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