Framer * WILL TRAIN * (nights/weekends)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service & Sales

Date Posted: 2026-05-08

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Engage with customers to understand their needs and provide expert custom framing solutions, driving sales and fostering strong customer relationships.

• Operate specialized framing equipment and tools, ensuring high-quality product creation and timely order fulfillment.

• Maintain visual merchandising standards for the ready-made frame department and contribute to overall store presentation and stock management.

• Perform essential retail operations, including accurate cash handling, assisting with inventory replenishment, and supporting omni-channel processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly focused on a specific, hands-on retail function within a larger organization, emphasizing direct customer interaction and specialized craft skills. The "WILL TRAIN" designation indicates a strong focus on developing internal talent, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enter the custom framing and retail sales space.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations for custom framing projects, leveraging Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

• Execute all custom framing orders with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to production timelines.

• Manage and maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Shop In, Ship Out) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Deliver exceptional customer service, actively assisting customers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a well-merchandised and fully stocked shopping environment.

• Operate the cash register with accuracy, adhering to all cash handling procedures and standards, and support overall shrink and safety initiatives.

• Participate actively in truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring compliance with company standards and efficient inventory management.

• Acknowledge and engage with all customers, assist in product location, and provide effective solutions to meet their needs.

• Support and execute omni-channel processes to ensure a seamless customer experience across all sales channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, technical craft, and general retail operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific customer engagement framework that candidates should be prepared to learn and apply.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but not strictly required given the training provided.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role or a hands-on craft is beneficial, demonstrating a foundational ability to interact with people and work with tools.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for accessing information, processing orders, and potentially using internal systems.

• Proficiency in basic measuring skills for accurate framing and material selection.

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

• Strong customer service orientation with a friendly and engaging demeanor.

• Basic cash handling and transaction processing skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail experience, particularly in a sales or customer service capacity.

• Demonstrated experience in selling products or services and building customer rapport.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WILL TRAIN" aspect is critical here. While preferred skills are listed, the core requirement is the willingness to learn and a foundational aptitude for customer interaction and basic technical tasks. The physical requirements also play a key role in qualification.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Engagement Examples: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates can demonstrate their customer service aptitude through examples of how they've resolved customer issues or exceeded expectations in previous roles.

• Quality Craftsmanship Showcase (Conceptual): Candidates can speak to their understanding of quality and attention to detail, perhaps by describing a personal project or a time they ensured a high-quality outcome in a task.

• Process Adherence: Ability to articulate how they follow instructions and SOPs is key, as this role relies heavily on standardized processes for framing and store operations.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding of how to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing, sales, and store operations.

• Ability to learn and implement new processes quickly, as indicated by the "WILL TRAIN" offering.

• Willingness to document and report on operational tasks as required by management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role with training provided, a formal portfolio is unlikely. The emphasis will be on demonstrating trainability, a strong work ethic, and an understanding of process adherence through interview responses and past experiences.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For an entry-level, part-time Framer position in Alexandria, Virginia, with training provided, the estimated hourly wage would likely fall between $12.00 - $16.00 per hour. This range is based on typical retail wages in the Northern Virginia area for roles requiring customer interaction and some specialized skills, adjusted for the training component.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision) - Eligibility may vary based on hours worked and tenure.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - Accrual rates typically depend on hours worked.

• Tuition Assistance - A valuable benefit for those looking to further their education.

• Generous Employee Discounts - Applicable to Michaels products and services.

• Potential for advancement within the retail operations structure.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. The role requires availability for nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, as indicated by the job posting. Typical weekly hours could range from 15-25, depending on business needs and individual availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on common retail compensation in the Alexandria, VA area for entry-level positions requiring specific skills and customer interaction, factoring in the "will train" aspect. Benefits are detailed based on the provided company description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels operates as a dominant force in the North American arts and crafts market, serving a broad customer base interested in creative pursuits, home décor, and event celebrations.

Company Size: Michaels is a large retail corporation, operating over 1,300 stores across North America. This scale offers stability and structured operational frameworks.

Founded: 1973. With decades of history, Michaels has established robust retail processes and a strong brand presence, indicating a stable and experienced corporate environment.

Team Structure:

• The Framer role is part of the store-level team, reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager, and potentially a dedicated Framing Department Manager if the store is large enough.

• The team structure is hierarchical, with clear roles and responsibilities for sales associates, framers, and management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Customer Engagement: The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer interactions, likely involving data analysis of customer preferences and sales trends to personalize recommendations.

• Process Optimization: Adherence to SOPs and participation in stocking/replenishment indicates a focus on efficient operational workflows.

• Quality Control: Emphasis on high-quality framing orders and maintaining store standards points to a commitment to operational excellence.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes a large, established retail operation with a focus on creativity and customer experience. The operations within this context are geared towards high-volume retail, efficient inventory management, and consistent customer service delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, specialized retail operations role. It focuses on a specific craft and customer interaction within the store environment. It's a foundational position for individuals looking to build skills in custom design, sales, and retail execution.

Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to store management (Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Department Manager), indicating a direct line of supervision within the store hierarchy.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and indirectly through customer satisfaction, product quality, and maintaining visual merchandising standards. Their work contributes to the overall shopping experience and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become a highly skilled custom framer, potentially leading to more advanced framing roles or responsibilities.

• Retail Management Path: Progression to roles like Sales Associate, Key Holder, Assistant Manager, or Store Manager, leveraging acquired retail operations and customer service experience.

• Cross-Training: Potential to be cross-trained in other store functions (e.g., cashier, merchandising, customer service) to broaden operational knowledge.

• Further Education: The tuition assistance benefit supports professional development and career advancement outside of Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a strong entry point into retail operations, offering a clear path for skill development in a specialized area and broader career progression within the retail sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a public retail store setting. The work environment is customer-facing and dynamic, with a dedicated framing shop area.

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 3654 King St, Alexandria, VA. This is a typical retail store location, likely in a shopping center or on a commercial street, accessible to the local community.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace includes the sales floor and a dedicated framing shop. The framing shop contains specialized equipment like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation.

• The environment is customer-focused, requiring constant interaction and engagement.

• Stock rooms may not be climate-controlled, and some outdoor work might be involved (e.g., retrieving carts, truck unloads).

• The role involves standing for long periods, regular bending, lifting, and reaching, as well as lifting heavy boxes and frames.

Work Schedule: The schedule is flexible and requires availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings. This is a part-time position, with hours varying based on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is hands-on and customer-centric, with specific safety considerations for the framing shop equipment. The flexibility in hours is a key aspect for part-time roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Submit resume and application. HR/hiring manager will review for basic qualifications and alignment with the "WILL TRAIN" aspect.

• Phone/Video Screening: A brief initial conversation to assess customer service aptitude, availability, and basic understanding of the role.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve a discussion about customer service philosophy, ability to follow directions, handling challenging customer situations, and physical capacity for the role. You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills.

• Skills Assessment/Demonstration (Possible): A brief demonstration of basic measuring or a hypothetical customer interaction scenario.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of the interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a formal portfolio isn't expected. Instead, focus on articulating your experience and aptitude through clear, concise answers during the interview.

• Be prepared to discuss instances where you provided excellent customer service, solved a problem, or demonstrated attention to detail in a previous role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare to answer questions like, "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their custom framing order?" or "How do you approach a customer who seems unsure about what they need?"

• Process Adherence: Be ready to discuss the importance of following instructions and SOPs in a retail environment.

• Teamwork: Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively as part of a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be geared towards assessing soft skills, trainability, and a customer-centric mindset, rather than a formal portfolio review.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Framing Equipment: Standard framing tools, including specialized saws, mat cutters, glass cutters, and heat presses. Training will be provided on specific models.

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

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

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing internal systems, order information, and potentially online training modules.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• The "Elevated ABC Deliver" system likely functions as a CRM or customer engagement tool, helping to track customer interactions and preferences.

• Store systems may automate some aspects of order processing and inventory replenishment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on point-of-sale systems and specialized craft equipment. The emphasis is on operational tools rather than complex analytics platforms for this specific role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and building relationships through personalized service and quality products.

• Creativity & Passion: Contributing to a culture that celebrates and supports creative expression.

• Teamwork & Respect: Working collaboratively with colleagues, treating everyone with acceptance and respect.

• Quality & Efficiency: Adhering to standards for product quality and operational efficiency.

• Safety: Maintaining a safe work environment for oneself, colleagues, and customers.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a collaborative spirit, where associates assist each other in serving customers and managing store operations.

• Open communication is encouraged, especially for addressing customer needs and operational challenges.

• Cross-functional interaction is common, with framers working alongside sales associates and management to ensure smooth store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of customer-centricity, creativity, and teamwork, typical of a large retail organization focused on arts and crafts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Curve for Framing Skills: Mastering the technical aspects of custom framing and operating specialized equipment safely and efficiently.

• Balancing Multiple Responsibilities: Juggling customer service, sales, production, and general store upkeep tasks simultaneously.

• Handling Difficult Customers: Managing customer expectations and resolving issues related to custom orders or store policies.

• Physical Demands: The role requires physical stamina for standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Training: The "WILL TRAIN" program offers structured learning in custom framing techniques, customer engagement, and retail operations.

• On-the-Job Skill Development: Continuous learning through hands-on experience in a busy retail environment.

• Potential for Advancement: Opportunities to grow into leadership roles within Michaels stores.

• Tuition Assistance: A significant benefit for pursuing further education and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an entry-level, hands-on role, but the growth opportunities, particularly the training and tuition assistance, are significant advantages.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Approach: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer." "How would you handle a customer who is upset about the price of a custom framing order?"

• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: "Tell me about a time you had to learn a new skill quickly." "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple demands?"

• Teamwork & Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment." "How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Michaels' mission, values, and commitment to creativity. Understand their customer base and product offerings.

• Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in Michaels specifically and how your values align with theirs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, focus on clear, concise, and enthusiastic verbal communication.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions effectively, drawing from any relevant past experiences (even non-work related, like personal projects or volunteer work).

• Highlight your ability to follow instructions, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for learning, strong customer service skills, and an understanding of the retail environment, rather than technical framing expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Tailoring: Ensure your resume highlights any customer service experience, attention to detail, comfort with hands-on tasks, and availability for nights and weekends. Even if it's not directly retail, emphasize transferable skills.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Practice answering common interview questions using the STAR method, focusing on examples that demonstrate your customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to learn.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services, and company culture. Understand their emphasis on creativity and customer engagement.

• Highlight Trainability: During the interview, explicitly express your eagerness to learn the framing craft and operate the equipment, reinforcing your understanding of the "WILL TRAIN" aspect of the role.

⚠️ 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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