Framer PT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer PT

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Edgewater, NJ (465 River Rd)

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: June 26, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level to 2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing exceptional customer service within a retail environment, specifically in the custom framing department.

• It involves direct customer interaction to understand their needs and translate them into tangible custom framing solutions, driving sales and production within the department.

• Key responsibilities include operating specialized framing equipment, ensuring high-quality production, and maintaining visual merchandising standards for both custom and ready-made frame areas.

• The position also encompasses general retail duties such as operating the cash register, stocking merchandise, and supporting inventory management and safety programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Framer PT," the description indicates a broader retail associate role with a specialization in custom framing. The "PT" signifies Part-Time employment. The core of the role combines sales, customer service, and skilled production within the framing department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and nurture customer relationships by actively engaging them to understand their framing needs and preferences.
  • Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to provide personalized design consultations and propose custom framing solutions.
  • Achieve and exceed personal sales and production targets for the custom framing department.
  • Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and offer solutions to meet their creative projects.

• Custom Framing Production:

  • Accurately complete custom framing orders, ensuring high quality of craftsmanship and adherence to on-time delivery schedules.
  • Operate framing equipment, including specialized machinery and a glass cutter, safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace within the framing shop.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, including the Sales-In-Store-Out (SISO) and Directed Replenishment processes, to ensure optimal presentation and stock levels.
  • Ensure assigned areas of the store are well-merchandised, clutter-free, and fully stocked, enhancing the overall customer shopping experience.
  • Participate actively in truck unloading and stocking processes, adhering to established standards and timelines.

• Point of Sale & General Duties:

  • Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, adhering to all cash handling procedures and standards.

  • Support company-wide shrink and safety programs by following all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs.

  • Assist with Omni-channel fulfillment processes as required, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all sales platforms.

  • Perform other assigned duties as needed to support store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate between direct customer-facing sales and consultations (framing solutions), skilled production (operating equipment, quality control), and general retail support (merchandising, stocking, POS). The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales and service approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions, though not explicitly stated. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in customer-facing roles, preferably in retail or a service-oriented environment.

• Experience in sales, particularly in consultative selling or solution-based selling, is highly beneficial.

• Previous experience with custom framing, art, or design is a plus but not strictly required. Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, build rapport, and provide solutions tailored to their needs.

• Measuring & Basic Math Skills: Essential for accurate framing measurements and order processing.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Proficiency or trainability in operating framing machinery, including a glass cutter.

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

• Basic Computer Skills: Necessary for accessing information, potentially for order entry, and utilizing store systems.

• Merchandising & Presentation: Ability to maintain visually appealing displays and organized store sections.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven track record in achieving sales targets and driving revenue.

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Familiarity with framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Selling Skills: Experience effectively selling products and/or services, particularly custom solutions.

• Omni-channel Fulfillment: Understanding of or experience with processes like Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS).

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with stock control, replenishment, and loss prevention strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" section directly translates to required skills, while "Preferred Type of experience" maps to preferred skills. The role emphasizes a blend of sales acumen and hands-on operational skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any projects or experiences demonstrating their ability to:

  • Design & Solutioning: Showcase instances where they understood a customer's need and proposed a suitable solution (e.g., a custom framing project they designed or assisted with).
  • Quality Execution: Provide examples of work where attention to detail and high-quality output were critical.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Demonstrate how they fostered positive customer experiences and achieved customer goals.

• The focus will be on practical application rather than a curated portfolio. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of and experience with:

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): How they follow established protocols for sales, production, and store operations.
  • Workflow Management: Their approach to managing individual tasks and orders efficiently within a defined process.
  • Quality Assurance: How they ensure the quality of their work and identify potential issues.
  • Sales Process: Their understanding of a consultative sales cycle, from initial customer contact to closing the sale and ensuring delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail role like this, a formal portfolio is unlikely to be required. However, the ability to articulate past experiences demonstrating the core competencies (sales, customer service, quality production) is crucial. The emphasis is on practical application and process adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $16.50 - $19.40 per hour. This range is competitive for a part-time retail associate position with specialized framing duties in the Edgewater, NJ area. Benefits:

• For eligible team members:

  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match.
  • Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Telemedicine Services; Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Commuter Benefits.
  • Personal Development: Tuition Assistance, Adoption Assistance.
  • Insurance: Various Voluntary Insurance Options.

• Everyday Perks:

  • Employee Discounts on Michaels products.

  • Access to Partner Discount Programs.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) may be provided, depending on eligibility and local regulations. Working Hours:

• This is a Part-Time position. While the standard full-time work week is 40 hours, actual hours will vary based on business needs and scheduling. Evening, weekend, and early morning availability is required. Flexibility in scheduling is essential for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific. The extensive list of benefits indicates a commitment to employee well-being, even for part-time roles, though eligibility criteria will apply. The working hours clearly state the part-time nature and required flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts and Crafts, Custom Framing, Home Decor)

Company Size: Large (Over 1,300 stores in North America). This scale suggests established processes, brand recognition, and opportunities for diverse customer interactions.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. Michaels has a long-standing history and a strong presence in the creative and crafting market.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: This role operates within a typical retail store structure, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or Department Specialist).

• Department Specialization: While part of the broader store team, there's a specific focus on the Custom Framing department, implying collaboration with other framing specialists or a dedicated framing supervisor.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with sales associates, cashiers, and potentially inventory or visual merchandising teams to ensure smooth store operations and excellent customer service.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing solutions, as seen in the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in sales, production, and operational tasks.

• Data-Driven Insights (Store Level): While not overtly stated for this role, store performance is tracked through sales, production, and inventory metrics, influencing operational focus.

• Efficiency & Safety: Emphasis on efficient task completion (e.g., truck stocking, order fulfillment) and maintaining a safe work environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates on a large retail scale, fostering a culture of customer service, process adherence, and team collaboration at the store level. The framing department requires specialized skills within this broader retail framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is an entry-level to early-career role within retail operations, specifically focused on a specialized department. It provides foundational experience in customer service, sales, and skilled production.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a Department Lead, Assistant Manager, or Store Manager. The direct reporting line will be within the store's management hierarchy. Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer impulse purchases.

• Contributes to customer loyalty and repeat business through positive service interactions and high-quality custom framing solutions.

• Influences store presentation and operational efficiency through merchandising and stocking responsibilities. Growth Opportunities:

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

• Retail Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Key Holder, Sales Lead, Department Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager within Michaels.

• Cross-Training: Possibility to gain experience in other store departments, broadening retail operational knowledge.

• Specialization: With significant experience, could potentially move into corporate roles related to visual merchandising, operations, or product development, though this is less direct from a part-time framing role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a strong entry point into retail operations, offering tangible skills in sales, customer service, and specialized production. Growth paths are clearly defined within the retail store management hierarchy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves interaction with diverse clientele.

Office Location(s): Edgewater, NJ (Specific address: 465 River Rd). This location is a physical retail store accessible to the local community.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Areas: Primarily involves working on the sales floor and within the custom framing department, which are climate-controlled.

• Stock Rooms: May occasionally involve working in stock rooms, which might not be climate-controlled.

• Framing Shop: Contains specialized equipment like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• Collaboration: Frequent interaction with customers and other store team members.

Work Schedule:

• Requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings.

• The schedule will be based on store needs and may vary weekly.

• Ability to stand for long periods and move throughout the store is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail setting, with specific considerations for the framing shop's equipment and the need for physical stamina. Flexibility in working hours is a key requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online application review to assess basic qualifications.

• In-Person Interview: Expect an interview at the Edgewater store. This will likely involve:

  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork (e.g., "Describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer").
  • Situational Questions: Posing scenarios related to framing, sales, and store operations (e.g., "How would you approach a customer unsure about framing options?").
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion of experience with measuring, basic computer skills, and willingness to learn framing equipment.
  • Cultural Fit: Evaluating alignment with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

• Practical Demonstration (Potentially): While not guaranteed, there might be a brief, informal assessment of measuring skills or a discussion about how they would handle a framing consultation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a formal portfolio is not expected. Instead, focus on verbally articulating your experience:
  • Highlight Key Projects: Be ready to discuss specific instances where you excelled in customer service, sales, or creative problem-solving. If you have personal framing or art projects, be prepared to describe them.
  • Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your impact (e.g., "Increased framing sales by X%," "Handled X customer consultations per shift").
  • Demonstrate Process Understanding: Clearly explain how you approach tasks, from understanding a customer's need to completing a project or sale.
  • Showcase Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for creativity, art, and helping customers bring their visions to life.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare responses for how you would handle common retail challenges like an unhappy customer, an out-of-stock item, or a complex customer request.

• Sales Approach: Think about how you would guide a customer through the custom framing selection process, from understanding their artwork and desired aesthetic to presenting options and closing the sale.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready for questions about how you would address issues like a production error or a delay in an order.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be practical and focused on assessing core retail competencies and a genuine interest in custom framing. Preparation should emphasize clear communication of past experiences and a proactive approach to customer service and sales.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Specialized machinery for matting, cutting, assembling frames, and potentially a glass cutter and heat press.

• POS System: A modern point-of-sale system for processing sales, managing inventory, and potentially customer order tracking.

• Basic Computer Systems: For accessing internal company information, training modules, and potentially order management software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting: Access to daily/weekly sales reports for the framing department and overall store performance.

• Inventory Management Systems: Tools for tracking stock levels of frames, mats, and supplies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not a dedicated CRM role, the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology likely incorporates CRM principles for building customer relationships and tracking sales interactions.

• Automation: Limited direct automation for this role, beyond standard POS and inventory systems. Focus is on manual process execution and skilled craftsmanship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is typical for a retail environment, focusing on point-of-sale systems, specialized production equipment, and basic computer literacy rather than complex enterprise software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Michaels fosters a culture that celebrates creativity and aims to inspire customers' artistic endeavors.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service is paramount, especially in the framing department where personalized solutions are key.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals and provide a positive shopping experience.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding high standards in custom framing production to ensure customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

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

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with other store associates to ensure smooth operations, from initial customer interaction to transaction completion and inventory management.

• Process Review: Openness to following established procedures and contributing to a safe and organized work environment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to learn from experienced team members, particularly in the intricacies of custom framing and sales techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture heavily emphasizes creativity, customer satisfaction, and teamwork, which are all critical for success in a customer-facing retail role like this.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to engage customers, close sales, and simultaneously produce high-quality framing orders.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Meeting the varied aesthetic preferences, budget constraints, and project requirements of a wide range of customers.

• Learning Specialized Skills: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and understanding design principles can require a learning curve.

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

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Retail environments often experience busy periods (holidays, custom framing demand spikes) requiring adaptability and stamina.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Deepen knowledge of framing materials, techniques, preservation methods, and design trends.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Develop advanced consultative selling techniques and customer relationship management.

• Retail Operations: Gain comprehensive experience in store management, merchandising, inventory control, and loss prevention.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to take on more responsibility within the store, potentially leading to management roles.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Michaels' training programs and resources for skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to develop specialized craft skills and robust retail operational experience, with clear pathways for advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Custom Framing Consultation: "A customer brings in a valuable piece of art and is unsure how to frame it. How would you approach this consultation to ensure they get a solution they love and that protects their artwork?" (Focus on active listening, understanding the artwork, discussing style, budget, and protection).

• Sales & Target Achievement: "This role has sales targets for custom framing. How would you proactively engage customers and drive sales for the framing department?" (Focus on approaching customers, highlighting benefits, and overcoming objections).

• Problem-Solving & Quality: "Imagine you completed a framing order, but upon inspection, you noticed a slight imperfection. What would you do?" (Focus on quality control, taking ownership, and rectifying the issue with minimal customer impact).

• Product Knowledge & Learning: "This role requires operating framing equipment and learning about different materials. How do you approach learning new technical skills or product information?" (Focus on eagerness to learn, utilizing resources, and hands-on practice).

Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment in a retail setting?" (Highlight collaboration, helpfulness, and a positive attitude).

• "Michaels values creativity. How do you express your creativity, and how might that translate to helping customers with framing?" (Share personal creative outlets or problem-solving approaches). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• While no formal portfolio is needed, prepare to discuss:

  • Past Customer Interactions: Describe specific examples of successful customer service or sales interactions, emphasizing your approach and the positive outcome.
  • Project Examples: If you have personal art or framing experience, be ready to discuss the process, challenges, and your solutions.
  • Skills Demonstration: Be prepared to verbally walk through how you would measure an item for framing or explain the steps involved in a custom framing order.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service, sales aptitude, a willingness to learn technical skills, and a genuine interest in art and creativity.

📌 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 customer service experience, any sales achievements, measuring skills, and any experience with tools or equipment. Use keywords from the job description like "customer service," "sales," "framing," "merchandising," and "cash handling."

• Prepare for Interview: Review common retail interview questions, especially those related to customer interaction, problem-solving, and sales. Be ready to discuss your interest in custom framing and Michaels.

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

• Consider Your "Portfolio": Mentally prepare to articulate specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate the required skills and responsibilities outlined in the job description.

⚠️ 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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