Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Store - 2200 Mount Holly Rd, Burlington Township, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service / Art & Design

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and production targets within the custom framing department, leveraging artistic skills and customer engagement.

• Cultivate strong customer relationships by providing expert design consultation and memorable framing solutions.

• Uphold operational excellence by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs for compliance and efficiency.

• Support store-wide operational goals, including merchandising, inventory management, and maintaining a safe, clean retail environment.

• Act as a key team member, assisting and training colleagues, and potentially stepping into a lead capacity in the absence of the Framing Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Framer," has significant operational responsibilities that extend beyond just framing. The emphasis on sales, customer relationship building, adherence to SOPs, and potential leadership involvement positions it as a hybrid role blending creative execution with retail operations and customer engagement. The inclusion of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales methodology focused on proactive customer interaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to production timelines.

• Engage customers proactively, build rapport, and act as a design consultant to create bespoke framing solutions that meet their artistic and aesthetic needs.

• Drive sales performance by actively promoting custom framing services, upselling, and enrolling customers in loyalty programs (e.g., Rewards Program).

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

• Provide exceptional customer service throughout the store, assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

• Operate the cash register with accuracy and adhere to all cash handling standards and procedures.

• Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient inventory management.

• Assist with Omni channel processes, which may include fulfilling online orders or supporting in-store pickup.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, adhering to all safety and shrink prevention programs.

• Act as a resource and trainer for other team members, particularly in framing processes and customer engagement.

• Support the Framing Manager in achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and driving department success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of specialized framing duties and general retail operations. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a structured approach to customer interaction, focusing on Approach, Build, and Close, which is crucial for driving sales in a custom service environment. The mention of "SISO and Directed Replenishment" indicates a need for inventory management skills within the framing department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Experience in sales or service-oriented environments is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency for system navigation and order entry.

• Proficient in basic measuring skills for accurate framing dimensions.

• Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to build customer relationships and provide sales consultations.

• Competence in cash handling and operating a point-of-sale (POS) system.

• Understanding of merchandising principles to maintain department appearance.

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

• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods, bend, lift, carry, and reach.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in custom framing or a related art/craft field.

• Proven track record in retail sales, particularly in consultative selling.

• Familiarity with inventory management systems or processes.

• Experience with loyalty programs and customer enrollment initiatives.

• Basic understanding of design aesthetics and color theory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize practical, hands-on abilities alongside customer engagement and operational adherence. The preference for sales experience and familiarity with custom framing directly correlates with the role's dual focus on service and sales generation within the specialized department. The physical requirements are significant and should be clearly understood by applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant past projects or experiences demonstrating:
  • Design Application: Examples of creative problem-solving in visual arrangements or custom projects.
  • Customer Solution Delivery: Instances where you successfully met a customer's specific needs through a tailored product or service.
  • Quality Execution: Any work where attention to detail and adherence to specifications were critical.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding and application of:
  • Workflow Adherence: How they follow established procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality in their work.
  • Systematic Approach: Experience with or ability to learn and utilize specific operational systems, such as POS, inventory management, and potentially CRM or specialized framing software.
  • Performance Measurement: Awareness of how individual contributions impact team KPIs and overall store performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, the "portfolio" is less about formal design presentations and more about demonstrating practical skills and process adherence through examples. The emphasis is on showing an understanding of how to execute tasks efficiently and effectively within a defined operational framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.25 - $19.10 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for eligible Team Members.

• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

• Tuition assistance programs to support ongoing education and skill development.

• Generous employee discounts on Michaels products and services.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for retail positions in New Jersey, reflecting the specific skills and responsibilities of a Framer role. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering a good mix of health, wellness, and financial support, which is a strong selling point for full-time retail positions. The explicit mention of varied work hours is important for setting candidate expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading specialty retailer in North America, focusing on arts, crafts, and home decor.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, indicating a large, established retail operation.

Founded: 1973, with headquarters in Irving, Texas. Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail sector, emphasizing creativity and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Framer works as part of a store's retail team, reporting to a Framing Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with fellow Team Members across various store functions (e.g., sales floor, stockroom, cash wrap).

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building relationships ("Elevated ABC Deliver") and providing solutions.

• Operational Adherence: Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs is paramount for consistency and compliance.

• Sales & Production Focus: Driven by achieving sales targets and delivering high-quality framing services on time.

• Continuous Improvement: Support for training, acting as a resource, and contributing to KPI achievement.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels cultivates a culture centered around creativity, customer service, and operational efficiency. For a Framer, this means balancing artistic expression with the practical demands of retail sales, inventory, and adherence to established processes. The company's size and history suggest a structured environment with clear guidelines and opportunities for advancement within the retail framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-level to Junior Retail Associate. This role serves as a foundational position within the retail operations of a Michaels store, specifically within the custom framing department. It requires the application of practical skills and customer service abilities within a structured operational framework.

Reporting Structure:

• The Framer typically reports directly to the Framing Manager.

• They are part of the broader store team, collaborating with other sales associates and potentially assistant managers.

Operations Impact:

• The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer engagement.

• Their role in maintaining store appearance, stock levels, and customer satisfaction contributes to the overall shopping experience and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialist: Deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, design, and potentially advanced equipment operation.

• Team Lead/Key Holder: Develop leadership skills by taking on more responsibility, potentially supervising shifts or assisting management.

• Department Management: Progress to roles like Framing Manager, overseeing department operations, sales, and team development.

• Cross-Functional Retail Roles: Transition to other areas within store operations, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or customer service leadership.

• Company-Wide Opportunities: Potential for advancement into district or corporate roles, depending on individual performance and company needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear entry point into retail operations with a specialized focus. Growth paths are well-defined within the store structure, emphasizing both depth in the framing specialization and breadth across general retail management. The company's size provides numerous avenues for career progression for motivated individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public Retail Store Setting. The primary work environment is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing area within a Michaels retail store.

Office Location(s): Specific store location: Store - 2200 Mount Holly Rd, Burlington Township, New Jersey. The work environment is climate-controlled in public areas, though stock rooms may vary.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The workspace is highly interactive, requiring constant engagement with customers on the sales floor and within the framing studio.

• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, POS systems, and basic computer terminals.

• Team Interaction: Frequent collaboration with store team members for stock management, customer assistance, and operational support. The framing area itself may require close proximity and coordination with colleagues.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexible scheduling is required, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, to cover store operating hours and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-facing. The framing studio involves working with specialized tools and materials, requiring attention to safety and precision. The retail setting necessitates adaptability to changing customer needs and store operational demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• In-Person Interview: A one-on-one interview with the Hiring Manager (Framing Manager or Store Manager). This will likely focus on:

  • Customer Service Skills: Situational questions about handling difficult customers, resolving issues, and providing excellent service.
  • Sales Aptitude: Questions about your approach to sales, upselling, and building customer rapport.
  • Operational Understanding: Discussion of your familiarity with retail procedures, SOPs, and safety protocols.
  • Technical Aptitude: Assessment of your ability to learn and operate framing equipment, and your comfort with basic measuring and computer tasks.

• Practical Assessment (Potential): You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a simple framing consultation.

• Final Interview/Onboarding: If successful, discussions around benefits, scheduling, and onboarding procedures.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While not a formal design portfolio, be prepared to:
  • Showcase Relevant Experience: Discuss past retail or customer service roles, highlighting achievements in sales, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency.
  • Describe Problem-Solving: Provide examples of how you've solved customer issues or improved processes in previous roles.
  • Articulate Design Thinking: If you have personal projects or relevant experience (e.g., art classes, personal framing projects), be ready to discuss your creative process and decision-making.
  • Demonstrate Operational Awareness: Explain your understanding of following procedures and contributing to team goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be ready to role-play a customer interaction, from greeting to consultation to closing a sale or resolving an issue.

• Process Adherence: Discuss how you ensure accuracy when following instructions or SOPs.

• Teamwork: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively with colleagues to achieve a common goal.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both practical skills and behavioral competencies. Candidates should prepare to articulate their customer service philosophy, sales approach, and understanding of retail operations. Highlighting any direct or indirect experience with art, design, or custom work will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Standard equipment for cutting mats, assembling frames, and securing artwork (e.g., mat cutters, framing moulder, staple guns, point drivers).

• Glass Cutter: Essential tool for sizing glass or acrylic for frames.

• Heat Press: May be used for certain mounting or finishing processes.

• Cash Register/POS System: For processing transactions, including sales, returns, and loyalty program enrollments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Point of Sale (POS) System Reporting: Basic reporting on sales transactions, customer data, and potentially inventory movement.

• Company-Specific Sales & Production Dashboards: Likely used by management to track framing department KPIs, sales performance, and production output.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: Michaels likely uses a CRM to manage customer information, track loyalty program members, and potentially for targeted marketing. The Framer will interact with this for customer data and Rewards program enrollment.

• Inventory Management Systems: For tracking stock levels of frames, mats, and supplies, including "Directed Replenishment" and "SISO" processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard retail POS systems and basic computer skills is expected. While advanced technical skills aren't required, the ability to learn and effectively use specialized framing equipment and inventory/CRM systems is crucial for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Fostering an environment where creativity is encouraged, both in product offerings and customer solutions.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and experiences to build loyalty and drive sales.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing solutions that meet customer expectations.

• Teamwork & Support: Encouraging collaboration, mutual support, and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company policies, ethical standards, and taking responsibility for one's actions and contributions.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving for operational excellence, timely order completion, and effective use of resources.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store departments to support overall store operations and customer needs.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and respectful communication between team members and management.

• Shared Goals: Aligning individual efforts with the store's and department's key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Learning Environment: A culture that supports training and development, where team members can learn from each other and grow their skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels emphasizes a blend of creative passion and disciplined execution. Team members are expected to be collaborative, customer-focused, and committed to upholding the company's standards for quality and service.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Service: Effectively engaging customers for sales while also providing detailed design consultation and executing high-quality framing.

• Managing Production Workflow: Efficiently handling multiple framing orders with varying complexity and deadlines, especially during peak seasons.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and artistic visions, sometimes requiring creative problem-solving beyond standard offerings.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and working with tools, which can be physically taxing.

• Adapting to New Products/Processes: Staying current with new framing materials, design trends, and evolving company operational procedures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn specialized framing methods, preservation techniques, and advanced design principles.

• Sales & Customer Service Training: Development in consultative selling, customer relationship management, and handling challenging customer interactions.

• Operational Proficiency: Gaining experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, and POS system mastery.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on lead responsibilities, train new hires, and develop management skills.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of current art, design, and framing industry trends through company resources and potentially external workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop specialized craft skills alongside core retail competencies. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing, production-oriented retail role, with clear pathways for growth for those who excel.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Engagement: "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs. How did you approach the interaction?" (Focus on listening, asking probing questions, and offering tailored solutions.)

• Sales Approach: "How would you approach a customer who is browsing the framing samples but hasn't asked for help?" (Highlight proactive engagement, offering expertise, and understanding their project.)

• Problem Solving: "Imagine a customer brings in a valuable but oddly shaped item to frame. What steps would you take to ensure a successful outcome?" (Focus on assessing feasibility, offering design options, explaining limitations, and ensuring accuracy.)

• Operational Understanding: "How do you ensure accuracy when following detailed instructions or procedures?" (Emphasize attention to detail, double-checking work, and adherence to SOPs.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels and our custom framing services?" (Research the company's mission, values, and the importance of the framing department.)

• "Why are you interested in working in a creative retail environment like Michaels?" (Express passion for art, design, customer service, and the Michaels brand.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Discuss previous roles where you demonstrated customer service, sales, attention to detail, or any creative/craft skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be ready to describe a challenge you faced in a previous role and how you overcame it, particularly if it involved customer needs or operational efficiency.

• Articulate Design Sensibility: If you have personal projects or relevant experience, be prepared to talk about your process, material choices, and how you considered the client's needs.

• Demonstrate Operational Awareness: Explain your understanding of following procedures, maintaining quality, and contributing to team goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess a candidate's blend of customer service acumen, sales potential, operational diligence, and basic creative aptitude. Preparing specific examples using the STAR method will be highly effective.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any customer service, sales, retail, or crafting experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," "merchandising," and "cash handling." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased loyalty program sign-ups by X%").

• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss specific examples from your past work experience that demonstrate your ability to provide solutions, manage tasks, and interact with customers. Think about projects where attention to detail was crucial.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on customer service scenarios, sales approaches, and operational diligence. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in Michaels and the Framer role specifically.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels Stores, their mission, values, and the role of their custom framing department. Understanding their focus on creativity and customer experience will be beneficial.

⚠️ 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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