Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: September 08, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and customer engagement by providing expert custom framing solutions and building strong client relationships.

• Uphold and execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

• Maintain a visually appealing and well-stocked retail environment through effective merchandising and inventory management.

• Deliver exceptional customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and providing solutions for their creative needs.

• Operate point-of-sale systems accurately and manage cash handling procedures according to company standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Framer" might suggest a purely production role, the description emphasizes customer interaction, sales, and broader store responsibilities, indicating a customer-facing retail operations position with a specialized framing component. This role is crucial for driving in-store custom framing sales and enhancing the overall customer experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers using the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to build rapport and identify opportunities for custom framing solutions, directly contributing to sales and production targets.

• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of craftsmanship, ensuring quality standards are met and deadlines are adhered to for timely customer delivery.

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, as well as manage SISO (Ship-from-Store) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Provide friendly and proactive customer service, assisting customers with product location, offering solutions, and ensuring a well-merchandised and in-stock store.

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs for all operational tasks, including sales, production, inventory, and safety.

• Support company-wide shrink and safety initiatives by actively participating in loss prevention and maintaining a secure, hazard-free work environment.

• Foster positive and respectful interactions with colleagues and customers, maintaining a professional demeanor and acting as a role model aligned with organizational values and vision.

• Participate actively in truck unloading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient completion within budgetary guidelines.

• Operate the cash register and execute all cash handling procedures with accuracy and integrity, adhering to established standards.

• Acknowledge all customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and provide tailored solutions to meet their needs.

• Support and execute Omni-channel processes, including but not limited to online order fulfillment, in-store pickup, and customer support for digital initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of specialized framing skills and general retail operations duties. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" suggests a consultative sales approach within the framing department, requiring individuals to not only execute production but also to actively sell and consult.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Specific certifications in art, design, or framing are not mandated but would be advantageous.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within a retail environment. Demonstrated ability to handle basic operational tasks.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for system navigation and order processing.

• Proficient basic measuring skills for accurate custom framing design.

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

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills for building client relationships.

• Aptitude for sales and consultative selling within a retail context.

• Cash handling and point-of-sale (POS) system operation proficiency.

• Ability to adhere to and execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Physical stamina for standing, lifting, and moving within the store environment. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, particularly in custom product sales or design consultations.

• Experience in selling products and/or services to customers, demonstrating persuasive and solution-oriented communication.

• Familiarity with merchandising principles and visual presentation standards.

• Basic understanding of inventory management and stock replenishment processes.

• Experience with Omni-channel retail operations.

• Knowledge of art and framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level combined with "basic computer skills" and "basic measuring skills" as requirements suggests this role is designed for individuals new to specialized retail functions or those seeking to build foundational skills in a craft-oriented retail setting. The preference for retail sales experience indicates a strong emphasis on customer interaction and sales performance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates demonstrating past projects or a keen interest in visual arts, design, or craft through a resume or interview discussion will stand out.

• Showcase examples of attention to detail and precision in any relevant past work or personal projects.

• Highlight any experience with visual presentation or organization, even if not in a formal retail setting.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a customer consultation for a custom framing project, demonstrating problem-solving and solution-oriented thinking. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate an ability to follow and execute established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) accurately.

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of workflow processes, such as order taking, production steps, and customer delivery, and how you would ensure efficiency and quality.

• Articulate how you would contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment, adhering to established protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level "Framer" role, a traditional process and systems portfolio is unlikely. The emphasis will be on demonstrating an aptitude for following processes, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and execute established SOPs. Candidates should prepare to speak to their understanding of workflow and operational standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for entry-level retail positions with specialized duties in Phoenix, Arizona, the estimated hourly wage for a Part-time Framer is between $14.00 - $17.00 USD per hour. This range accounts for the retail environment, customer interaction, and specialized framing responsibilities.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match: Opportunity to save for retirement with company contributions.

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

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage: Comprehensive health benefits for eligible employees.

• Telemedicine services: Convenient access to healthcare professionals remotely.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare or dependent care expenses.

• Commuter benefits: Assistance with public transportation costs.

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

• Adoption assistance: Financial support for employees growing their families through adoption.

• Employee discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services.

• Partner discount programs: Access to special offers from affiliated companies.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Specific hours will vary based on store needs and scheduling, potentially including nights, weekends, and early mornings. The role may require approximately 20-30 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet business demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical part-time retail roles in the Phoenix, AZ area, adjusted upwards slightly to reflect the specialized framing skills and customer-facing sales component. The provided benefits are comprehensive for a retail organization and should be highlighted as significant advantages for potential applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the largest specialty arts and crafts retail chain in North America, serving a broad customer base ranging from hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts to professional artists and decorators. This industry focus implies a culture that values creativity, hands-on engagement, and a passion for making.

Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across North America, employing a substantial workforce. This large scale suggests established operational processes, a structured environment, and opportunities for diverse team interactions.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail sector, indicating stability and a deep understanding of its market and customer base.

Team Structure:

• The operations team within a Michaels store is typically structured to cover various functions, including sales floor, custom framing, inventory management, and customer service.

• This role is part of the store-level operations team, likely reporting to a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or a designated Framing Department Manager.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring interaction with other store associates, including cashiers, sales floor staff, and potentially inventory specialists, to ensure seamless customer service and operational flow. Methodology:

• Data analysis is likely focused on sales performance, inventory turnover, and customer feedback to drive operational improvements and sales strategies within the framing department and the store overall.

• Workflow planning involves optimizing the process from customer consultation to order completion for custom framing, as well as managing daily store operations like stocking and merchandising.

• Automation might be present in POS systems and inventory management, but the core framing process relies on skilled craftsmanship and direct customer interaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is centered around creativity and customer engagement. For operations roles like Framer, this translates to a need for individuals who are not only process-oriented but also possess a customer-centric mindset and a passion for the products sold. The large store footprint implies structured training and operational guidelines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Framer" position is positioned at an entry-level to junior retail operations associate level. It focuses on executing defined operational tasks within the custom framing department while contributing to overall store operations. The role requires learning specific craft skills and customer service protocols.

Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager. In larger stores or those with a dedicated framing department lead, they might report to a Framing Department Manager or Supervisor who oversees custom framing operations.

Operations Impact: The Framer's impact is direct and tangible, influencing customer satisfaction through quality custom framing work and sales, contributing to store revenue targets, and maintaining operational standards that affect the overall shopping experience. Efficient framing operations can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become a highly skilled Custom Framing Specialist, mastering various framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Retail Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Lead Framer, Department Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager within Michaels, leveraging acquired retail operations and leadership skills.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in other store departments, broadening retail operational expertise and increasing value to the organization.

• Specialization: Further specialization in areas like art consultation, advanced framing techniques, or visual merchandising.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from Framer clearly leads into broader retail management or specialized craft leadership within Michaels. The emphasis on customer service and sales within this role provides a strong foundation for future advancement in customer-facing retail operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a full-time, on-site position within a high-traffic retail store environment. The workspace includes both the customer-facing sales floor and a dedicated framing shop area.

Office Location(s): Phoenix, Arizona, specifically at the 2829 W Agua Fria Fwy location. This is a standard retail store location, accessible to the local community.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The sales floor provides a dynamic environment for constant customer engagement, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Specialized Area: The framing shop is a dedicated workspace equipped with tools and materials for custom framing, such as a glass cutter and heat press. This area requires adherence to safety protocols and efficient organization of materials and finished products.

• Team Collaboration: Opportunities for collaboration exist with other store team members, particularly during busy periods, truck unloads, and customer service escalations.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is part-time and will include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, reflecting the operational demands of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling is often a requirement to ensure adequate coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a specialty retail store, combining customer-facing sales with a production/craft area. Candidates should be comfortable with a dynamic, on-site role that involves physical activity and direct public interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications, retail experience, and relevant skills.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves meeting with the Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager. This stage will assess your customer service philosophy, sales aptitude, and ability to handle the responsibilities of a Framer. Be prepared to discuss your interest in custom framing and creative arts.

• Skills Assessment: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a framing consultation. Practical exercises might be included.

• Onboarding: If successful, you will undergo a standard onboarding process, including training on company policies, safety procedures, POS systems, and specific framing techniques and SOPs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to discuss any personal projects, artistic endeavors, or past experiences that demonstrate attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving abilities relevant to framing or design.

• If you have photos of crafts, art pieces you've worked on, or even well-organized personal projects, be ready to share them as examples of your capabilities.

• Focus on articulating your process, even for non-work-related projects, to show your approach to planning, execution, and quality. Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for situational questions like, "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing choice?" or "How would you upsell a customer on premium framing materials?"

• Understand the company's commitment to customer service and creativity, and be ready to align your answers with these values.

• Research Michaels' custom framing services and product offerings to demonstrate genuine interest and preparedness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely focus on assessing soft skills like customer service, sales potential, and a willingness to learn specialized craft skills. While a formal portfolio isn't expected, candidates should be ready to showcase their aptitude for detail and creativity.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: This includes specialized tools such as a glass cutter, mat cutters, framing guns, heat presses, and various measurement devices. Proficiency and safe operation are critical.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Michaels likely uses a proprietary or industry-standard POS system for sales transactions, order entry, and customer management. Accuracy in order details and payment processing is essential.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency with standard computer applications for accessing training materials, company communications, and potentially basic data entry or order lookup.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics tool usage is unlikely for this role, understanding how sales data from the POS system contributes to performance metrics (e.g., sales per hour, units per transaction) is beneficial.

• Awareness of how inventory levels and stock accuracy impact sales and customer satisfaction is important. CRM & Automation:

• The POS system may have basic CRM functionalities for tracking customer purchases and contact information, enabling personalized service and targeted promotions.

• Automation is likely limited to the POS system and potentially inventory management software, with the core framing process being manual and craft-based.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Framer is primarily focused on the physical tools of the trade and the retail POS system. Candidates should highlight any experience with precision tools or retail transaction systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: A core value of Michaels, encouraging innovation and passion for artistic expression in products and customer solutions.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction through excellent service, product knowledge, and creating memorable experiences.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing work that meets customer expectations and upholds the brand's reputation.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where associates support each other to achieve store goals and provide seamless service.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical practices in all dealings, including cash handling, customer interactions, and operational procedures.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Support: Associates are expected to support each other across different store functions, such as assisting with sales floor coverage or helping with stock when needed.

• Process Adherence: A collaborative approach to following SOPs to ensure consistency and efficiency across all operations.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team operations, particularly within the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Michaels emphasizes a blend of creative passion and operational discipline. For a Framer, this means being a creative problem-solver for customers while also being a reliable team member who adheres to operational standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to engage customers for sales consultations while also completing framing orders accurately and on time.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer expectations for custom framing, which can range from simple to highly complex designs and budgets.

• Physical Demands: The role requires significant standing, lifting, and fine motor skills, which can be physically demanding over extended periods.

• Learning Curve: Mastering the technical skills and operational procedures for custom framing requires dedicated learning and practice.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Mastery: Comprehensive training on all aspects of custom framing, from material selection and design to specialized techniques and equipment operation.

• Sales & Customer Service Enhancement: Opportunities to develop consultative selling skills and deepen customer engagement strategies.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a broader understanding of retail management, inventory control, visual merchandising, and team leadership within a large retail organization.

• Product Knowledge: Deepening expertise in art, design, framing materials, and current trends in the creative industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a role that combines craft production with direct customer sales and service. The growth opportunities are clearly defined, offering paths for specialization or broader retail management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution to their needs. How did you approach it?" (Focus on customer service, problem-solving, and consultative selling.)

• "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with the final product of their custom framing order?" (Demonstrate empathy, problem-solving, and adherence to company policies.)

• "Imagine a customer is unsure about the best framing option for their artwork. What steps would you take to guide them?" (Highlight your understanding of consultative sales, design principles, and customer needs assessment.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Michaels, specifically in the custom framing department?" (Showcase passion for creativity, art, and customer service.)

• "How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks, especially when dealing with custom orders and customer inquiries?" (Address time management, prioritization, and attention to detail.)

• "What does 'customer delight' mean to you in a retail environment?" (Align your definition with Michaels' values of creativity and excellent service.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have any visual examples of your work (even personal projects), be ready to briefly present them, explaining your process, the materials used, and the outcome.

• Focus on demonstrating your attention to detail, creativity, and ability to follow instructions or design specifications.

• Be prepared to articulate your understanding of quality and craftsmanship.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize demonstrating a passion for creativity, strong customer service skills, and an aptitude for learning specialized craft techniques. Be ready to articulate how your skills align with Michaels' mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any experience in customer service, sales, visual arts, or hands-on crafts. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "craftsmanship." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted X customers daily," "Contributed to Y% increase in framing sales").

• Portfolio Preparation (Informal): Gather any examples of your work that demonstrate attention to detail, creativity, or problem-solving. This could include photos of art projects, crafts, or even meticulously organized personal projects. Be ready to discuss them briefly.

• Interview Practice: Prepare answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on customer service scenarios, sales approaches, and your interest in Michaels and custom framing. Practice articulating your understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, its custom framing services, and its commitment to creativity and customer satisfaction. Understanding their mission will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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