Custom framer plus bonus incentives

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Framer (Part-Time)

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: New Britain, Connecticut, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Specialist

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department.

• Key responsibilities include direct customer engagement, sales consultation for framing solutions, and operational tasks to maintain store standards.

• The position requires proficiency in basic technical skills related to framing equipment and a strong aptitude for sales and customer service.

• This role is designed for individuals who enjoy creative problem-solving and building tangible solutions for customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified as Entry-Level, suggesting that while prior experience is beneficial, a strong willingness to learn and develop specific skills in custom framing and sales is highly valued. The "bonus incentives" mentioned in the title likely refer to sales performance or production-based bonuses.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Relationship Building: Proactively engage with customers, utilizing Elevated ABC Deliver methodologies to build rapport and understand their custom framing needs, ultimately driving sales and production targets.

• Custom Framing Solutions: Consult with customers to design and create memorable framing solutions for their artwork, ensuring high-quality execution and timely order completion.

• Sales & Production Achievement: Meet or exceed personal sales and production goals through effective customer engagement and upselling of framing services and products.

• Store Operations & Merchandising: Maintain the ready-made frame department, SISO (Sales in Store Only), and Directed Replenishment areas to ensure a well-merchandised, in-stock, and appealing shopping environment.

• Customer Service Excellence: Provide friendly and helpful customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive store experience.

• Operational Compliance: Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, requirements, and standards.

• Shrink & Safety Management: Actively support and participate in store shrink and safety programs, maintaining a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment for both customers and team members.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, demonstrating commitment to organizational values and projecting a positive image as a role model.

• Inventory & Logistics Support: Participate in truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and completion within budget.

• Point of Sale Operations: Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, executing cash handling procedures to established standards.

• Omni-Channel Support: Assist with various Omni-channel processes as needed, ensuring seamless customer service across all fulfillment methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, customer service, and operational duties typical of a retail environment. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales methodology that candidates should research. The inclusion of "SISO" and "Directed Replenishment" points to a need for understanding inventory management within a retail context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Experience in roles requiring customer interaction, sales, and operational tasks is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to navigate and utilize store systems, POS, and basic software.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Accurate measurement is crucial for custom framing orders.

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating framing equipment and a glass cutter safely and effectively.

• Customer Service: Proven ability to provide friendly, helpful, and engaging customer interactions.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for understanding customer needs and recommending appropriate solutions to drive sales.

• Cash Handling: Accuracy and integrity in managing financial transactions at the point of sale.

• Adherence to Standards: Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience in a retail setting, particularly in sales or customer-facing roles.

• Sales Experience: Proven track record of selling products or services and meeting sales targets.

• Art/Design Aptitude: A natural eye for design and an understanding of aesthetic principles can be advantageous in custom framing consultations.

• Merchandising Skills: Ability to maintain visually appealing displays and product presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2" years of experience from AI analysis aligns with the "Minimum Type of experience" requirements. The emphasis on basic skills suggests that formal training in these specific areas is not necessarily required upfront, but the ability to learn them quickly is.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of how they have:
  • Designed and Executed Custom Solutions: Showcase instances where they solved a customer's specific need with a tailored product or service.
  • Achieved Sales or Production Targets: Quantify achievements in sales, customer satisfaction, or efficiency improvements.
  • Managed Operational Tasks: Demonstrate experience with inventory, merchandising, or store upkeep.
  • Handled Customer Issues: Provide examples of resolving customer concerns or complaints effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of and experience with:
  • Workflow Design: How they approach a customer request from initial consultation to final product delivery.
  • Quality Control: Their methods for ensuring the quality and accuracy of custom-made products.
  • Process Improvement: Any instances where they identified an inefficiency and suggested or implemented a better way of working.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a retail role like this, a traditional "operations portfolio" is less common. However, candidates should be ready to articulate their experience through behavioral examples and concrete achievements, as these will serve as a de facto portfolio during interviews. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical application of skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for rest and personal needs.

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

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services.

• Bonus Incentives: Potential for additional earnings based on sales performance and production targets, as indicated in the job title.

Working Hours:

• This is a PART_TIME position.

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting typical retail scheduling needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the New Britain, CT location and reflects current market rates for skilled retail positions requiring specialized knowledge like custom framing. The inclusion of "bonus incentives" is a significant draw for performance-driven individuals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail

Company Size: Large (Michaels operates over 1,300 stores in North America)

Founded: 1973; Headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: This role is part of the retail store team, with a specific specialization within the Custom Framing department.

• Reporting: Typically reports to a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a Framing Department Lead.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with other store associates to ensure overall store operations run smoothly, including assisting in other departments as needed.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing creative solutions.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency and compliance.

• Sales Engagement: Proactive sales strategies are encouraged to drive revenue.

• Teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support are key to achieving store-level goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels positions itself as a leader in arts and crafts, fostering a culture of creativity and celebration. The company's size means standardized processes are crucial, but there's also an emphasis on individual contribution to sales and customer experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Retail Specialist

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and overall customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become an expert in custom framing design, production techniques, and advanced sales consultation.

• Advancement within Store: Potential to move into roles such as Sales Associate, Key Holder, Department Specialist, Assistant Manager, or Store Manager.

• Specialization: Further specialization within framing or cross-training in other store departments (e.g., visual merchandising, inventory control).

• Further Education Support: Utilization of tuition assistance programs for career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals starting in retail, this role offers a clear path for growth. Michaels often promotes from within, making consistent performance and a willingness to take on more responsibility key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting.

Office Location(s): New Britain, Connecticut (600 Hartford Rd).

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: Primarily customer-facing, requiring a friendly and professional demeanor.

• Creative Workspace: The framing area involves working with tools, materials, and potentially hazardous equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, demanding focus and adherence to safety protocols.

• Dynamic Environment: The store environment is dynamic, with varying customer traffic and operational demands.

• Team Collaboration: Opportunities for interaction and collaboration with fellow store associates.

Work Schedule:

• Includes nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility is required to meet operational needs. Expected to work approximately 40 hours per week for a part-time role, though actual hours may vary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a retail setting, with specific occupational hazards associated with the framing shop that require careful attention and training. The "climate controlled" aspect refers to the main retail floor, with potential for less controlled environments in stock rooms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: May involve an online application and potentially a brief phone or video screening.

• In-Person Interview: Typically includes a one-on-one or panel interview with store management.

• Skills Assessment: May involve a practical demonstration of measuring skills, basic computer use, or a scenario-based question about customer interaction.

• Portfolio Discussion (Informal): While not a formal portfolio, be prepared to discuss past experiences and achievements relevant to the responsibilities.

• Cultural Fit: Assessment of alignment with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Behavioral Examples: Prepare specific examples (using the STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result) that demonstrate your customer service, sales, problem-solving, and operational skills.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your impact (e.g., "increased sales by X%", "handled Y customer inquiries per day").

• Framing Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in custom framing and the creative process.

• Operational Awareness: Be ready to discuss your understanding of retail operations, including merchandising, inventory, and safety.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific customer situations, such as a demanding customer, a complex framing request, or a product inquiry.

• Sales Approach: Be ready to explain how you would approach selling custom framing solutions.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of how you've solved problems in previous roles, particularly those related to operations or customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be tailored to assess both customer-facing skills and the ability to learn the technical aspects of custom framing. Demonstrating enthusiasm for the creative aspect of the role will be important.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Custom Framing Software/Design Tools: (Likely proprietary or industry-specific) Used for designing frames, calculating costs, and generating work orders.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency with Windows OS, email, and potentially Microsoft Office Suite for internal communications or reporting.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, calipers for accurate measurements.

• Framing Equipment: Mat cutters, glass cutters, mounting presses, framing tools (e.g., staple guns, joining vises).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reports: Generated from POS systems to track performance.

• Inventory Management Systems: For tracking stock levels of frames, mats, glass, and supplies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): May be integrated into the POS or specific framing software to track customer preferences and order history.

• Omni-channel Systems: To manage online orders, in-store pickups, and other integrated services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specific framing equipment and software will be trained on the job. However, a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and tools is essential. Familiarity with POS systems is a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and creating positive experiences through personalized service and creative solutions.

• Creativity & Inspiration: Fostering an environment that encourages creative expression and helps customers bring their artistic visions to life.

• Teamwork & Support: Working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve store goals and provide seamless service.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company standards, accurately handling transactions, and taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing the need for speed in retail operations with the commitment to high-quality custom framing work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Support: Willingness to assist in other store areas as needed to ensure smooth operations.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear communication with team members and supervisors regarding tasks, customer needs, and operational issues.

• Shared Goals: Working towards common store objectives, such as sales targets, shrink reduction, and customer satisfaction scores.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture that blends the creative spirit of its products with the practical demands of retail operations. Team members are expected to be both customer-centric and operationally sound.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales while ensuring timely and high-quality production of framing orders.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of artistic tastes, budgets, and project complexities.

• Technical Skill Acquisition: Learning to operate specialized framing equipment and software safely and proficiently.

• Retail Environment Demands: Adapting to fast-paced retail settings, including busy periods, varied work hours, and the need for continuous multitasking.

• Shrink and Safety Management: Diligently implementing programs to minimize loss and ensure a safe working environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Deepen knowledge of framing techniques, materials (mats, glass options), and design principles.

• Sales & Consultation Skills: Enhance abilities in consultative selling, needs assessment, and closing sales.

• Retail Operations Proficiency: Gain experience in merchandising, inventory management, POS operations, and visual standards.

• On-the-Job Training: Comprehensive training on framing equipment, software, and company procedures.

• Career Advancement: Potential for internal promotion and expanded responsibilities within Michaels stores.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a solid opportunity for individuals to develop a specialized skill set within a large, established retail organization. The challenges are typical of skilled retail positions, with clear avenues for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Interaction: "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs." "How would you approach a customer who seems unsure about their framing choices?"

• Sales Approach: "How would you encourage a customer to choose a premium framing option?" "What steps would you take to meet your sales targets for the month?"

• Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you encountered a problem with a product or service and how you resolved it." "What would you do if a customer brought back a framing order that wasn't quite right?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for Michaels and specifically in the custom framing role?"

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment." "How do you handle conflict with a coworker?"

• Values Alignment: "How do your personal values align with Michaels' commitment to creativity and customer service?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: For any behavioral questions, use the STAR method to structure your answers, providing concrete examples of your experience.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to share metrics related to sales, customer satisfaction, or efficiency improvements from previous roles.

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Express your passion for art, design, and helping customers create beautiful pieces.

• Operational Readiness: Demonstrate an understanding of the operational demands of a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate how your customer service, sales, and technical aptitude align with the core requirements of the Custom Framer role. Demonstrating a proactive approach and a willingness to learn will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Custom Framer position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights relevant customer service, sales, and any technical or hands-on experience. Tailor it to include keywords such as "custom framing," "customer consultation," "sales," "merchandising," and "cash handling."

• Prepare Behavioral Examples: Have 2-3 strong examples ready that showcase your ability to build customer relationships, solve problems, and achieve sales goals, using the STAR method.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, products, and values. Understand their approach to customer service and creativity.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for the role and for Michaels, emphasizing your enthusiasm for custom framing and customer satisfaction.

⚠️ 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.

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