At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage relationships with artisan workshops in China for handmade knit and crochet products.
- Company: Knit & Knots, a creative retail brand celebrating craftsmanship and handmade techniques.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a values-driven work environment.
- Other info: Fluency in English and Chinese is essential; travel to China may be required.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand and work closely with international artisan communities.
- 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 in Slough employer: Knit&knots
Knit & Knots is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and creative work culture that celebrates craftsmanship and ethical production. As a Purchasing Manager in London, 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 in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend craft fairs or trade shows, and connect with artisans. 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 your understanding of the unique challenges in sourcing artisan goods.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and their artisan network. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to maintaining quality and authenticity in their supply chain.
✨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 genuinely interested in our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: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 craftsmanship and artisan production.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for handmade goods and any relevant experiences you have with Chinese suppliers. Let us know why you're excited about joining Knit & Knots!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various teams and suppliers, it's important to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this.
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’s super easy!
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 sourcing will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Research the Company
Dive deep into Knit & Knots' values, products, and their approach to craftsmanship. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their mission will demonstrate your commitment and fit for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a key part of the Purchasing Manager role, think about past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms. Be ready to discuss your strategies and how you can apply them to support sustainable artisan production.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As fluency in both English and Chinese is essential, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills. Practice discussing your experience in both languages, especially in contexts relevant to sourcing and supplier management, to highlight your capability.
