At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage relationships with artisan workshops for handmade knit and crochet products.
- Company: Join a creative, values-driven lifestyle brand focused on craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to work with international artisans.
- Other info: Fluency in English and Chinese is essential; travel to China may be required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the handmade industry while collaborating with talented makers.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain management, especially with handmade products.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 53000 £ per year.
Salary: £43,000-£53,000 per year
Working hours: 37.5 hours/week
About Us
Knit 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, to: knitknotslondon@gmail.com
Purchasing Manager employer: Knit&knots
At Knit Instead, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and craftsmanship. Our collaborative work culture fosters strong relationships with artisan communities, offering employees unique opportunities for growth within a values-driven environment. With competitive salaries and the chance to engage directly with handmade production processes, we provide a rewarding career path for those passionate about sustainable sourcing and design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with handmade products or sourcing from China. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with artisan workshops and handmade production processes. This will give you an edge during interviews and show potential employers what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves negotiating with suppliers, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience with handmade goods and your understanding of the unique challenges they present.
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 with handmade products. We want to see how your skills align with our focus on artisan workshops and small-scale producers.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us about your passion for handmade goods and any specific experiences you've had with Chinese suppliers. We love a personal touch that shows you understand our values.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to negotiate and collaborate. Use clear language and structure to demonstrate your organisational skills.
Apply Through Our Website:While we’ve provided an email for applications, we encourage you to apply through our website if possible. It helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for us to review your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knit&knots
✨Know Your Craft
Familiarise yourself with the handmade production processes and the specific challenges they present. Understanding the nuances of artisan workshops will help you demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Research the Company
Dive deep into Knit instead's values, mission, and their approach to craftsmanship. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Brush up on your negotiation skills, especially regarding pricing and timelines. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated with suppliers, as this will be a key part of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since fluency in both English and Chinese is essential, be ready to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. Practice discussing your previous experiences in both languages to ensure you're comfortable switching between them.
