Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Vancouver, Washington, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on providing exceptional customer service and driving sales within the custom framing department.

• Responsibilities include building customer relationships, creating custom framing solutions, and ensuring high-quality, on-time order completion.

• Key operational duties involve maintaining store standards, managing inventory within assigned areas, and operating the cash register.

• The position requires adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the description indicates a blend of sales, customer service, and operational duties typical of a retail environment, with a specialization in custom framing. This suggests the role requires not only craftsmanship but also strong interpersonal and sales skills. The "PART_TIME" designation indicates this is likely an entry-level position focused on supporting the framing department and store operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build strong customer relationships by understanding their needs and providing personalized custom framing solutions.
  • Utilize "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to drive sales and production results.
  • Assist customers with product location and offer solutions to meet their creative needs.

• Custom Framing Production:

  • Complete framing orders with a high degree of quality and adhere to established timelines.
  • Operate framing equipment and utilize tools such as a glass cutter and heat press proficiently.
  • Ensure all custom framing projects meet company quality standards.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, ensuring they are well-merchandised and in stock.
  • Execute Directed Replenishment and SISO (Sounds In Stock, Out of Stock) processes to optimize inventory availability.
  • Contribute to truck unloading and stocking processes, adhering to company standards for efficiency and organization.

• Customer Service & Experience:

  • Provide friendly and helpful customer service, assisting shoppers in finding products and offering solutions.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment for customers and team members.
  • Acknowledge all customers promptly and offer assistance.

• Transaction & Compliance:

  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures accurately and according to standards.

  • Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance and operational consistency.

  • Support shrink and safety programs through diligent execution of duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct customer interaction (sales, relationship building) and hands-on production (framing). The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and SOP adherence suggests a structured approach to sales and operational execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not explicitly specified, but a foundational understanding of basic math and measurement is implied.

Experience:

• Required: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing or operational role. Demonstrated ability in basic computer skills and basic measuring skills. Proficiency in operating framing equipment and glass cutters is essential.

• Preferred: Previous retail experience is highly desirable. Experience in selling products and/or services directly to customers.

Required Skills:

• Custom Framing Execution: Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters to produce high-quality custom framing orders.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, build relationships, and provide helpful solutions.

• Measuring & Calculation: Basic measuring skills for accurate order fulfillment and material estimation.

• Operational Adherence: Strong understanding and application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs.

• Cash Handling: Competence in operating a cash register and managing financial transactions accurately.

• Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to navigate and use basic computer systems for tasks such as order entry or inventory lookup.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Acumen: Experience in consultative selling, identifying customer needs, and closing sales for custom products or services.

• Merchandising & Presentation: Ability to maintain visually appealing displays and ensure product availability in assigned departments.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with inventory replenishment and stock management principles.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with team members on tasks such as truck unloading and stocking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical skills for framing, interpersonal skills for sales and customer service, and operational discipline. The "0-2 years" experience level indicates that extensive prior experience is not mandatory, but a willingness to learn and a foundational skill set are key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Project Examples: Showcase 2-3 examples of custom framing projects, detailing the customer's need, the materials used, the design process, and the final outcome. Highlight any unique challenges overcome.

• Sales Conversion Case Study: A brief case study (1 page) illustrating how you identified a customer's need and successfully guided them towards a custom framing solution, leading to a sale. Quantify the sale value if possible.

• Inventory Management Scenario: Describe a scenario where you identified a stockout or overstock situation in a retail environment and the steps you took to address it, focusing on efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Customer Service Improvement Example: Detail an instance where you went above and beyond to resolve a customer issue or enhance their shopping experience, demonstrating your commitment to service excellence.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design Observation: Document your understanding of a typical customer journey for custom framing, from initial inquiry to order fulfillment, noting key touchpoints and potential bottlenecks.

• Quality Assurance Process: Outline the steps you would take to ensure the quality of a custom framing order before it is presented to the customer, focusing on accuracy, material integrity, and presentation.

• Performance Measurement Awareness: Briefly describe how sales and production metrics (e.g., sales per hour, order completion time) might be used to evaluate performance in a retail framing role.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required, but candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples of their work and experiences. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical skills, sales aptitude, and an understanding of operational processes relevant to a retail framing environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.25 - $20.30 per hour.

Explanation: This range is based on the provided information and industry benchmarks for part-time retail associates with specialized duties in arts and crafts, particularly custom framing, in the Vancouver, WA area. Entry-level positions in retail often have a defined hourly range, with progression based on performance, tenure, and additional responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for vacation, personal days, or sick leave.

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

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, fostering personal creativity.

• Other Benefits: Access to additional benefits and programs as detailed on mikbenefits.com.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. Actual hours will vary based on business needs, but may include nights, weekends, and early mornings. The role involves standing for long periods, and the total weekly hours are not specified but are typically less than 30 for part-time roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for part-time retail roles in the specified region. The benefits package is robust, especially for part-time employees, highlighting Michaels' commitment to team member well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts & Crafts, Home Decor, Seasonal Goods). Michaels is a leading destination for creative individuals and those celebrating life's moments. The company operates a large retail footprint across North America, including custom framing services and manufacturing through Artistree.

Company Size: Large enterprise with over 1,300 stores in the US and Canada. This scale means established processes, significant customer traffic, and opportunities for diverse team interactions.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history suggests stability and a deep understanding of the arts and crafts market.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: The Framer will be part of a store team comprising a Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, Team Leads, and fellow Team Members. They will likely report to a Framing Department Manager or a designated Team Lead overseeing framing operations.

• Departmental Focus: The role is embedded within the Custom Framing department, requiring collaboration with other framing specialists and support from general store staff for cross-functional tasks.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The position involves interacting with customers across various store departments and potentially assisting with store-wide initiatives like truck unloading, stocking, and omni-channel fulfillment.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing personalized solutions, as highlighted by the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Process Standardization: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensures consistent execution of tasks, quality control, and compliance.

• Data-Informed Operations: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the broader company likely uses sales data, inventory metrics, and customer feedback to optimize store performance and product offerings.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates as a large, established retail entity. The culture likely balances a focus on creativity and customer passion with the structured demands of a large retail operation. The company's size provides stability and a structured environment for learning and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Retail Associate with Specialized Framing Duties. This role is foundational, providing exposure to core retail operations, customer service, sales, and specific technical skills in custom framing. It's an excellent stepping stone for individuals interested in retail careers or the arts and crafts industry.

Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a Framing Department Manager or a Store Team Lead responsible for framing. This structure provides direct supervision and guidance on daily tasks and performance.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer retention by providing high-quality products and excellent service. Efficient operations in the framing department contribute to overall store profitability and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, design, and materials, potentially leading to more advanced framing roles or responsibilities.

• Retail Advancement: Progress into roles such as Framing Department Manager, Team Lead, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager within Michaels.

• Cross-Functional Training: Develop skills in other store departments, enhancing versatility and opening doors to broader retail management opportunities.

• Continuous Learning: Benefit from tuition assistance and ongoing training programs offered by Michaels to acquire new skills and advance career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The entry-level nature of this role offers clear pathways for growth within Michaels, both within the framing specialization and across broader retail management functions. The company's emphasis on development suggests that motivated individuals can build a long-term career.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. This is a customer-facing environment where you will be interacting with shoppers throughout your shift.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, WA, specifically at 16601 SE Mill Plain Blvd. This location is a standard retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Areas: Primarily climate-controlled store floors and a dedicated custom framing area.

• Back-of-House: Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled. Potential for outdoor work during truck unloads or retrieving carts.

• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, and a cash register system. Basic computer access for operational tasks.

• Team Interaction: Frequent collaboration with store team members on various tasks, from customer service to inventory management and stocking.

Work Schedule: This is a PART_TIME position. Work hours will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, based on store operational needs and customer traffic. Flexibility in scheduling is often a requirement for part-time retail roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-focused, typical of a retail setting. While the primary workspace is climate-controlled, certain tasks may involve non-climate-controlled areas or occasional outdoor work. The schedule requires flexibility to cover various store operating hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess basic qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with company values.

• In-Person Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Framing Department Manager or Store Manager). This will involve behavioral questions, scenario-based questions related to customer service and sales, and assessment of framing skills/aptitude.

• Skills Assessment: May include a practical demonstration or discussion of measuring skills, operating basic tools, or problem-solving related to framing orders.

• Final Interview (if applicable): May involve a broader discussion about team fit and career aspirations.

• Offer: Conditional on background checks and verification of eligibility to work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prepare Visual Examples: If you have photos of custom framing projects you've completed (even personal ones), have them ready to show and discuss. Highlight your design choices and problem-solving.

• Quantify Achievements: For sales or customer service scenarios, use metrics where possible (e.g., "increased customer satisfaction ratings by X%" or "successfully upsold framing packages by Y%").

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Be ready to walk through your process for taking a custom framing order, from consultation to completion, emphasizing attention to detail and customer communication.

• Showcase Enthusiasm: Express your passion for creativity, art, and helping customers bring their visions to life through custom framing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare for questions like, "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing order?" or "How do you approach a customer who seems unsure about their framing choices?"

• Sales Approach: Be ready to discuss how you would actively sell custom framing services and upsell additional products or services.

• Operational Tasks: Understand the importance of SOPs and how to execute tasks like stocking and merchandising efficiently and accurately.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be a strict requirement for this entry-level role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experiences and skills through examples. Demonstrating practical framing knowledge, customer service aptitude, and a proactive sales approach will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Various tools for cutting, assembling, and finishing frames (e.g., mat cutters, saws, jointers, heat presses).

• Glass Cutting Tools: Specialized tools for precise glass cutting for framing projects.

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

• Cash Register/POS System: For processing customer transactions, managing sales, and handling payments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing order management systems, inventory lookups, and potentially basic reporting or communication tools.

• Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels, processing replenishment orders, and managing the ready-made frame department.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) principles: While not a dedicated CRM system, the role utilizes customer interaction to build relationships and drive sales, applying CRM concepts in practice.

• Omni Channel Processes: Familiarity with supporting online orders for in-store pickup or ship-from-store initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on specialized framing equipment and standard retail point-of-sale systems. Proficiency with these tools is essential for day-to-day operations and production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels fosters an environment that celebrates creativity, encouraging team members to share their passion for arts and crafts.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on building customer relationships and delivering exceptional service to enhance the shopping experience.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals, support each other, and create a positive work environment.

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, ethical standards, and taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for operational excellence in all tasks, from production to customer service, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Respectful: Team members are expected to interact positively and respectfully, even in challenging situations, promoting a commitment to the organization's vision.

• Task-Oriented: Collaboration is essential for tasks like truck unloading, stocking, and ensuring the store is well-merchandised and in-stock for customers.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices and support each other in skill development, particularly within specialized departments like custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels promotes a culture that values creativity, teamwork, and a strong customer focus. The emphasis on respect and positive interaction is crucial for maintaining a productive and enjoyable work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production and Service: Effectively managing time to complete custom framing orders accurately while also dedicating attention to customer service and sales on the floor.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer expectations for custom framing designs, timelines, and budgets.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and occasional ladder use, which can be physically demanding.

• Adapting to Retail Pace: Thriving in a fast-paced retail environment, especially during peak seasons, while maintaining quality and customer service standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to master advanced framing techniques, material knowledge, and design principles through on-the-job training and potentially specialized workshops.

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

• Retail Operations Acumen: Gaining experience in merchandising, inventory management, cash handling, and omni-channel fulfillment.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways to move into leadership roles within the store, supported by company training programs and tuition assistance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges that are common in specialized retail positions, requiring strong time management, customer service skills, and physical stamina. However, these challenges are balanced by significant opportunities for skill development and career advancement within a large, established retail organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Framing Process: "Can you walk me through the steps you would take to create a custom frame for a customer's valuable artwork?" (Focus on detail, material selection, customer consultation).

• Customer Service Scenarios: "A customer is unhappy with the fit of their custom frame. How would you handle this situation?" (Emphasize empathy, problem-solving, and adherence to company policy).

• Sales Approach: "How would you proactively engage a customer browsing the framing area to help them find the right solution?" (Highlight consultative selling techniques and understanding customer needs).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working at Michaels, specifically in the framing department?" (Connect to passion for creativity, art, customer service).

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal." (Use examples from retail, school projects, or volunteer work).

• Values Alignment: "How do you embody Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork in your work?" (Provide specific behavioral examples).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: If presenting photos of your work, explain the context, your role, the challenges, and the successful outcome.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your step-by-step approach to custom framing, from initial customer contact to final product delivery.

• Metrics for Impact: If possible, discuss any quantifiable results from past roles, such as sales figures, customer feedback improvements, or efficiency gains.

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Convey genuine passion for the art of framing and helping customers preserve and display their cherished items.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of practical framing skills, strong customer service abilities, a proactive sales mindset, and an understanding of retail operations. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase these competencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with custom framing, customer service, sales, measuring, or retail operations. Use keywords from the job description such as "Custom Framing," "Customer Service," "Sales," and "Merchandising."

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have examples of custom framing projects, prepare to discuss them. This could include personal projects or any professional work. Be ready to explain your process, materials used, and customer interaction.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions focusing on customer service scenarios, sales approaches, and your understanding of the framing process. Prepare to discuss how you would contribute to a positive team environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings, particularly their custom framing services. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer satisfaction.

⚠️ 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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