Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: San Mateo, California, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: 2026-07-25

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute custom framing solutions for customers, driving sales and building strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations.

• Maintain high standards of store presentation, including merchandising, cleanliness, and stock availability across all departments, with a focus on the ready-made frame area.

• Operate point-of-sale systems, manage cash handling procedures, and support omni-channel fulfillment processes to enhance customer experience.

• Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies to ensure operational efficiency, safety compliance, and shrink reduction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a hybrid role blending specialized custom framing expertise with broad retail operations duties, including sales, merchandising, and customer service. This is typical for specialized roles within larger retail organizations that require both a craft skill and a customer-facing presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers with a consultative sales approach, leveraging the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to understand their needs and propose tailored custom framing solutions.

• Produce high-quality custom framing orders accurately and within established production timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction with the final product.

• Proactively manage and maintain the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Single Item, Single Outlet) and Directed Replenishment processes, to ensure optimal product presentation and availability.

• Deliver exceptional customer service by acknowledging all customers, assisting with product location, providing solutions, and ensuring a consistently well-merchandised and in-stock store environment.

• Execute all assigned tasks in adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs, including safety and shrink mitigation initiatives.

• Participate actively in the truck unloading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient inventory management.

• Operate the cash register and perform cash handling duties with accuracy and according to company standards.

• Assist with and execute various omni-channel processes to support seamless customer purchasing experiences across all channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and customer-centric approach, moving beyond basic framing tasks to include significant sales, relationship-building, and overall store operational support. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales training program that candidates should be aware of.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions, though not explicitly stated.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in roles involving customer interaction and basic operational tasks.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for point-of-sale and potential system navigation.

• Fundamental measuring skills essential for accurate framing.

• Proficiency in operating framing equipment and glass cutters.

• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting, standing for extended periods, and reaching.

• Strong customer service orientation and interpersonal communication skills.

• Basic cash handling and transaction processing abilities. Preferred Skills:

• Prior retail experience, demonstrating an understanding of store operations and customer engagement.

• Proven experience in selling products or services, with a track record of meeting sales goals.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes or a strong aptitude for learning craft-specific skills.

• Experience with merchandising and visual presentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements lean towards foundational skills and a willingness to learn specialized craft and sales techniques. The emphasis on "basic" skills suggests that extensive prior experience in framing itself may not be mandatory, but a capacity for hands-on work and customer engagement is crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of completed custom framing projects, highlighting design creativity and attention to detail.

• Include documentation or descriptions of how you've contributed to store operations, such as merchandising improvements or customer service initiatives.

• Demonstrate an understanding of sales processes, perhaps through examples of exceeding targets or resolving customer issues effectively.

• Highlight any experience with inventory management or stock replenishment processes. Process Documentation:

• For framing projects, detail the steps involved from customer consultation to final product delivery, emphasizing quality control checkpoints.

• Describe your approach to maintaining a clean, organized, and well-merchandised retail space, including specific organizational methods.

• Outline your process for handling customer inquiries and transactions, from initial greeting to closing the sale and managing payment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, a formal "portfolio" might not be strictly required in a digital sense. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss their past experiences and skills through concrete examples during interviews, which serves a similar purpose to a portfolio by demonstrating capabilities and a systematic approach to tasks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $19.00 - $22.40 per hour. This range reflects an entry-level to mid-level hourly position within a specialized retail craft environment in the San Mateo area, considering the cost of living and specialized skills required.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match: A retirement savings plan with company contributions.

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

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance options.

• Telemedicine Services: Convenient access to healthcare professionals remotely.

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

• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax savings for public transportation or parking expenses.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.

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

• Voluntary Insurance Options: Additional insurance coverage for life, disability, etc.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products.

• Partner Discount Programs: Access to discounts with other affiliated businesses.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While a standard full-time work week is 40 hours, part-time roles will have fewer hours, with specific scheduling likely including nights, weekends, and early mornings as per the work environment description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for a part-time retail role requiring specialized skills in a high-cost-of-living area like San Mateo. The benefits package is extensive for a part-time role, indicating Michaels' commitment to employee well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts supplies in North America, operating under the Michaels and Lamplighter brands. This industry demands creativity, customer engagement, and efficient inventory management.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across North America; global employee count likely in the tens of thousands. This large retail footprint means established operational processes and a structured work environment.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a deep understanding of its market and customer base, fostering a culture that values creativity, community, and customer satisfaction.

Team Structure:

• The Framer likely operates within a store team structure, reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager.

• They will work closely with other sales associates, potentially a dedicated framing specialist lead, and stockroom personnel.

• Collaboration is essential with team members across sales floor, custom framing, and stockroom operations to ensure a cohesive customer experience. Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer-centric sales ("Elevated ABC Deliver") and consultative selling for custom framing.

• Structured adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in operations, safety, and compliance.

• Data-driven approaches likely used for inventory management (SISO, Directed Replenishment) and sales performance tracking.

• Focus on visual merchandising and maintaining store presentation standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture is built around fostering creativity and providing a positive customer experience. For a Framer, this translates to a role that balances artistic skill with proactive sales and customer engagement within a structured retail environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the entry-level to early-career stage within retail operations, specifically focusing on a specialized craft within the sales and service domain. It requires hands-on skills and customer interaction, serving as a foundation for broader retail responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Framer will typically report to a Store Manager or an Assistant Manager, who oversee overall store operations and staff management. They will also take direction from any dedicated Framing Department Lead if present.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributing to overall store sales via customer service and merchandising. Excellent framing execution and customer consultation enhance customer loyalty and drive repeat business, contributing to the company's profitability and brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, design, and customer consultation, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the store.

• Retail Advancement: Progress into roles such as Lead Framer, Sales Associate, Key Holder, Assistant Manager, or Store Manager, leveraging acquired retail operations and customer service skills.

• Cross-Training: Develop proficiency in other store operations, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or omni-channel fulfillment, broadening skill sets for future opportunities.

• Leadership Development: For high performers, opportunities may arise for leadership training and development programs offered by Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, Michaels, as a large retailer, offers structured pathways for career growth. Demonstrating proficiency in framing, customer service, and operational tasks can lead to increased responsibility and advancement within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 2925 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA. The work environment includes climate-controlled public areas and potentially less controlled stock rooms.

Workspace Context:

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

• The sales floor requires constant interaction with customers and maintaining visual standards.

• Opportunities for collaboration exist with fellow sales associates, management, and stock associates during daily operations, truck unloads, and customer assistance.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position. The work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling will be a key aspect of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-facing. Candidates should be prepared for a physically active role in a retail setting, with specific considerations for the safety and precision required in the framing shop.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• In-Person Interview: A one-on-one or panel interview with the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. This will focus on customer service skills, retail experience, problem-solving abilities, and fit with the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your interest in custom framing and Michaels.

• Skills Assessment/Demonstration: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss your approach to operating tools. While a full framing demonstration is unlikely for an entry-level position, showing aptitude and a willingness to learn is key.

• Final Steps: Reference checks and a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Custom Framing Examples: If you have any personal or professional custom framing projects, bring photos or be prepared to describe them in detail. Highlight your design choices and the process you followed.

• Emphasize Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you have handled challenging customer interactions, resolved complaints, or gone above and beyond to assist customers in previous roles.

• Quantify Achievements: If discussing sales experience, use numbers (e.g., "exceeded sales targets by 15%," "assisted an average of 20 customers per shift").

• Discuss Operational Contributions: Be ready to talk about how you've contributed to store presentation, stock management, or team collaboration in past roles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Practice responding to common customer service challenges (e.g., a customer is unhappy with a product, a product is out of stock).

• Sales Approach: Think about how you would approach a customer to offer custom framing services, focusing on understanding their needs and suggesting solutions.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a situation where you need to balance multiple tasks (e.g., serving a customer while a framing order needs attention).

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the "portfolio" review will likely be more conversational, focusing on past experiences and demonstrated skills rather than a formal document. Highlighting transferable skills and a strong work ethic is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Glass cutter, mat cutters, framing tools (chopper, stapler, etc.), heat press. Proficiency or ability to learn safe operation is essential.

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer accounts, and handling returns/exchanges.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, calipers for accurate project specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for deep analytics, understanding basic sales reports and inventory counts (SISO, Directed Replenishment) is beneficial.

• Awareness of performance metrics related to sales, production time, and customer satisfaction. CRM & Automation:

• The POS system likely has basic CRM functionalities for customer data and transaction history.

• Familiarity with omni-channel processes implies an understanding of how online orders integrate with in-store fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on direct customer interaction and in-store operational tools. The emphasis is on practical application rather than complex software suites.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the customer experience through friendly service, helpful assistance, and delivering quality custom framing solutions.

• Creativity & Passion: Embracing the core business of arts and crafts, encouraging creative problem-solving and a passion for helping customers bring their visions to life.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to ensure smooth store operations, share workloads, and support each other to meet store goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, SOPs, and ethical standards in all transactions and interactions, taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing the need for speed in retail operations with the meticulous quality required for custom framing.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with sales floor staff, management, and stock associates to ensure a unified customer experience and efficient store operation.

• Process Improvement Mindset: Openness to feedback and suggestions for improving framing processes, customer service, or store organization.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share tips and techniques related to framing, sales, or customer service with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a positive, creative, and team-oriented culture. A Framer is expected to embody these values by being helpful, creative, and a reliable team player.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Craftsmanship with Speed: Meeting high-quality standards for custom framing while also managing customer service demands, sales targets, and other retail tasks within a part-time schedule.

• Customer Expectations: Effectively managing customer expectations regarding design, cost, and turnaround time for custom framing projects.

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

• Adapting to Retail Pace: Excelling in a fast-paced retail environment that requires constant multitasking and quick problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn new framing methods, matting techniques, and custom design principles.

• Sales & Customer Service Training: Developing advanced sales skills, consultative selling techniques, and strategies for building customer loyalty.

• Retail Management Path: Gaining experience in operations, inventory, and team leadership that can lead to supervisory or management roles within Michaels.

• Product Knowledge: Deepening understanding of art supplies, framing materials, and design trends to better serve customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for specialized roles in retail, requiring a blend of technical skill and customer-facing abilities. The growth opportunities are well-defined within a large retail organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing needs?" (Focus on consultative selling, asking open-ended questions, and understanding their art/purpose.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple competing tasks. How did you prioritize?" (Highlight organizational skills, time management, and ability to stay calm under pressure.)

• "What do you consider to be the most important aspects of providing excellent customer service in a retail environment?" (Emphasize attentiveness, problem-solving, product knowledge, and creating a positive experience.)

• "How would you ensure the quality and accuracy of a custom framing order from start to finish?" (Detail your process for measurement, material selection, assembly, and final inspection.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and specifically in the custom framing department?" (Connect your passion for creativity, crafts, or customer service to the company's mission.)

• "How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism from a supervisor?" (Demonstrate openness to learning and improvement.)

• "What do you know about Michaels' commitment to creativity and community?" (Show you've researched the company and align with its values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Examples: If you have photos of framing work, be ready to show them and explain your process, design choices, and the outcome.

• Storytelling: Frame your experiences as mini-stories – describe the situation, your action, and the positive result, especially for customer service or sales achievements.

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if prior experience isn't directly in framing, emphasize skills like attention to detail, precision, customer interaction, and problem-solving.

• Enthusiasm for Learning: Clearly express your eagerness to learn the specific framing techniques and sales methods used by Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of customer service aptitude, a willingness to learn specialized skills, and a basic understanding of retail operations. Highlighting enthusiasm for the creative aspect of the role is also key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant experience in customer service, sales, retail, or hands-on craftwork. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "retail operations." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather any visual examples of past framing work, successful customer service interactions, or contributions to store presentation. Be ready to discuss these experiences verbally during the interview.

• Interview Practice: Prepare answers for common retail interview questions, focusing on your customer service approach, problem-solving skills, and enthusiasm for Michaels and the Framer role. Practice articulating your process for handling custom orders and customer interactions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings. Understand their focus on creativity, customer experience, and community engagement. Research the specific store location if possible.

⚠️ 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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