Custom Framer FT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Framer FT

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Houston, Texas, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Sales

Date Posted: 2026-05-26

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing expert custom framing solutions and exceptional customer service within a retail environment.

• Responsibilities include driving sales through consultative selling of framing services and products.

• Key duties involve operating framing equipment, managing production quality, and contributing to overall store operations.

• The position requires adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure consistent execution and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Custom Framer FT" and the company "Michaels Stores" clearly indicate a retail and art/crafts focus, the request is to enhance this for Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM roles. This specific job description is not an operations role. Therefore, the enhancement will be limited to framing its existing content within a hypothetical operations lens, acknowledging it's a stretch. The primary focus will be on interpreting the existing duties through an operational efficiency and customer journey perspective, rather than transforming it into a true operations role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and nurture customer relationships by understanding their art and framing needs, offering personalized design consultations.
  • Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to engage customers, explain framing options, and drive custom framing sales.
  • Proactively acknowledge customers, assist with product location, and provide comprehensive solutions to meet their creative and display goals.
  • Educate customers on the benefits of the Michaels Rewards program and facilitate enrollments to enhance customer loyalty and data capture.
  • Inform customers about the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey to gather crucial feedback for service and product improvement.

• Custom Framing Operations & Production:

  • Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to production timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Operate specialized framing equipment, including mat cutters and potentially heat presses, with precision and safety.
  • Maintain the ready-made frame department and assigned areas, including managing SISO (Sourced In Store Only) and Directed Replenishment processes to ensure optimal stock levels and visual appeal.
  • Ensure the framing shop environment is safe, clean, and clutter-free, adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Team Support & Leadership:

  • Act in a lead capacity in the absence of the Framing Manager, demonstrating initiative and operational oversight.
  • Serve as a resource for training and assisting other team members on framing techniques, customer service, and operational processes.
  • Support the Framing Manager in driving Key Performance Indicator (KPI) achievement, contributing to team and store goals.

• General Store Operations:

  • Contribute to efficient truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to company standards and budget.

  • Provide a fast and friendly checkout experience, accurately handling cash transactions according to established standards.

  • Assist with Omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store, to support a seamless customer experience.

  • Maintain a well-merchandised and in-stock store, ensuring products are easily accessible and visually appealing to customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original responsibilities have been segmented and rephrased to highlight operational aspects like process adherence (SOPs), efficiency drivers (KPIs, production timelines), customer data capture (Rewards, VOC surveys), and inventory management. This interpretation aims to frame these retail duties through an operational lens, focusing on process execution and customer journey optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of basic math and measurement principles is essential for accurate framing.

• Demonstrated ability to engage with educational materials and training programs is expected. Experience:

• Required:

  • Proven ability to perform basic computer functions for order entry and system navigation.
  • Proficient in basic measuring skills required for precise custom framing applications.
  • Hands-on experience operating framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively.
  • Experience in customer-facing roles, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Preferred:

  • Previous retail experience, particularly in a sales or customer service-oriented environment.

  • Prior experience in selling products or services, with a consultative approach to understanding customer needs.

  • Familiarity with art, design principles, or the framing industry is a plus. Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to build rapport, actively listen, and provide solutions that exceed customer expectations.

• Sales Acumen: Skill in consultative selling, identifying customer needs, and recommending appropriate framing solutions to drive revenue.

• Measurement & Precision: Meticulous attention to detail in taking measurements and executing orders to exact specifications.

• Operational Compliance: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and company policies.

• Basic Technical Proficiency: Comfort with computer systems for order processing and basic data entry.

Preferred Skills:

• Visual Merchandising: Understanding of how to present products and displays effectively to attract and engage customers.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with stock replenishment, organization, and maintaining inventory accuracy.

• Team Training & Mentorship: Ability to guide and instruct colleagues on operational processes and customer service best practices.

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Knowledge of different matting, framing materials, and preservation methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum" and "Preferred" experience sections have been reclassified into "Required" and "Preferred" Skills and Qualifications. Basic computer and measuring skills, along with equipment operation, are framed as essential operational competencies. Retail and sales experience are highlighted as preferred for driving revenue and customer engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Journey Mapping: Examples of how you've guided customers through a decision-making process, from initial inquiry to final purchase, focusing on consultative selling and problem-solving.

• Sales Performance Metrics: Documentation of sales achievements, such as exceeding targets, increasing average transaction value, or successful upselling/cross-selling of framing services.

• Process Documentation Examples: If applicable, demonstrate an ability to document or follow standard operating procedures for tasks like order intake, production workflow, or inventory management.

• Quality Assurance Case Studies: Showcase instances where you've ensured high-quality output in custom work, detailing the steps taken to achieve desired results and customer satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: While not expected to design complex systems, demonstrate an understanding of following established workflows for custom framing orders, from consultation to completion, and any suggestions for minor efficiency improvements.

• Implementation & Automation: Show an awareness of how tools and equipment are used to execute framing processes efficiently. This could include understanding the steps involved in using specific framing machinery.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you track or contribute to tracking key metrics, such as sales targets, production turnaround times, or customer satisfaction scores related to framing services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the job's duties through the lens of an operations portfolio. It emphasizes documenting customer interactions, sales achievements, and adherence to processes. The focus is on demonstrating an understanding of operational efficiency and quality control within a retail context, even if formal portfolio creation isn't a standard requirement for this specific role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on available data for similar retail sales and custom framing roles in Houston, Texas, and considering the 0-2 years of experience level, the estimated hourly wage range is approximately $13.00 - $18.00 per hour. This range accounts for the specialized skills in custom framing, customer service, and sales required for the position.

• This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for retail associates with framing responsibilities and may vary based on the specific store's performance, candidate qualifications, and internal pay equity. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education and professional development.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services, including custom framing.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities to save for the future.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Additional protection for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Resources for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• Work hours are flexible and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by retail operational needs.

• The role involves standing for extended periods and may require occasional outdoor work for tasks such as retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloading.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the role, experience level, and location, using industry data for similar retail positions. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are presented with detail relevant to a full-time employee. Working hours are clarified to reflect the typical demands of a full-time retail role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Specialty Retail (Arts, Crafts, and Custom Framing). Michaels operates as a leading retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and custom framing solutions. The company's focus on creativity and celebration shapes its customer interactions and product offerings.

Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a large, established retail organization with a significant employee base. This scale suggests structured operational processes and opportunities for cross-functional exposure.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail sector, building a strong brand presence and deep understanding of its customer base.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Team: This role is part of a store-based team, likely including a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager(s), Framing Manager, and fellow Team Members specializing in various departments (e.g., framing, sales floor, cash wrap).

• Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer FT will report directly to the Framing Manager, with oversight from store leadership. Collaboration with fellow team members is expected for daily operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on the framing department and sales floor, this role will interact with all store functions, including inventory management, cashiering, and customer assistance across different departments.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing memorable experiences through personalized service and solutions.

• Operational Efficiency: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs is crucial for consistent execution, quality control, and compliance.

• Sales-Driven Growth: The role is integral to driving sales performance, particularly within the custom framing department, through consultative selling and achieving KPIs.

Company Website: https://www.michaels.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextualized Michaels' industry, size, and founding date to highlight operational implications. Described a typical store-level team structure and cross-functional collaboration patterns relevant to a retail operations environment. Emphasized the company's methodology as customer-centric and process-driven.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level to early-career position within the retail operations and sales spectrum. It provides foundational experience in customer service, sales, production, and operational procedures within a specialized department.

Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer FT reports to the Framing Manager, who likely oversees production quality, sales performance, and team development within the framing department. This structure offers direct mentorship and performance feedback.

Operations Impact: The Custom Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer satisfaction. By providing high-quality framing solutions and excellent service, they contribute to customer retention, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth, all of which are critical operational outcomes for a retail business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialization: Potential to advance to a Framing Manager role by developing expertise in sales, production management, inventory control, and team leadership within the framing department.

• Retail Management Track: Opportunity to transition into broader retail management roles, such as Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, by demonstrating strong performance, leadership potential, and a comprehensive understanding of store operations.

• Cross-Departmental Skills: Gaining experience in various store functions (e.g., visual merchandising, inventory, operations) can open doors to specialized roles within Michaels or the broader retail industry.

• Continuous Learning: Michaels offers tuition assistance and on-the-job training, supporting professional development and skill enhancement relevant to retail operations and customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framed the role's career level within a retail operations context. Detailed the reporting structure's impact on mentorship and feedback. Emphasized the direct operational impact on revenue and customer loyalty. Outlined growth paths that leverage retail operations and management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a public retail store setting, specifically a Michaels store. This means the primary workspace is on the sales floor and within the dedicated custom framing shop area.

Office Location(s): The specific location for this role is Houston-9666 Old Katy Rd, Houston, Texas. This is a physical retail store accessible to the public.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Environment: The role involves constant interaction with customers in a climate-controlled retail space.

• Dedicated Framing Shop: A specialized area within the store equipped with framing tools, machinery (including a glass cutter and heat press), and materials. This area requires adherence to specific safety and operational protocols.

• Collaborative Team Space: The store environment fosters teamwork, with shared responsibilities for maintaining store appearance, stock levels, and customer service standards across all departments.

• Tools & Technology: Access to point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic computer terminals for order entry, and specialized framing equipment.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires flexibility, with work hours potentially including nights, weekends, and early mornings to meet operational demands and customer traffic.

• While the main work area is climate-controlled, some stock rooms might not be, and outdoor work may be assigned for specific tasks like truck unloading.

📝 Enhancement Note: Described the work environment as a physical retail store with a dedicated framing shop, emphasizing the operational context of customer interaction, specialized equipment, and team collaboration. Clarified the schedule flexibility required for retail operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• In-Person Interview: Typically conducted by the Framing Manager and potentially another store leader. This will involve behavioral questions to assess customer service skills, sales approach, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss your approach to operating framing equipment. A practical demonstration or discussion of past experience with similar tools might be requested.

• Situational Questions: Expect questions about how you would handle specific customer scenarios, such as dealing with a difficult customer, recommending framing options, or managing production timelines.

• Company Culture Fit: Questions will assess your alignment with Michaels' values, such as creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Customer Impact: For this role, your "portfolio" would primarily be your resume and your ability to articulate your experience. Highlight instances where you've positively impacted customer satisfaction through excellent service or problem-solving.

• Sales Achievements: Be prepared to discuss specific sales achievements, such as exceeding targets, increasing average transaction value, or successfully upselling custom framing services. Quantify your successes whenever possible.

• Process Understanding: If you have experience documenting or following procedures, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work. This demonstrates an understanding of operational discipline.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Prepare examples of how you've resolved customer issues or overcome challenges in a previous retail or service role. Focus on the steps you took and the positive outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario Simulation: Practice how you would engage with a customer looking for custom framing. Consider questions you'd ask, solutions you'd propose, and how you'd handle objections or budget constraints.

• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the types of framing materials, matting options, and common art preservation techniques that Michaels might offer.

• Operational Awareness: Be ready to discuss your understanding of key retail operations such as inventory management, visual merchandising, and cash handling standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailored the interview process and portfolio review advice to a retail sales and custom framing role, focusing on customer service, sales skills, and operational awareness rather than a traditional operations portfolio. Provided specific tips for demonstrating relevant competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Proficiency in operating framing machinery, including mat cutters, potentially specialized saws, and heat presses for various framing applications.

• Glass Cutter: Skill in accurately cutting glass or acrylic to size for framed pieces.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Experience using retail POS systems for order entry, transaction processing, and customer data management. This includes handling cash, credit card payments, and gift cards.

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to use computers for order management, internal communication, and potentially accessing training materials or company portals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data Entry: Accurate input of sales transactions into the POS system, which generates sales reports for management.

• KPI Tracking Awareness: While not directly managing analytics, understanding the importance of and contributing to key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales conversion rates, average transaction value, and production turnaround times.

CRM & Automation:

• Michaels Rewards Program: Understanding and promoting the company's customer loyalty program, which acts as a basic CRM tool for capturing customer preferences and purchase history.

• Order Management Systems: Utilizing internal systems for tracking custom framing orders from initial consultation through production and completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identified the specific tools and technology relevant to a custom framing role in a retail setting, focusing on operational equipment, POS systems, and basic CRM functionalities like loyalty programs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value that drives the company's mission and encourages innovation in customer solutions and personal expression.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service to build loyalty and create memorable experiences.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for team members and customers alike.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together effectively to achieve store goals, support colleagues, and ensure a seamless customer journey.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, processes, and outcomes to ensure quality and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Departmental Support: Team members are expected to assist across departments when needed, fostering a supportive and efficient store operation.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team effectiveness.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, particularly within specialized areas like custom framing, to elevate the skills of the entire team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Outlined the company's core values as they relate to a retail operations environment, focusing on customer interaction, teamwork, and operational integrity. Described a collaborative style that emphasizes mutual support and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production & Sales: Effectively managing time to fulfill custom framing orders accurately and on schedule while also engaging with customers on the sales floor and driving new sales.

• Customer Expectations Management: Meeting diverse customer expectations regarding design, budget, and turnaround time for custom framing projects.

• Learning Curve for Equipment: Mastering the operation of specialized framing equipment and ensuring safety protocols are consistently followed.

• Adapting to Retail Dynamics: Navigating the fast-paced retail environment, including peak seasons, truck unloads, and varied customer traffic.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Deepen knowledge in custom framing techniques, materials, and design principles through on-the-job training and potential workshops.

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

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gain a broader understanding of store operations, inventory management, visual merchandising, and leadership principles.

• Leadership Development: Potential to progress into supervisory or management roles through demonstrated performance, leadership potential, and completion of company training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identified specific operational challenges inherent in a custom framing role within a retail setting. Highlighted learning and development opportunities that focus on skill enhancement and career progression within retail operations and specialized departments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle demanding customers, resolve complaints, or go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction with framing projects. (e.g., "Describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer. What was the situation, and how did you resolve it?")

• Sales Approach: Articulate your process for consultative selling. How do you identify customer needs, recommend solutions, and close sales, particularly for custom or higher-value items like framing? (e.g., "How would you approach selling a premium framing package to a customer who initially seemed hesitant?")

• Problem-Solving & Operations: Discuss your approach to managing multiple tasks and prioritizing effectively, especially when balancing production deadlines with customer service demands. (e.g., "Imagine you have a framing order due today and a customer approaches with a complex framing inquiry. How do you manage both?")

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Michaels: Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and what appeals to you about the custom framing role specifically?

• Teamwork Experience: Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic.

• Understanding of Company Values: How do you see yourself embodying Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and integrity in your daily work?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume as Portfolio: Your resume is your primary portfolio. Ensure it clearly highlights relevant experience in customer service, sales, any technical skills (measuring, equipment operation), and achievements.

• Storytelling with Examples: Be ready to elaborate on your resume points with specific examples. For instance, instead of just saying "good customer service," describe a situation where your excellent service led to a satisfied customer and repeat business.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact. This could include sales figures, customer satisfaction improvements, or efficiency gains.

• Demonstrate Operational Awareness: Even without a formal portfolio, show you understand operational concepts like quality control, process adherence, and the importance of accurate order fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided targeted interview preparation advice, including sample behavioral and situational questions, with a focus on customer service, sales, and operational awareness relevant to the Custom Framer role. Emphasized using resume and storytelling as a "portfolio" for this position.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this retail operations and sales position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experiences in customer service, sales, any technical skills (measuring, operating equipment), and achievements that align with the job description. Use keywords from the posting.

• Prepare Your "Portfolio" (Resume & Experience): Be ready to articulate your experience using specific examples. Think about situations where you excelled in customer interactions, drove sales, managed tasks efficiently, or contributed to team success.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services (especially custom framing), company values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their brand and customer focus will be beneficial during interviews.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your customer service skills, sales aptitude, operational awareness, and cultural fit. Consider practicing with a friend or family member.

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