Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Waldorf, Maryland, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Skilled Trades

Date Posted: May 17, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute custom framing orders with a focus on quality and timely delivery, directly impacting customer satisfaction and store revenue.

• Build strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations, acting as a trusted advisor for art and framing solutions.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-merchandised store environment, specifically focusing on the ready-made frame department and in-store stock.

• Operate the cash register and handle transactions with accuracy, contributing to efficient sales processes and inventory control.

• Support overall store operations through participation in truck un-loads, stocking, and assisting with omnichannel fulfillment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Framer," is situated within a retail environment (Michaels Stores) and emphasizes customer interaction and sales alongside the core framing duties. The "Operations" aspect is primarily focused on in-store operational efficiency, customer experience, and sales performance management within the framing department, rather than traditional back-office revenue or sales operations. The "AI core responsibilities" provided in the input data (e.g., "building the structural skeleton of buildings") appear to be a misinterpretation and do not align with the retail framing context described in the job description. This enhancement focuses on the retail operations and customer-facing aspects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional customer service by actively engaging shoppers, understanding their needs, and providing tailored framing solutions that meet artistic and budgetary requirements.

• Execute custom framing orders with precision and efficiency, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality standards to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.

• Maintain the visual appeal and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Single Item, Single Outlet) and Directed Replenishment, to drive impulse purchases and customer convenience.

• Operate the point-of-sale (POS) system accurately for all transactions, including sales, returns, and exchanges, ensuring proper cash handling and adherence to financial procedures.

• Participate collaboratively in store operational tasks such as truck un-loads, inventory stocking, and managing assigned areas to ensure a well-organized and efficient retail environment.

• Assist with and execute omnichannel processes, including online order fulfillment and in-store pickup, to provide a seamless customer experience across all channels.

• Uphold safety and shrink prevention programs by following established guidelines and reporting any potential risks or losses to management.

• Contribute positively to team dynamics by demonstrating respect, maintaining a positive attitude, and embodying the company's vision and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to highlight the blend of skilled trade (framing) and customer-facing retail operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" suggests a sales-driven approach within the framing service, requiring consultative selling skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is typically expected for entry-level retail positions, though not explicitly stated.

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience is targeted for this role, indicating a need for proficiency beyond basic entry-level tasks.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for operating POS systems and potentially internal communication platforms.

• Basic measuring skills with a high degree of accuracy for custom framing projects.

• Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment, including a glass cutter and potentially other specialized machinery.

• Customer service excellence, with a proven ability to build rapport and provide solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior retail experience, demonstrating familiarity with store operations and customer interaction in a retail setting.

• Proven experience in selling products and/or services, particularly in a consultative or design-oriented capacity.

• Basic carpentry or woodworking skills, which can translate to a better understanding of framing materials and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI core responsibilities" regarding structural building framing are clearly not applicable here. The required skills are tailored to a retail framing specialist role, emphasizing both technical framing ability and customer engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense might not be required, candidates should be prepared to discuss past framing projects, demonstrating quality of work, design aesthetics, and successful customer solutions.

• Ability to articulate the process of custom framing consultation, from initial customer interaction to final product delivery, highlighting efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Familiarity with POS systems and retail transaction processes is crucial for operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing production, safety, and customer service.

• Ability to follow specific workflow steps for custom framing orders, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.

• Familiarity with inventory management processes for the framing department, including stock replenishment and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a retail-focused role, the "portfolio" is less about formal documentation and more about demonstrating practical skills and customer engagement through examples and discussion. The focus is on process adherence and sales contribution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15.25 - $17.90 per hour. This range is provided for the Waldorf, MD location.

• Methodology: The provided range is based on the explicit salary information in the job description. For a part-time, skilled retail position like a Framer in Waldorf, Maryland, this range aligns with typical entry-to-mid-level compensation for specialized retail roles, considering the local cost of living and industry benchmarks.

Benefits:

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

• Paid time off (PTO) for both full-time and part-time team members.

• Tuition assistance programs, supporting ongoing education and skill development.

• Generous employee discounts on Michaels products, encouraging personal creativity and savings.

• Additional benefits are available and can be explored further at mikbenefits.com.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week is listed as the standard, however, the job type is PART_TIME. This suggests that while full-time hours are possible, the role is primarily structured as part-time, with flexibility in scheduling to include nights, weekends, and early mornings as required by store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is clearly stated. Benefits are outlined, emphasizing the company's commitment to team member well-being, which is attractive for part-time roles. The discrepancy between "40 hours" and "PART_TIME" is noted and clarified.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading specialty retailer of arts and crafts in North America, operating a vast network of stores and an online presence.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada, indicating a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history signifies stability and deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• The Framer will be part of the in-store retail team, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Lead).

• Collaboration is expected with other sales associates, cashiers, and potentially visual merchandisers to ensure a cohesive store experience.

Methodology:

• Customer-centric approach to sales and service, focusing on building relationships and providing personalized solutions.

• Emphasis on operational efficiency through adherence to SOPs, inventory management, and visual merchandising standards.

• Commitment to safety and loss prevention as integral parts of daily operations.

• A culture that celebrates creativity and encourages personal expression through its products and services.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Michaels as a leader in its industry, emphasizing a strong brand presence and a culture that values creativity and customer engagement. The "operations" focus here is on the execution of retail strategy at the store level.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry to mid-level position within the retail operations and skilled trades category. It requires proficiency in a specific craft (framing) combined with customer service and sales skills, offering a blend of technical and interpersonal development.

Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a Department Manager or Store Manager, with direct interaction with customers and fellow sales associates.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and indirectly through customer satisfaction, repeat business, and maintaining visual standards that encourage overall store traffic and sales. Efficient operations in the framing department contribute to overall store profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in custom framing, design principles, and advanced framing techniques.

• Retail Leadership: Potential to advance into roles like Framing Department Lead, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager, gaining broader retail management experience.

• Cross-Functional Training: Possibility to gain experience in other store departments, omnichannel fulfillment, or visual merchandising.

• Company Expansion: With a large store footprint, opportunities may arise in different locations or corporate roles related to operations, merchandising, or training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on career progression within the retail environment, highlighting paths from a skilled trade role to broader retail management or specialized operational roles.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): Waldorf, MD (3026 Festival Way). This is a physical retail location accessible to the public.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is dynamic and customer-facing, requiring constant interaction and adaptability.

• The framing counter will have specialized equipment (glass cutter, heat press) and materials, requiring organization and adherence to safety protocols.

• Opportunities for collaboration exist with other team members on the sales floor and during operational tasks like stocking.

• Access to basic computer systems for POS operations and potentially internal communications.

Work Schedule: The role is part-time, with a need for flexibility to cover various shifts, including nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, to meet store operational needs and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the public retail setting, the specific demands of a framing counter, and the need for schedule flexibility inherent in part-time retail roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by a hiring manager or HR representative to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• In-Store Interview: This will likely involve meeting the store management team, discussing customer service scenarios, and demonstrating basic framing knowledge or problem-solving skills related to custom orders. You may be asked to walk through the framing area.

• Skills Assessment: May include a practical demonstration of measuring, cutting glass, or discussing design choices for hypothetical framing projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a district manager or senior store leader for final approval, focusing on overall fit and potential for growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio is unlikely, prepare to discuss your experience with custom framing projects. Be ready to describe:

  • Specific types of artwork or items you've framed (e.g., photos, paintings, memorabilia).
  • Your process for consulting with customers on design choices (matting, framing styles, glass types).
  • Examples where you exceeded customer expectations or resolved a challenging framing request.
  • Any experience with sales targets or driving revenue in a similar role.

• Be prepared to showcase your understanding of quality and precision in your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be ready to handle hypothetical customer requests, such as: "A customer wants to frame a valuable painting but is on a tight budget. How would you advise them?" or "A customer is unsure about the best matting for their print. What questions would you ask?"

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared for questions about how you would handle a mistake in a framing order or a customer complaint about the finished product.

• Sales Focus: Demonstrate an understanding of how to upsell or cross-sell framing services and related products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process guidance is tailored to a retail, customer-facing role that involves a skilled trade. Emphasis is placed on practical demonstration, consultative selling, and problem-solving within a retail context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Glass cutters, mat cutters, framing tools (e.g., underpinner, staple gun), heat press, potentially specialized cutting or mounting equipment.

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

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

• Computer/Tablet: For accessing order details, potentially design software, internal communications, and training modules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• POS Reports: Basic sales data, transaction history, and potentially inventory levels accessible through the POS system.

• Store Performance Metrics: Awareness of store sales targets, framing department performance, and customer satisfaction scores, if shared by management.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Database (via POS): May store customer purchase history and contact information for loyalty programs or follow-ups.

• Inventory Management Systems: Likely integrated with POS for tracking stock levels of frames, mats, and supplies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the essential tools and technologies a Framer would use daily, focusing on both the specialized framing equipment and the standard retail technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction through personalized service and quality craftsmanship.

• Creativity & Passion: Embracing the company's mission to fuel the joy of creativity, applying it to framing solutions.

• Quality & Precision: Commitment to delivering high-quality, accurately crafted custom framing that meets or exceeds standards.

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

• Efficiency & Accountability: Adhering to processes, managing time effectively, and taking ownership of responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Customer-Centric Collaboration: Working with customers to co-create framing solutions, acting as a design partner.

• Team Support: Assisting colleagues on the sales floor, participating in shared operational tasks, and contributing to a positive store atmosphere.

• Process Adherence: Following established company procedures and collaborating with management to ensure smooth store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are framed around Michaels' brand identity (creativity, customer focus) and the operational needs of a retail store, emphasizing collaboration and quality execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

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

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Adapting to a wide range of customer expectations, artistic tastes, and budget constraints for custom framing projects.

• Maintaining High Standards: Consistently delivering exceptional quality and service in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Physical Demands: Managing the physical requirements of the job, including lifting, standing for long periods, and working with various materials and tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn new framing methods, materials, and design trends through on-the-job training and company resources.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Developing consultative selling techniques and enhancing customer engagement strategies.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a broader understanding of store management, inventory control, and visual merchandising within the retail sector.

• Potential for Specialization: Becoming a go-to expert for complex or unique framing projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges and growth avenues specific to a retail framing role, focusing on skill development, customer interaction, and operational mastery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Framing Expertise: "Describe your experience with different types of framing materials (wood, metal, acrylic) and their applications." "How do you determine the best type of glass or matting for a specific piece of art?" "Walk me through your process for completing a custom framing order, from consultation to completion."

• Customer Service & Sales: "A customer is unsure about the budget for their framing project. How would you approach this conversation to ensure they leave satisfied?" "Describe a time you successfully upsold a customer on a premium framing option." "How do you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with the final product?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you discover a defect in a frame you've already assembled. What steps would you take?" "How would you prioritize tasks if you have multiple custom orders due on the same day and a steady stream of walk-in customers?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Michaels and specifically the Framer role?"

• "How do you align with Michaels' mission to fuel the joy of creativity?"

• "Describe your experience working in a team-oriented retail environment."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Examples: Be ready to describe 2-3 specific framing projects you are proud of. Detail the customer's need, your design recommendations, the materials used, and the successful outcome.

• Process Explanation: Clearly articulate your step-by-step process for handling custom framing orders, emphasizing quality control and customer communication.

• Sales Contribution: Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., "I consistently met or exceeded my framing sales targets by X%"). If exact numbers aren't available, describe your strategies for driving sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific skills and responsibilities of a retail framer, covering technical knowledge, customer interaction, sales tactics, and problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant framing experience, customer service skills, sales achievements, and any experience with retail POS systems or inventory management. Use keywords like "custom framing," "art preservation," "customer consultation," "sales," "visual merchandising," and "retail operations."

• Portfolio Preparation: Mentally prepare to discuss specific framing projects, your design process, and customer interactions. Be ready to articulate your approach to quality control and sales.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your skills in customer service, problem-solving, and sales. Prepare specific examples for the "Strategy Questions" and "Company & Culture Questions" outlined above.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, its commitment to creativity, and its customer service philosophy. Understand the role of the framing department within the overall store experience.

⚠️ 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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