At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage relationships with artisan workshops in China for handmade products.
- Company: Knit Knots, a creative retail brand celebrating craftsmanship and handmade techniques.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to work with international artisans.
- Other info: Fluency in English and Chinese is essential; travel to China may be required.
- Why this job: Join a values-driven team and make a real impact in the handmade lifestyle industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain management, especially with handmade products.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: London
Working hours: 37.5 hours/week
Job type: Full time
Pay: £43000- £55000 per year
About Us
Knit Knots is a London-based retail brand specialising in handmade and artisan knit and crochet products, including decorative items, gifts, accessories and homeware. Our products celebrate craftsmanship, creativity and traditional hand-making techniques, offering customers thoughtfully designed pieces with character and warmth.
As our business grows, we are expanding our artisan supply network, particularly working with small workshops, craft studios and skilled makers in China who specialise in hand-made knit and crochet production. We are now seeking a dedicated Purchasing Manager to manage this sourcing process while safeguarding the authenticity, quality and ethical values of handmade production.
Role Overview
The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for sourcing, coordinating and managing handmade production with Chinese artisan suppliers. This role is not mass manufacturing–focused; instead, it requires sensitivity to craft-based production methods, capacity planning for handmade goods, and close collaboration with makers to ensure consistency, quality and timely delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and manage relationships with artisan workshops and small-scale handmade producers in China, specialising in knit and crochet products.
- Coordinate handmade production schedules, taking into account manual production capacity, lead times and seasonal demand.
- Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities and timelines in a way that supports sustainable artisan production.
- Oversee sampling, prototype development and quality approval processes for handmade items.
- Ensure finished products meet agreed design, craftsmanship and quality standards.
- Liaise with logistics partners to manage shipping, customs documentation and import compliance.
- Work closely with retail, online and design teams to forecast purchasing needs and manage stock levels for handmade collections.
- Maintain clear records of suppliers, orders, costs and delivery timelines.
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in purchasing, sourcing or supply chain management, preferably within handmade products, textiles, crafts, lifestyle or retail.
- Demonstrable experience working with Chinese suppliers or artisan workshops.
- Strong understanding of handmade production processes and their limitations compared with mass manufacturing.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Fluency in both English and Chinese is essential.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel to China for supplier visits where required.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- Opportunity to work closely with international artisan communities.
- Creative, values-driven retail environment focused on craftsmanship and design.
- Long-term career development within a growing handmade lifestyle brand.
How to Apply
- Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with handmade or artisan sourcing, particularly with Chinese suppliers.
Purchasing Manager employer: Knit
Knit Knots is an exceptional employer located in the heart of London, offering a vibrant and creative work culture that celebrates craftsmanship and ethical production. As a Purchasing Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with international artisan communities, ensuring the authenticity and quality of handmade products while enjoying competitive pay and long-term career development within a growing lifestyle brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with artisans or suppliers. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for handmade products! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your love for craftsmanship and how it aligns with their values. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its artisan network. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their sourcing process and maintain quality. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV with Care:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in purchasing and sourcing, especially if you've worked with handmade products or Chinese suppliers. Tailor it to show off your skills in negotiation and communication, as these are key for the Purchasing Manager role.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for handmade crafts and explain why you're excited about working with artisan workshops. Be specific about your experiences that relate to the role, and don’t forget to mention your fluency in English and Chinese.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:In your application, highlight any examples of how you've managed production schedules or supplier relationships in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate strong organisational skills and attention to detail, so make sure to include relevant experiences!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Knit Knots!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knit
✨Know Your Craft
Familiarise yourself with the handmade production processes and the specific challenges they present. Understanding the nuances of artisan work will help you demonstrate your sensitivity to craft-based production during the interview.
✨Research Knit Knots
Dive deep into Knit Knots' values, products, and their artisan supply network. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Think about potential negotiation scenarios you might face when working with suppliers. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated pricing or timelines while maintaining quality and ethical standards.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since fluency in both English and Chinese is essential, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills. You might even want to practice a few key phrases in Chinese related to sourcing and production to impress your interviewers!
