

You will spend much of your time on-site across Hackney’s markets, coordinating frontline operations, supporting colleagues, and building strong relationships with traders and partners.