Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Concord, New Hampshire, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / GTM Support

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving in-store revenue through expert custom framing consultations and sales, directly impacting the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for personalized products.

• Responsible for managing the entire custom framing lifecycle from customer engagement to order fulfillment, ensuring high-quality output and timely delivery.

• Plays a key role in maintaining the visual merchandising standards of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, supporting overall retail operations.

• Acts as a brand ambassador, building strong customer relationships and providing exceptional service to enhance customer loyalty and repeat business.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Custom Framer," the responsibilities extend into core retail operations, customer relationship management, and direct sales, making it a crucial component of Michaels' GTM strategy for custom products. The role requires a blend of artistic/crafting skills and customer-facing sales and service abilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers in consultative sales to understand their framing needs and recommend appropriate solutions, leveraging Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to build rapport and drive sales.

• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and precision, adhering strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and production timelines.

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Single Item, Single Opportunity) and Directed Replenishment processes, to optimize the shopping experience.

• Provide friendly and proactive customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a well-merchandised, in-stock store environment.

• Operate the cash register accurately, executing cash handling procedures to company standards, and supporting Omni channel fulfillment processes as needed.

• Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking operations, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient inventory replenishment.

• Uphold company policies and programs related to shrink reduction and safety, contributing to a secure and efficient store operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a direct contribution to sales targets and operational efficiency within the retail environment. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales training program focused on consultative selling and customer relationship building, which is critical for driving higher-value custom framing sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions; specific formal education beyond this is not explicitly stated but a strong aptitude for learning is implied.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience is the target range, with a focus on practical skills and customer interaction.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for POS operation and system interaction.

• Basic measuring skills to accurately determine framing dimensions and material needs.

• Ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter safely and effectively.

• Proficiency in cash handling and operating a cash register.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail experience, demonstrating familiarity with store operations and customer interaction.

• Experience in selling products and/or services, particularly in a consultative or custom-solution capacity.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles to maintain department appearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements lean towards practical, hands-on skills and a customer-centric demeanor. The "0-2 years" experience level indicates that the company is willing to train candidates with fundamental abilities, prioritizing a good attitude and willingness to learn over extensive prior experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any past projects or experiences demonstrating precision, creativity, or problem-solving in a practical context (e.g., personal projects, school assignments, previous work examples).

• Evidence of ability to follow specific instructions and SOPs is crucial, as custom framing requires adherence to precise specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of following established processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality in custom framing orders.

• The ability to learn and adapt to new operational processes, such as Omni channel fulfillment and inventory management techniques, will be assessed.

• Understanding the importance of accurate data entry and transaction recording for sales and inventory management is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, the "portfolio" is more about demonstrating a capacity to learn, follow instructions, and communicate effectively. Candidates should be ready to speak to how they've executed tasks based on guidelines in previous roles or personal endeavors, rather than presenting a formal design or operations portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Part-Time Custom Framer position with 0-2 years of experience in Concord, NH, the estimated hourly wage typically falls between $12.00 - $16.00 per hour. This range is based on general retail associate wages in New Hampshire, considering the added skill requirement of custom framing and the company's known compensation practices for similar roles.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for eligible team members.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.

• Tuition Assistance programs to support ongoing education.

• Generous Employee Discounts on Michaels products.

• Other benefits as outlined by The Michaels Companies Inc.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. While the standard full-time equivalent is 40 hours, part-time schedules will vary but may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting typical retail operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar retail roles in the Concord, NH area and general knowledge of large retail chains' compensation structures. The benefits listed are directly from the provided company description, emphasizing the value offered to both full-time and part-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading specialty retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and home décor. This industry requires a focus on creativity, customer inspiration, and product knowledge.

Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada, with a significant online presence. This large scale means established operational processes and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-defined brand identity and a robust operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Custom Framer likely works within a store team structure, reporting to a Store Manager or an Assistant Manager, potentially with a direct lead for the framing department.

• Collaboration is key, involving interactions with fellow sales associates, stock associates, and potentially management for customer issue resolution or operational support.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in sales, production, and customer service.

• A consultative sales approach ("Elevated ABC Deliver") is a core methodology for building customer relationships and driving custom framing sales.

• Data-driven insights are likely used for inventory management (Directed Replenishment, SISO) and performance tracking.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's established presence and focus on creativity suggest a culture that values both operational efficiency and customer inspiration. The size of Michaels implies a structured environment with clear operational guidelines and opportunities for learning established retail practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level, foundational stage within retail operations. It provides hands-on experience in customer service, sales, visual merchandising, and specific production skills (custom framing). It's an excellent starting point for individuals interested in retail careers.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or a designated department lead within the store. The structure is hierarchical, common in large retail organizations, ensuring clear lines of communication and accountability.

Operations Impact: The Custom Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall store performance by maintaining merchandising standards and providing excellent customer service. Their work influences customer satisfaction, repeat business, and the store's visual appeal.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in custom framing techniques, materials, and design consultation.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance to a Framing Department Lead, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager role, with increased responsibilities in team management, sales strategy, and operational oversight.

• Cross-Functional Training: Exposure to various aspects of retail operations, including inventory management, visual merchandising, and Omni channel fulfillment, which can open doors to other roles within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role serves as a stepping stone within Michaels' retail structure. Growth is likely to involve mastering current responsibilities, demonstrating leadership potential, and potentially taking on broader operational duties within the store.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing area within the store. Stock rooms may also be part of the work environment.

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 86 D'Amante Dr, Concord, NH. This is a publicly accessible retail location.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is customer-facing, requiring interaction with a diverse clientele.

• The framing shop is a specialized workspace containing tools like a glass cutter and heat press, necessitating adherence to safety protocols.

• Opportunities for collaboration exist with fellow team members on the sales floor and during operational tasks like truck unloads.

Work Schedule: The role is Part-Time, with working hours that will include nights, weekends, and early mornings to meet customer demand and operational needs. Flexibility in scheduling is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric. It requires adaptability to varying customer needs and operational demands, with specific attention to safety protocols within the framing workshop.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and applications will be screened for basic qualifications and relevant experience.

• Phone/Video Screening: A brief interview to assess general fit, availability, and understanding of the role's core functions.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. It will focus on customer service philosophy, problem-solving abilities, and practical skills assessment (e.g., discussing how they would approach a framing consultation).

• Skills Assessment (Potential): Candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss their approach to operating equipment.

• Offer: Successful candidates will receive a job offer contingent on background checks and verification of eligibility to work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a formal portfolio isn't standard. Instead, prepare to discuss specific examples from previous work or personal projects that showcase:
  • Precision and Attention to Detail: How you ensured accuracy in tasks.
  • Problem-Solving: Instances where you had to find a solution for a customer or a task.
  • Customer Interaction: How you handled customer requests or resolved issues.
  • Creativity (if applicable): Any design-related projects or personal crafts that demonstrate an eye for aesthetics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing choice?" or "Describe a time you had to learn a new skill quickly."

• Think about your approach to customer service and how you build rapport.

• Understand the importance of safety in a workshop environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an entry-level retail role like this is designed to assess practical skills, customer service aptitude, and cultural fit. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to learn, follow procedures, and interact positively with customers and colleagues.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Includes specialized machinery for cutting mats, glass, and assembling frames. Proficiency will be trained.

• Glass Cutter: Essential tool for custom glass sizing.

• Heat Press: Used in some framing processes.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized measuring devices.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, sales, and managing customer orders.

• Inventory Management Systems: Likely integrated with POS, used for tracking stock levels, managing Directed Replenishment, and processing truck unloads.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Elements: The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a focus on building customer relationships, which may involve notes or profiles within the POS system or a separate CRM tool for tracking customer preferences and purchase history.

• Omni channel Fulfillment Systems: Used to manage online orders for in-store pickup or local delivery, requiring coordination between online and in-store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus is on practical, in-store technology and specialized framing equipment. While advanced analytics tools might be used at a corporate level, this role primarily interacts with POS, inventory management, and specific production tools. Training on proprietary systems will be provided.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Fostering an environment where creativity is celebrated and customers are inspired.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through excellent service, personalized solutions, and a welcoming store experience.

• Quality & Precision: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing products that meet customer expectations and company standards.

• Teamwork & Respect: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment for all.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Adhering to SOPs, managing time effectively, and taking ownership of responsibilities to ensure smooth store operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store associates to support sales, customer service, and operational tasks across departments.

• Process Review Culture: A willingness to learn and adhere to established processes, with opportunities for feedback to improve operational efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, particularly in customer service and framing techniques, to collectively enhance performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture is built around creativity and customer engagement. For this role, it translates to a collaborative environment where individual contributions to customer satisfaction and operational excellence are valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales while simultaneously producing high-quality framing orders within deadlines.

• Customer Expectations Management: Handling diverse customer needs and artistic visions, ensuring satisfaction with custom solutions.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and working with tools that demand care and precision.

• Learning Curve: Mastering the operation of framing equipment, glass cutting, and consultative sales techniques requires dedicated learning and practice.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of framing materials, design principles, and advanced production techniques.

• Sales and Customer Service Skills: Enhance consultative selling abilities, customer relationship management, and conflict resolution skills.

• Retail Operations Fundamentals: Gain practical experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, POS operations, and Omni channel processes.

• Potential for Advancement: Opportunities to grow into leadership roles within store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of hands-on retail roles that involve specialized skills. The growth opportunities are clearly defined within the retail operational structure, focusing on skill mastery and progressive responsibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Consultative Selling: "Describe how you would approach a customer who is unsure about how to frame their artwork." Be ready to walk through your process, from understanding their needs to recommending solutions.

• Problem-Solving & Customer Service: "Imagine a customer is unhappy with the finished framing job. How would you handle this situation?" Focus on empathy, active listening, and finding a resolution within company policy.

• Process Adherence: "Why is it important to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a role like this?" Emphasize quality, consistency, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels and our commitment to creativity?" Research the company's mission, values, and recent initiatives.

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" Discuss your collaborative skills and willingness to help colleagues.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to discuss your "personal portfolio" of experiences.

• For any relevant past job or project, structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example, discuss a time you had to be precise (Situation/Task), how you ensured accuracy (Action), and the positive outcome (Result).

• Be ready to verbally "walk through" how you would approach a custom framing consultation, from initial customer greeting to product recommendation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating practical skills, a customer-first attitude, and a willingness to learn and follow established procedures. Highlighting any experience with crafts, design, or detail-oriented tasks will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant experience in customer service, sales, or hands-on tasks. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of X customers per shift," "Maintained departmental visual standards for Y months").

• Prepare for Skills Discussion: Be ready to articulate your understanding of basic measuring, computer use, and your ability to learn new equipment. If you have prior experience with framing or similar crafts, be prepared to discuss it.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services, and brand values. Understand their focus on creativity and customer experience.

• Practice Interview Scenarios: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions focusing on customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---