We adopt a ‘name blind’ approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.
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Organisation
Kirklees
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Directorate
Public Health and Corporate Resources
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Service Area
Culture & Visitor Economy
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Hours
37
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Number of Jobs
1
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Location(s)
Across Kirklees
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Position type
Permanent
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Grade
Grade 12
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Salary
£45,091- £47,181
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Advert Wording
Join us at a pivotal moment as we reshape how markets operate across Kirklees, creating modern, welcoming, customer‑focused spaces for the future.
Kirklees Council
Are you an experienced, energetic and people‑focused operational leader looking for your next challenge? Do you want to play a key role in shaping the future of vibrant, community‑centred markets across Kirklees? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
This is an exceptionally exciting time to join the Markets Service at Kirklees Council. With over £17m of investment committed to transforming Huddersfield Open Market and Dewsbury Market, we are entering a period of major growth, regeneration and innovation. Our markets sit at the heart of our town centres, supporting local businesses, boosting footfall, and bringing communities together — and you can help drive this next chapter.
Alongside these major projects, we are seeing increasing demand for smaller, local fresh‑food markets. This role offers the opportunity to help shape how we respond to that demand, grow our offer, and maximise income and customer satisfaction.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, you will work closely with the Markets Manager to deliver high‑quality, day‑to‑day operations across our indoor markets, outdoor markets and themed market events. You will also play a pivotal role in supporting the development of our major regeneration projects and ensuring our services are ready to meet the demands of the new markets.
This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, problem‑solving and meaningful collaboration. You’ll be a visible leader across our market sites, working directly with traders, local businesses, internal teams, contractors and partners.
What You’ll Be Doing
You will lead on a wide range of operational and improvement-focused responsibilities, including:
Developing strategies and business improvement plans to attract more visitors and enhance the market experience.
Supporting the Markets Manager to shape a strong communications and marketing approach that helps us meet financial and customer targets.
Working closely with traders and local businesses to support growth and sustain a vibrant marketplace.
Designing and implementing customer feedback processes, ensuring insight translates into real, positive change.
Continually reviewing and assessing KPIs, ensuring the service is high-performing and future-ready.
Managing multiple premises across the district, including on-site teams delivering frontline services.
Working with procurement to ensure compliance when purchasing new equipment or awarding contracts.
Embedding health & safety best practice and ensuring broader compliance across the markets sector.
Acting as a key contact for traders, supporting them through change and helping them grow their businesses.
Taking a flexible approach to hours in order to meet service and site operational needs.
What We’re Looking For
You will bring:
A proven track record in operational management, service improvement and people leadership.
A passion for working with communities, local businesses and diverse stakeholders.
Energy, initiative and a strong commitment to customer experience.
The ability to manage complex workloads, lead change and deliver tangible improvements.
Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
A hands‑on, solutions‑focused approach.
Interested? Let’s Talk.
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Karen Roche is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.
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This job is subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level, please refer to the Job Description/Profile. A conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.
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We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email:
[email protected] or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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We encourage you to read our AI Guidance before submitting your application to ensure your supporting statements reflect your own authentic experience.
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Closing date
16 August 2026, 11:55 PM
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