Custom Picture Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Picture Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Lake Stevens, Washington, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-04-20

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Crafting bespoke framing solutions that enhance customer artwork, directly contributing to customer satisfaction and sales targets.

• Engaging customers to understand their needs and translate them into compelling custom framing proposals.

• Maintaining visual merchandising standards and ensuring product availability within the custom framing department and store.

• Operating specialized framing equipment and adhering to production timelines for custom orders.

• Supporting overall store operations, including inventory management, stocking, and point-of-sale transactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while customer-facing, has a significant operational component focused on production, inventory management, and process adherence within a retail environment. The "Custom Picture Framer" title implies a blend of sales, customer service, and hands-on production, requiring precision and attention to detail.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture customer relationships through personalized consultations, utilizing a consultative sales approach to understand their artistic vision and framing needs.

• Design and propose custom framing solutions, effectively communicating product features, benefits, and pricing to drive sales and achieve individual and store targets.

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

• Maintain the visual presentation and organization of the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Shop In, Ship Out) and Directed Replenishment processes, to enhance the shopping experience.

• Provide exceptional customer service by acknowledging, assisting, and offering solutions to customers, ensuring they can easily find products and have a positive shopping experience.

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal standards.

• Actively participate in and support shrink and safety programs, contributing to a secure and hazard-free work environment for both team members and customers.

• Engage collaboratively with team members, demonstrating respect, positivity, and a commitment to organizational values and goals.

• Participate in truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient inventory replenishment within budget.

• Operate the cash register accurately, execute cash handling procedures to company standards, and process various payment types efficiently.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on sales/customer engagement and operational execution. Emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer interaction and sales, while "Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)" and "truck un-load and stocking" point to critical operational compliance and efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a strong emphasis on sales and service.

• Experience in a retail environment is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for point-of-sale (POS) systems, order entry, and communication.

• Proficient basic measuring skills to ensure accurate framing dimensions.

• Ability to operate specialized framing equipment safely and effectively.

• Skill in accurately operating a glass cutter.

• Competency in cash handling and point-of-sale (POS) transaction processing.

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to maintain visual merchandising standards and organize product displays.

• Basic inventory management and stock replenishment capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, particularly in a consultative selling environment.

• Experience selling products or services, demonstrating persuasive and solution-oriented communication.

• Familiarity with heat press operation for specific framing applications.

• Basic understanding of art and design principles as they relate to framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level indicates that comprehensive training on framing techniques and equipment will be provided. The emphasis on "selling products and/or services" and "building customer relationships" suggests that sales aptitude and communication skills are paramount, even for an entry-level role.

📊 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 relevant past projects or experiences that demonstrate their attention to detail, creativity, or problem-solving abilities related to custom work or visual presentation.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate an ability to learn and adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for custom framing, sales, and store operations.

• This includes following defined workflows for customer consultation, order placement, production, and order fulfillment.

• A commitment to maintaining clear and organized work areas and product displays is essential, reflecting an understanding of process efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level position like this, the "portfolio" aspect leans more towards showcasing transferable skills and a willingness to learn and follow defined processes rather than a curated collection of professional work. The focus is on adherence to established operational procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.25 - $20.30 per hour

Benefits:

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

• Paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance.

• Tuition assistance programs to support continuous learning and development.

• Generous employee discounts on Michaels products and services, fueling personal creativity.

Working Hours:

• This is a PART_TIME position.

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the demands of a retail environment.

• Flexibility in scheduling is expected to meet store operational needs and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for the United States market, specifically for a retail associate role with specialized duties. The $17.25-$20.30 range reflects an entry-level to moderately experienced position within the retail sector, considering the specialized skills acquired for custom framing. This range is competitive for similar roles in the Lake Stevens, WA area. Benefits are comprehensive for a part-time retail role, especially tuition assistance and employee discounts.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading destination for creative individuals, offering a wide array of supplies for crafting, decorating, and celebrating.

Company Size: The Michaels Companies Inc. operates over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a large, established retail organization with a significant employee base.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history signifies stability and deep roots in the retail and crafting industry.

Team Structure:

• The Custom Picture Framer will be part of the in-store retail team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager.

• They will work closely with other sales associates, department specialists, and potentially a dedicated framing lead if the store structure supports it.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a data analyst role, understanding sales trends, customer preferences, and inventory levels is important for effective merchandising and sales.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Adhering to and potentially suggesting minor improvements to framing order processes, customer interaction flows, and in-store operations.

• Automation & Efficiency: Utilizing POS systems and potentially other store-level technology to streamline transactions and inventory management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture is centered around creativity, community, and customer engagement. For a Custom Picture Framer, this translates to a supportive environment that values artistic expression, excellent customer service, and operational efficiency within a retail setting. The company's size offers stability and structured training programs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level ("0-2 years") within the retail operations and creative services spectrum. It requires foundational skills in customer service, sales, and hands-on production.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, receiving guidance on daily tasks, sales goals, and operational procedures.

Operations Impact: The Custom Picture Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and influences customer loyalty through exceptional service and quality craftsmanship. They also contribute to the overall store's operational efficiency by maintaining departments and assisting with inventory.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in custom framing techniques, materials, and design, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the store.

• Sales & Customer Service Development: Enhance consultative selling skills, customer relationship management, and problem-solving abilities.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, opportunities may arise to take on more responsibility, such as leading the framing department, training new team members, or moving into a supervisory role within store operations.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience in various store functions like visual merchandising, inventory management, and Omni channel fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the growth path is typically within the retail store structure. Progression could lead to senior framer roles, department leadership, or broader retail management positions. The company's emphasis on tuition assistance also supports formal career development outside of direct operations, if desired.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing area.

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 617 St Rte 9, Lake Stevens, Washington. This is a customer-facing retail environment.

Workspace Context:

• The framing shop is equipped with specialized tools like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• The sales floor provides a dynamic environment with constant customer interaction and product displays.

• Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled, and outdoor work might be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or unloading trucks.

Work Schedule:

• The role is PART_TIME, with hours that can include nights, weekends, and early mornings to align with retail operating hours and customer traffic.

• Flexibility in scheduling is essential to accommodate business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is hands-on and customer-centric, typical of a specialty retail setting. The framing area is a production hub requiring precision, while the sales floor demands excellent customer engagement. The potential for non-climate-controlled stock rooms and outdoor tasks is standard for many retail operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online assessment to gauge basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: This will be the primary assessment, involving a discussion with the hiring manager (Store Manager or Assistant Manager). Expect questions about customer service experience, problem-solving scenarios, and your understanding of the role.

• Skills Demonstration: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a customer consultation for framing.

• Store Walkthrough: A tour of the store, including the framing area, to familiarize you with the environment and potentially meet other team members.

• Offer: If successful, an offer of employment will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't required, be prepared to discuss any relevant personal projects, creative endeavors, or past work that demonstrates your attention to detail, artistic sensibility, or ability to follow instructions precisely.

• For example, if you've framed personal artwork, decorated a space, or completed a complex DIY project, be ready to talk about the process and your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer hypothetical customer service or sales scenarios (e.g., "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing choice?").

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of "building customer relationships" and "creating memorable framing solutions."

• Think about how you would ensure a "safe, clean, and clutter-free environment" in the framing area and store.

• Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission and values to articulate how you align with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess soft skills (customer service, communication, problem-solving) and basic aptitude for the operational and creative aspects of the role. The "portfolio" aspect is more about showcasing transferable skills and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Various tools for cutting mats, glass, and assembling frames. This includes specialized cutters and potentially a heat press.

• Glass Cutter: Essential for precise cutting of glass or acrylic for frames.

• Heat Press: May be used for specific mounting or finishing techniques in the framing process.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and other precision instruments for accurate sizing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially tracking sales data.

• Inventory Management Systems: Potentially used for tracking frame stock, mat boards, and other framing supplies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Features within POS: For tracking customer preferences, order history, and contact information to facilitate personalized service and sales.

• Order Management System: Integrated with the POS to track the status of custom framing orders from creation to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency here is less about advanced software and more about the safe and effective operation of specialized physical tools and common retail technology like POS systems. The emphasis is on the practical application of these tools to create finished products and manage transactions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Joy: Michaels promotes a culture where creativity is celebrated, and the joy of making and celebrating is shared with customers and team members.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service, building relationships, and delivering solutions that meet customer needs.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to producing high-quality custom framing solutions that customers can be proud of.

• Efficiency & Compliance: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety standards, and operational guidelines to ensure smooth store functioning and a safe environment.

• Teamwork & Respect: Encouraging a positive and respectful work environment where team members support each other to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working collaboratively with all store team members to ensure a cohesive customer experience, from initial greeting to final purchase and beyond.

• Process Improvement Culture: Openness to feedback and suggestions for improving operational workflows, customer service interactions, and framing processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices and tips for framing techniques, customer engagement, and operational efficiency with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is geared towards fostering a positive, creative, and customer-centric environment. Team members are expected to be collaborative, detail-oriented, and committed to both operational excellence and the company's core mission of inspiring creativity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

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

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

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently delivering precise and aesthetically pleasing framing solutions, especially during busy periods.

• Adapting to Retail Demands: Thriving in a dynamic retail environment that requires flexibility in tasks, hours, and customer interactions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in various framing techniques, materials, and design principles through on-the-job training and potential company-provided resources.

• Sales & Customer Engagement Training: Enhance consultative sales skills, active listening, and problem-solving abilities to better serve customers.

• Retail Operations Acumen: Gain comprehensive knowledge of store operations, including inventory management, visual merchandising, and Omni channel fulfillment.

• Cross-Training: Opportunities to learn about other departments within the store, broadening skill sets and understanding of the overall business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a role that blends customer interaction, sales, and skilled production in a retail setting. The growth opportunities are well-defined within the retail operational structure, focusing on skill mastery, customer engagement, and broader retail management competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service & Sales: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer." "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing choice?" "What steps would you take to sell a premium framing package?"

• Problem-Solving & Operations: "Imagine a customer is unhappy with their finished frame. What would you do?" "How would you ensure the framing area remains organized and safe?" "Describe your experience with measuring and ensuring accuracy."

• Company Fit: "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?" "What does 'fueling the joy of creativity' mean to you?" "How do you handle repetitive tasks?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Michaels' mission, values, and current initiatives (e.g., sustainability, community involvement).

• Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company's emphasis on creativity, customer service, and teamwork.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, mentally prepare to discuss 1-2 examples of projects (personal or professional) where you demonstrated:

  • Attention to Detail: A project requiring precision and accuracy.
  • Problem-Solving: A situation where you had to find a creative solution.
  • Customer Focus: An instance where you tailored a product or service to meet a specific need.
  • Adherence to Standards: A time you followed specific instructions or guidelines carefully.

• Frame these examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for creativity, a strong customer service ethic, attention to detail, and an understanding of operational responsibilities within a retail context. Highlighting transferable skills acquired in previous roles will be key.

📌 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 customer service experience, any sales achievements, attention to detail, and any relevant hands-on or technical skills (even from personal projects). Use keywords from the job description like "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "equipment operation."

• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss specific examples of projects or experiences that showcase your attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and creative aptitude during the interview.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your understanding of Michaels' values, your customer service approach, and your ability to learn and operate framing equipment. Practice articulating how you would approach customer consultations and ensure quality production.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Michaels website, especially the "About Us" section and information on their mission and values, to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.