We are seeking a highly experienced and entrepreneurial Handcraft Manager to establish, develop, and grow our handicrafts business in Bangalore. The ideal candidate should possess extensive knowledge of a wide range of handcrafted products, including pottery, clay products, idols, wooden crafts, metal crafts, textiles, and traditional Indian handicrafts.
The candidate should have proven expertise in sourcing, buying, selling, vendor development, and business expansion. This role requires someone who can build the business from the ground up, develop strong artisan networks, identify market opportunities, and drive sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and manage the handicrafts business from inception to successful operations.
- Develop business strategies to grow the handicrafts division in Bangalore and other potential markets.
- Source and procure a wide variety of handcrafted products, including pottery, clay products, idols, wooden crafts, metal crafts, paintings, textiles, and other traditional handicrafts.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with artisans, craftsmen, suppliers, cooperatives, and vendors across India.
- Evaluate product quality, authenticity, craftsmanship, and pricing.
- Lead buying and selling activities while ensuring competitive pricing and healthy profit margins.
- Identify new market opportunities, customer segments, and sales channels.
- Develop retail, wholesale, institutional, and online sales opportunities.
- Plan product assortments based on market trends and customer preferences.
- Manage inventory, pricing, merchandising, and product launches.
- Recruit, train, and lead the handicrafts team.
- Prepare annual business plans, budgets, and revenue targets.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to promote handicraft collections and increase brand visibility.
- Represent the organization at exhibitions, trade fairs, artisan events, and handicraft expos.
- Ensure ethical sourcing practices and support artisan development initiatives.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of experience in the handicrafts industry.
- Strong knowledge of Indian handicrafts, including pottery, clay products, idols, wooden crafts, metal crafts, stone crafts, textiles, paintings, and decorative items.
- Proven experience in sourcing, procurement, buying, selling, and vendor management.
- Strong entrepreneurial mindset with experience in setting up and scaling a business.
- Demonstrated ability to develop new business opportunities and expand market reach.
- Excellent negotiation, networking, and relationship management skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with knowledge of pricing, margins, and profitability.
- Experience in retail, wholesale, exports, or e-commerce for handicrafts is preferred.
- Ability to travel extensively for sourcing and business development.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Arts, Design, or a related field.
- Experience working with artisan clusters, NGOs, government handicraft organizations, or export houses will be an advantage.
- Knowledge of domestic and international handicraft markets is preferred.
Key Competencies
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Business setup and expansion
- Strategic planning
- Vendor and artisan network development
- Product sourcing and merchandising
- Sales and business development
- Market analysis
- Financial and commercial understanding
- Customer relationship management
Location
Bangalore (Candidates should be willing to travel across India for sourcing, vendor development, exhibitions, and business expansion.)
Compensation
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and business development capabilities.
Work Location: In person
