Full-Time Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Full-Time Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Newton, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: 2026-08-22

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive custom framing sales and production targets by providing exceptional customer service and expert design consultations.

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through personalized service and a deep understanding of framing solutions.

• Contribute to overall store operations by supporting merchandising, inventory management, and maintaining a safe, clean retail environment.

• Act as a key team member, assisting the Framing Manager and training other team members on framing processes and customer engagement strategies.

• Execute all framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to production timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "Full-Time Framer," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role focused on both customer-facing sales and the technical execution of custom framing. This role sits at the intersection of retail operations and specialized craft execution, requiring a blend of sales acumen and hands-on skill. The "0-2" years experience level suggests it's an entry-to-mid-level position within this specialized retail segment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers proactively to understand their framing needs and consult on design options, utilizing Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to build rapport and trust.

• Achieve personal sales and production goals for custom framing orders, contributing to the overall store's Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets.

• Operate framing equipment, including specialized tools like glass cutters and heat presses, with precision and adherence to safety protocols.

• Execute custom framing orders from consultation to completion, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and timely delivery according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, as well as supporting SISO (Single Item, Single Order) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Provide friendly and efficient customer service throughout the store, assisting with locating products, managing checkout processes, and adhering to cash handling standards.

• Support inventory management initiatives, including participating in truck un-loads and stocking processes, ensuring compliance with established standards.

• Assist and train other team members on framing techniques, customer engagement strategies, and store operational procedures, acting as a lead in the Framing Manager's absence.

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

• Promote and enroll customers in the Michaels Rewards program, educating them on its benefits and completing sign-ups accurately.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct customer engagement for custom framing sales and the technical execution of those framing projects. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales methodology that candidates should be prepared to discuss, focusing on building customer relationships beyond a transactional interaction. The "Act in lead capacity in the absence of the Framing Manager" indicates a potential for increased responsibility and leadership development within the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong aptitude for spatial reasoning, design principles, and attention to detail is essential for custom framing.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a preference for retail or sales environments. Ability to learn and master technical skills related to framing equipment and processes.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency for order entry, POS systems, and potential online design tools.

• Fundamental measuring skills with accuracy and precision.

• Ability to operate specialized framing equipment and tools safely and effectively.

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

• Basic understanding of sales principles and a willingness to drive revenue.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Physical stamina for standing for extended periods, bending, lifting, and carrying items up to a certain weight.

• Adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures. Preferred Skills:

• Prior retail experience, particularly in a custom or specialized department.

• Proven sales experience, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.

• Experience in custom framing, art handling, or a related craft/design field.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles.

• Experience with inventory management or stock replenishment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" and "Preferred Type of experience" sections are crucial. Basic computer and measuring skills are non-negotiable. The preference for retail and sales experience directly points to the sales-driven nature of the role, in addition to the technical craft. Candidates with a portfolio showcasing design projects or custom work, even if personal, would be at an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, candidates should be prepared to discuss or demonstrate:

• Custom Framing Design Examples: Showcase projects where thoughtful design choices were made to enhance artwork or memorabilia. This could be personal projects or examples of past work if applicable.

• Sales Process Understanding: Articulate how you would approach a customer needing a custom frame, from initial consultation to closing the sale and discussing production timelines.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenging customer requests or resolved issues in a retail or customer service setting.

• Quality Control Examples: Describe how you ensure attention to detail and high-quality output in your work, especially in a craft-oriented role.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is critical. Candidates should be able to articulate their approach to:

• Workflow Management: How they would manage the end-to-end custom framing process, from customer order to production and fulfillment.

• Quality Assurance: Processes they would follow to ensure the quality of custom framing work meets company standards.

• Customer Interaction Protocols: Adherence to specific customer engagement methods like "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "Voice of Customer (VOC)" survey education.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal portfolio might not be required, but candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples that demonstrate their design sense, customer interaction skills, and understanding of process. Think of it as a "mental portfolio" that can be articulated during the interview. Highlighting any experience with design software or even manual drafting/sketching could be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15.50 - $18.20 per hour. This range is competitive for a skilled retail associate role with specialized responsibilities in the Newton, MA area.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

• Telemedicine services

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Commuter benefits

• Tuition assistance

• Adoption assistance

• Various voluntary insurance options

• Employee discounts on Michaels products

• Access to partner discount programs

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, likely involving approximately 40 hours per week. The work environment includes nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting typical retail operational needs. Flexibility in scheduling will be important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and should be considered the primary compensation factor. The benefits package is comprehensive for a retail position, offering significant value beyond base pay. The mention of overtime compensation is important for candidates to note, as it aligns with state and local laws and can provide additional earnings potential.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts, Crafts, and Framing Supplies). Michaels operates as a leading destination for creative pursuits, encompassing a broad range of crafting supplies, custom framing, and seasonal celebration items. This industry context means the company culture often emphasizes creativity, inspiration, and customer engagement around hobbies and personal expression.

Company Size: The Michaels Companies, Inc. operates over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale. This size suggests robust training programs, established procedures, and opportunities for advancement within a structured environment.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has developed deep expertise in its market and a strong brand presence. This longevity implies stability and a well-understood operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Framing Department Focus: This role is part of a specialized department within a larger retail store, likely led by a Framing Manager. The team structure is hierarchical, with the Framer supporting the Manager and potentially leading in their absence.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While focused on framing, the Framer will collaborate with other store team members on general retail duties, customer service, stocking, and operational tasks. There's also potential collaboration with other departments for Omni-channel processes.

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing personalized solutions, which will be a core aspect of the team's daily interactions.

Methodology:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Michaels relies heavily on SOPs for consistent execution of tasks, from customer service to framing production and safety.

• Sales and Service Excellence: Methodologies like "Elevated ABC Deliver" and focus on "Voice of Customer (VOC)" indicate a structured approach to sales and customer satisfaction.

• Data-Driven Performance: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the mention of KPIs suggests performance is measured and managed, likely through POS data and production tracking.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on creativity and celebration is a key cultural driver. For a Framer, this translates to helping customers bring their artistic visions to life. The large store count means candidates should expect standardized processes but also opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and potentially move into leadership roles within a well-defined career path.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Full-Time Framer role is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level specialist position within the retail operations framework. It requires a blend of customer service, sales, and technical craft skills. It's a hands-on role focused on executing a specific, high-value service.

Reporting Structure: The Framer will report directly to the Framing Manager. They will also work collaboratively with other store associates and potentially report indirectly to the Store Manager for broader store operations.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue through custom framing sales and customer loyalty by providing unique, high-quality solutions. Excellent framing services can differentiate Michaels from competitors and drive repeat business. The Framer's quality and customer interaction directly influence the store's overall sales performance and customer satisfaction scores.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialist Advancement: Progression to Framing Manager, overseeing operations, sales, and team performance within the framing department.

• Cross-Training: Opportunities to gain skills in other store departments, potentially leading to roles like Assistant Store Manager or specialized department lead.

• Leadership Development: Participation in training programs designed to develop leadership capabilities, preparing for roles with increased managerial responsibility.

• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in advanced framing techniques, art conservation, or material selection, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "lead capacity in the absence of the Framing Manager" is a strong indicator of potential for immediate growth and responsibility. Candidates should express interest in developing their leadership and technical skills to leverage these opportunities. The role serves as a strong foundation for a career in specialized retail operations or management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail store environment. The work is performed primarily on the sales floor and within a dedicated framing shop area.

Office Location(s): The specific store is located at 201 Needham St, Newton, MA. This location is a typical suburban retail setting, likely part of a shopping center or commercial area.

Workspace Context:

• Sales Floor Interaction: The role involves constant interaction with customers on the retail floor, requiring a friendly and approachable demeanor.

• Framing Shop Environment: A dedicated workspace for custom framing, equipped with specialized machinery (glass cutter, heat press) and materials. This area requires focus, precision, and adherence to safety protocols.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: While individual tasks are involved, the environment encourages teamwork with other store associates for shared responsibilities like stocking, merchandising, and customer assistance.

• Tool Availability: Access to standard retail POS systems, framing equipment, and potentially basic computer systems for order management.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The schedule will include nights, weekends, and early mornings to meet operational demands and customer traffic patterns. Flexibility is key, as typical retail hours apply.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description mentions that "some stock rooms may not be climate controlled" and that "Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press." Candidates should be aware of these environmental factors and any associated safety considerations. The need for flexibility in work hours is a standard retail requirement but is explicitly stated here.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the application and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Store Interview: Expect one or more in-person interviews at the Newton store. This will likely involve meeting with the Framing Manager and possibly the Store Manager.

• Skills Assessment: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss your approach to customer service and problem-solving.

• Situational Questions: Be prepared for questions about how you would handle specific customer scenarios, sales challenges, or operational tasks.

• Cultural Fit: The interviewers will assess your alignment with Michaels' values, particularly regarding creativity, customer service, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Sensibility: Even without a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss your eye for aesthetics, color theory, and how you'd advise a customer on framing choices. If you have personal art or craft projects, be prepared to show photos or describe them.

• Quantify Sales Achievements: If you have prior sales experience, be ready to discuss specific metrics, targets met, or instances where you exceeded expectations.

• Detail Process Understanding: Explain how you would manage a custom framing order from start to finish, highlighting your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Highlight Customer Service Examples: Prepare stories that demonstrate your ability to build rapport, solve customer problems, and create positive experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Framing Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical artwork and asked how you would frame it, considering the art's style, size, and the customer's potential budget or preferences.

• Sales Pitch: Be ready to practice a brief sales pitch for a custom framing service or a specific product.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare for questions like, "A customer is unhappy with their custom frame. How do you handle this?"

📝 Enhancement Note: The lack of explicit mention of a formal portfolio suggests that readiness to discuss experiences and demonstrate skills verbally or through practical examples will be key. Focus on articulating your understanding of the custom framing process and your ability to drive sales through excellent customer interaction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially accessing customer history.

• Custom Framing Software/Design Tools: While not explicitly named, the company likely uses software to help visualize frame options, calculate pricing, and generate order details. Candidates should be prepared to learn these systems.

• Framing Equipment:

  • Glass cutter
  • Heat press
  • Mat cutters
  • Various assembly tools

• Basic Computer Systems: For internal communication, training modules, and potentially inventory management interfaces.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data: Understanding how to interpret sales reports from the POS system to track personal and store performance against KPIs.

• Inventory Management Systems: Potentially used for tracking frame stock, mat boards, and other framing supplies.

CRM & Automation:

• Michaels Rewards Program: Understanding how to enroll customers and leverage the CRM data associated with the rewards program to personalize service and drive sales.

• Omni-channel Processes: Familiarity with systems that support online orders, in-store pickup, or ship-from-store capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard retail POS systems is expected. For the framing-specific tools, a willingness to learn and demonstrate aptitude is key. If candidates have experience with any design visualization software (even for personal projects), it would be beneficial to mention.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Fostering an environment where creativity is celebrated and customers are inspired to create and celebrate.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs, building relationships, and delivering exceptional service to drive satisfaction and loyalty.

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

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, particularly in the custom framing department.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Adhering to SOPs, managing time effectively, and taking ownership of responsibilities to ensure smooth operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Customer-Centric Teamwork: Associates work together to assist customers, whether it's finding a product, processing a transaction, or providing framing consultations.

• Process Adherence: Collaboration often involves ensuring that all team members follow company SOPs and programs to maintain consistency and compliance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Experienced team members are expected to assist and train newer associates, fostering a culture of continuous learning and support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated purpose ("to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration") is a strong indicator of its core values. Candidates should demonstrate how they align with these values, particularly in their approach to customer interaction and their passion for creative endeavors.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales efforts while also executing high-quality framing orders within production timelines.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and expectations for custom framing, which can range from simple to highly complex projects.

• Technical Skill Acquisition: Mastering the operation of specialized framing equipment and developing a keen eye for design and craftsmanship.

• Pace of Retail: Adapting to the dynamic nature of retail, including peak seasons, busy weekends, and the need for constant customer engagement.

• Physical Demands: The role requires physical stamina for standing, lifting, and working with materials, which can be challenging for some.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Craftsmanship: Intensive training on custom framing techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Sales & Customer Engagement: Development of consultative selling skills and advanced customer service techniques.

• Retail Operations Management: Potential to learn about inventory control, visual merchandising, and team leadership through exposure to store management.

• Product Knowledge: Deepening understanding of art, photography, memorabilia, and how to best preserve and present them through framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should frame challenges as opportunities for growth. For instance, the challenge of balancing sales and production can be presented as an opportunity to develop strong time management and prioritization skills, which are highly valued in operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to consulting with a customer who wants to frame a valuable piece of art. What questions would you ask, and how would you guide their choices?" (Focus on consultative sales and understanding customer needs)

• "How would you prioritize tasks if you had a customer waiting for a framing consultation, a rush order to complete, and a shipment of new frame samples to unpack?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and operational efficiency)

• "Tell me about a time you had to learn a new technical skill or operate unfamiliar equipment. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on learning agility and technical aptitude) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Michaels and specifically the custom framing role?" (Assess alignment with company mission and role)

• "How do you embody creativity in your daily life or work?" (Gauge cultural fit and passion for the industry)

• "Describe a time you received feedback on your work. How did you use it to improve?" (Assess coachability and commitment to development) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Case Studies: Prepare to walk through 2-3 hypothetical or real-life framing projects. For each, outline:

  • The customer's need/artwork.
  • Your design consultation process and recommendations.
  • Any challenges encountered and how you resolved them.
  • The final outcome and customer satisfaction.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics. For example, "By suggesting a double matting technique, I increased the order value by X% and enhanced the visual appeal significantly."

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your understanding of quality control and adherence to production timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since a formal portfolio is unlikely, focus on preparing compelling verbal narratives that showcase your skills, experience, and understanding of the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight customer service, sales experience, any crafting or design skills, and any experience with equipment operation or detailed work. Use keywords from the job description like "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," "merchandising," and "SOPs."

• Prepare for In-Person Interview: Research Michaels' current marketing campaigns, product offerings, and company values. Be ready to articulate how your skills align with their mission of fueling creativity.

• Practice Your "Framing Consultation" Pitch: Mentally rehearse how you would approach a customer needing a custom frame, focusing on building rapport, understanding their needs, and proposing solutions.

• Confirm Availability: Be clear about your availability for full-time work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as this is crucial for retail operations.

⚠️ 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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