Custom Framer PT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Framer PT

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: San Jose, California, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / GTM Support

Date Posted: August 17, 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 in the Custom Framing department.

• Responsibilities include driving sales through personalized design consultations and ensuring high-quality production of custom framing orders.

• Key aspects involve maintaining store standards, managing inventory, and executing operational procedures to support overall business objectives.

• The position requires proficiency in basic computer and measuring skills, alongside the ability to operate specialized framing equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily customer-facing and production-oriented, it has direct ties to revenue generation through custom sales and customer retention. For an operations-focused candidate, highlighting the process optimization and efficiency aspects of the framing workflow, inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM) through the 'Elevated ABC Deliver' methodology will be crucial.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations for custom framing solutions, utilizing the 'Elevated ABC Deliver' methodology to drive sales and production targets.

• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to production timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.

• Maintain the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Ship-from-Store) and Directed Replenishment processes, ensuring visual merchandising standards and optimal stock levels.

• Deliver friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, providing solutions, and creating a well-merchandised, in-stock store environment.

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs for all activities, including cash handling, safety, and shrink prevention.

• Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget constraints for efficient inventory intake.

• Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures with accuracy and according to established standards.

• Assist with Omni-channel processes, such as fulfilling online orders for in-store pickup or ship-from-store, contributing to a seamless customer journey.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment throughout the store and specifically within the custom framing area.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize direct customer interaction and production. For candidates with an operations background, framing these duties through the lens of process efficiency, customer journey mapping, revenue generation, and inventory optimization will be key. For example, framing orders with high quality and on time relates to production workflow efficiency and quality control.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific educational degree is mandated; however, a foundational understanding of basic math and spatial reasoning is implied for measuring and design.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing role is typically required.

• Experience in custom framing or a related craft/artistic field is preferred but not mandatory. Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills: Ability to navigate point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic data entry, and potentially order management software.

• Basic measuring skills: Precision and accuracy in taking measurements for custom framing projects.

• Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively.

• Strong customer service skills: Engaging with customers, understanding needs, and providing solutions.

• Cash handling proficiency: Accurate processing of transactions and managing a cash drawer.

• Merchandising and visual standards: Ability to maintain an organized and appealing retail display.

• Adherence to SOPs: Commitment to following established procedures and company policies.

• Physical stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy items, and perform repetitive tasks. Preferred Skills:

• Retail experience: Previous work in a retail environment, understanding store operations and customer flow.

• Sales experience: Proven ability to sell products and/or services, upsell, and meet sales targets.

• Familiarity with custom framing design principles and materials.

• Experience with Omni-channel retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused candidate, emphasizing transferable skills such as process adherence, efficiency in task completion, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction metrics within previous roles will be crucial. Highlighting any experience with workflow optimization, even in non-retail settings, can demonstrate an operational mindset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to showcase any relevant projects demonstrating design sensibility, attention to detail, and problem-solving.

• Examples could include personal framing projects, design mock-ups, or case studies of how they improved a process in a previous role.

• Evidence of understanding and applying standard operating procedures and quality control measures is beneficial.

• Any experience with inventory management or visual merchandising principles can be presented. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of following established workflows and procedures.

• Ability to articulate how they would approach learning and implementing new processes, such as custom framing design and production protocols.

• Demonstrating an awareness of how process adherence contributes to efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, a "portfolio" is less about traditional operations documentation and more about showcasing practical skills and a process-oriented mindset. Candidates should prepare to talk about how they approach tasks, learn new procedures, and ensure quality in their work, drawing parallels to operational efficiency and customer experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $19.00 - $22.40 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Medical coverage

• Dental coverage

• Vision coverage

• Telemedicine services

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Commuter benefits

• Tuition assistance

• Adoption assistance

• Various voluntary insurance options

• Employee discounts on Michaels products

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While a specific number of hours per week is not stated, retail roles typically involve flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, often totaling around 20-30 hours per week for part-time roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions in the San Jose area, reflecting the cost of living. The benefits package is comprehensive for a part-time role, indicating a strong commitment to employee well-being. For operations professionals, highlighting the potential for overtime compensation (if applicable per local laws) and the structured nature of benefits enrollment can be noted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts and Crafts, Home Decor, Custom Framing)

Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a large, established retail organization. This scale implies robust operational frameworks and standardized processes.

Founded: 1973, with headquarters in Irving, Texas. This long history suggests stability and a deep understanding of the retail market.

Team Structure:

• The Custom Framer will work within a store team structure, reporting to store leadership (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Manager).

• Collaboration will occur with fellow store associates across various departments, including sales floor, cash wrap, and stockroom.

• The role necessitates close interaction with customers, acting as a primary point of contact for custom framing services. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly data-analyst focused, the role contributes to sales data and customer feedback, which informs inventory, merchandising, and service improvements.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Adherence to SOPs and efficient execution of framing orders and store tasks contribute to operational efficiency. Candidates can highlight their ability to identify bottlenecks and suggest minor process improvements.

• Automation & Efficiency: Opportunities exist to leverage existing in-store technology (POS, inventory systems) and to streamline personal workflows for maximum productivity.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-minded candidate, understanding the scale of Michaels implies a need for process discipline and an ability to work within established systems. Highlighting an appreciation for how individual roles contribute to the larger operational success of a large retail chain would be beneficial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry Level (Custom Framer PT). This role is foundational, focusing on direct customer interaction, production, and adherence to established retail operations. It's an excellent stepping stone for individuals interested in retail management, specialized departments, or operations support roles.

Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer PT reports to store management, likely an Assistant Store Manager or a dedicated Framing Department Manager. This structure provides direct oversight and mentorship opportunities.

Operations Impact: The Custom Framer directly impacts revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to customer loyalty by providing quality products and services. Their efficiency in production and store maintenance also supports the overall operational effectiveness of the retail location, influencing customer satisfaction and sales performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Departmental Specialization: Potential to become a lead framer or department expert, taking on more responsibility for training and inventory management within the Custom Framing department.

• Retail Management Path: Progression to roles like Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, requiring broader operational oversight and leadership skills.

• Cross-Functional Skills: Development of comprehensive retail operational skills, including sales, customer service, inventory control, and visual merchandising, applicable to various retail environments.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to learn new framing techniques, materials, and sales strategies, enhancing professional capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations professional, framing this role as a foundational step in understanding customer-facing operations and revenue-generating processes within a large retail organization is key. Highlighting the transferable skills gained in process adherence, customer management, and operational execution will be crucial for career progression discussions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-centric, and involves direct interaction with the public.

Office Location(s): San Jose, California - specifically at the 5550 Snell Ave location. This is a physical retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace is the retail sales floor and the custom framing shop.

• The framing shop contains specialized equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• Stock rooms may or may not be climate-controlled, and some outdoor work might be assigned (e.g., retrieving shopping carts, truck unloading).

• The environment is generally climate-controlled in public areas.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position. Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, offering flexibility but requiring availability during peak retail periods. The schedule will be determined by store needs and may involve varying shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize the hands-on nature of the work and the importance of maintaining operational standards in a busy retail setting. For operations professionals, highlighting the ability to adapt to varied work environments and schedules, and to manage time effectively across different tasks (customer service, production, stocking), is important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or online application review to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: This will involve meeting with store management to discuss experience, skills, and fit with the company culture. Expect questions related to customer service, problem-solving, and handling challenging situations.

• Skills Assessment: Practical demonstration of basic measuring skills, ability to operate relevant equipment (if feasible and safe), and potentially a role-playing scenario for customer interaction or design consultation.

• Final Steps: Background check and onboarding for successful candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, be prepared to discuss any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your skills.

• If you have examples of custom framing you've done, bring photos.

• If you have examples of process improvements you've implemented in previous roles (even simple ones), be ready to describe them, focusing on the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight any experience with inventory management, visual merchandising, or customer relationship building. Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Interaction Scenarios: Be ready to role-play how you would handle a customer with a specific framing request, a complaint, or a complex design need.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of how you've solved problems in previous work or academic settings, particularly those related to efficiency, quality, or customer satisfaction.

• Process Adherence: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of why following procedures is important in a retail and production environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, focus on how your ability to learn and apply processes, manage tasks efficiently, and contribute to a positive customer experience aligns with the role's requirements. Frame your interview responses around demonstrating an operational mindset, even in a non-traditional operations role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Custom Framing Software/Design Tools: Likely proprietary software used to design frames, calculate costs, and generate work orders.

• Measurement Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized measuring devices for accurate framing.

• Framing Equipment: Mat cutters, glass cutters, framing points, staple guns, heat presses, and potentially mounting equipment.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., for communication, data entry) is assumed.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly involved in complex analytics, the POS system will likely generate sales reports and data on framing orders, which contribute to departmental performance metrics. CRM & Automation:

• The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a customer-centric approach, potentially integrated with a CRM or customer loyalty program, to build relationships and track customer preferences.

• Order management systems streamline the custom framing process from order placement to production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations candidate, highlighting familiarity with POS systems, order management, and any CRM-like customer engagement strategies will be beneficial. Emphasize the ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize new software and equipment critical to operational efficiency and output quality.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service is paramount, driving repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

• Creativity & Passion: Encouraging a creative environment where team members can help customers bring their artistic visions to life.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to producing high-quality custom framing that meets or exceeds customer expectations.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to ensure smooth store operations, efficient production, and a positive work environment.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving for efficient workflows in both customer interactions and production to meet sales and output targets.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store departments (e.g., sales floor, cash wrap) to provide a cohesive customer experience.

• Process Review: Openness to feedback and continuous improvement, suggesting minor adjustments to workflows to enhance efficiency or quality within the framing department.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices in framing techniques, customer service, and operational efficiency with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations professional, highlighting an understanding and appreciation for how these values translate into tangible operational outcomes (e.g., customer retention through quality, efficiency through teamwork) will resonate well. Demonstrating an ability to contribute positively to a team-oriented and customer-focused culture is crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production and Customer Service: Managing multiple custom framing orders while providing attentive service to walk-in customers requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Technical Skill Acquisition: Learning to operate specialized framing equipment and mastering design techniques can be challenging but rewarding.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of customer expectations, budgets, and design preferences for their artwork.

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently producing high-quality work that meets customer expectations, especially with intricate designs or delicate materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Developing in-depth knowledge of framing materials, design principles, and advanced techniques.

• Sales & Design Skills: Enhancing consultative selling abilities and design acumen through on-the-job training and potentially company-provided resources.

• Operational Proficiency: Gaining hands-on experience in retail operations, inventory management, and customer service within a large organization.

• Cross-Training: Opportunities to learn about other areas of store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, framing these challenges as opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and skill development will be beneficial. For example, the challenge of balancing production and service can be viewed as an opportunity to optimize workflow and time management strategies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple tasks or projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and process adherence.)

• "How would you approach designing a custom frame for a customer who is unsure of what they want?" (Highlight consultative sales, active listening, and problem-solving skills.)

• "What steps would you take to ensure the quality of a custom framing order?" (Emphasize attention to detail, adherence to SOPs, and quality control measures.)

• "Imagine a customer is unhappy with their finished frame. How would you handle the situation?" (Focus on customer service, de-escalation, and problem resolution.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working at Michaels, specifically in the Custom Framing department?" (Showcase understanding of the company's mission and your relevant skills.)

• "What does excellent customer service mean to you in a retail environment?" (Align your definition with Michaels' values.)

• "How do you approach learning new technical skills or operating new equipment?" (Demonstrate a proactive and adaptable learning style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have any personal framing projects or examples of detailed work, be ready to briefly describe the process and your approach.

• Prepare to discuss how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work, drawing parallels to operational efficiency.

• Be ready to articulate how you would manage inventory or maintain visual standards in the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, tailor your answers to highlight your understanding of process, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples that demonstrate your operational thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent position:

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

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales, attention to detail, any experience with tools or equipment, and any instances of process adherence or efficiency improvement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Michaels' company values, mission, and the specific offerings of their Custom Framing department. Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on your ability to learn, follow procedures, and provide excellent customer service.

• Showcase Practical Skills: Be ready to discuss your basic computer and measuring skills, and your ability to learn and operate new equipment. If you have any relevant hands-on experience, prepare to talk about it.

• Highlight Operations Mindset: Even if your background isn't strictly in operations, frame your experiences around process, efficiency, and contributing to business goals.

⚠️ 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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