Afternoon & Evening Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Afternoon & Evening Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Wilmington, North Carolina, United States Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Custom Services Date Posted: July 29, 2025 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on customer engagement and service within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department.
• Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, understanding their needs, and providing tailored framing solutions to enhance their art and memorabilia.
• The position requires hands-on work with framing equipment and materials to produce high-quality, timely custom frame orders.
• A significant aspect of the role involves maintaining store standards, including merchandising, cleanliness, and safety, to ensure a positive shopping experience for all customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description doesn't fit a typical "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it can be framed within a retail operations context. The "Framer" role involves direct customer interaction that drives sales (custom framing services), requiring operational efficiency in production and customer service delivery. The term "operations" here relates to the efficient functioning of the framing department and its contribution to the overall store's operational success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage with customers to understand their custom framing needs, acting as a design consultant to recommend appropriate materials and styles.
• Execute the custom framing process by accurately measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing frames according to customer specifications and quality standards.
• Operate and maintain framing equipment, including mat cutters, glass cutters, and assembly tools, ensuring a safe and efficient workspace.
• Manage the ready-made frame department, including stocking, merchandising, and ensuring product availability and visual appeal.
• Provide exceptional customer service throughout the sales and production cycle, from initial consultation to order completion and pick-up.
• Process transactions accurately using the Point of Sale (POS) system, including cash handling and executing tender policies.
• Assist with inventory management tasks, including stocking shelves, replenishing product, and participating in truck unloads as needed.
• Contribute to a safe, clean, and organized store environment by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company visual merchandising standards.
• Support omni-channel processes, such as fulfilling online orders or assisting customers with in-store pickup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, production, and customer service within a retail operations framework. The emphasis on "delivering sales and production results," "completing framing orders with a high degree of quality and on time," and "maintaining the ready made frame department" points to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as core performance drivers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level roles in retail operations.

Experience:

• Prior experience in a customer-facing role is beneficial, particularly in retail or service environments.
• Demonstrated experience in custom framing, art, or design is a plus, but not strictly required, as training will be provided.
• Previous experience with sales or commission-based roles can be advantageous for understanding sales targets.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to build rapport, actively listen to customer needs, and provide solutions that exceed expectations.
• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in operating a POS system and basic computer functions for order entry and lookup.
• Measuring Skills: Accuracy in taking precise measurements for custom framing projects is critical.
• Framing Equipment Operation: Competency in safely operating framing equipment, including mat cutters and glass cutters, after training.
• Cash Handling: Ability to accurately process transactions, manage cash, and adhere to company cash handling policies.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in executing framing orders and maintaining store presentation standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven ability to drive sales, meet targets, and provide consultative selling.
• Art/Design Aptitude: A keen eye for aesthetics, color theory, and design principles to assist customers in selecting appropriate framing options.
• Inventory Management: Familiarity with stock rotation, merchandising, and maintaining product displays.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer concerns or production issues efficiently and effectively.
• Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate with team members to achieve store goals and support operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience the job requires" directly translates to "Required Skills," emphasizing practical abilities over formal experience. "Preferred Type of experience" aligns with "Preferred Skills," highlighting areas that would make a candidate stand out. The inclusion of "basic computer skills and basic measuring skills" and "ability to operate the framing equipment and glass cutter" are crucial operational competencies for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not typically required for this entry-level retail position, candidates can demonstrate their capabilities through discussions about past projects or experiences.
• Examples of successful customer interactions or problem-solving scenarios in previous roles can serve as a proxy for a portfolio.
• For candidates with art or design backgrounds, showcasing examples of creative projects or custom framing work (if applicable) can be beneficial.
• Demonstrating an understanding of process efficiency and quality control in discussions about past responsibilities is advantageous.

Process Documentation:

• The role requires adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for custom framing, sales, and store operations.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of how to follow documented processes for tasks like order entry, production, and cash handling.
• An ability to learn and implement new processes and system updates as introduced by the company is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail operations role like this, a traditional "portfolio" as seen in design or engineering roles is not expected. The focus is on demonstrating practical skills and adherence to established operational procedures through interview responses and past experience examples. The "process documentation" aspect pertains to the candidate's ability to learn and follow company SOPs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a part-time retail position, the hourly wage is expected to be at or slightly above the local minimum wage for Wilmington, North Carolina. Based on industry standards for similar roles in retail, the estimated hourly range is likely $11.00 - $14.00 per hour.
• This estimate is derived from general retail wage data for entry-level positions in North Carolina, considering the specific responsibilities of custom framing and customer service.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage may be available, often with eligibility requirements for part-time employees.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual of paid time off is typically offered, even for part-time team members.
• Tuition Assistance: The company provides support for continuing education and skill development.
• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services are a key benefit for team members.
• Other Potential Benefits: This may include opportunities for 401(k) plans, employee assistance programs, and career development resources.

Working Hours:

• The role is specifically for "Afternoon & Evening" shifts, indicating coverage outside of typical business hours, likely including evenings and weekends.
• As a part-time position, the working hours are expected to be around 20 hours per week, with flexibility required to meet store operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general retail industry benchmarks for part-time, entry-level positions in the specified location. Benefits listed are as provided by the company in the job description. Working hours are inferred from the job title and employment type.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts supplies in North America. Company Size: Over 1,300 Michaels stores across the US and Canada, with a significant corporate and distribution workforce. This large scale implies established operational processes and brand standards. Founded: 1973, with headquarters in Irving, Texas. This long history indicates a stable and experienced retail organization.

Team Structure:

• The framing team is likely a small, specialized unit within a larger store team, reporting to a Framing Manager or Store Manager.
• Team members collaborate closely on daily tasks, customer service, and operational support.
• Cross-functional collaboration within the store involves working with other departments (e.g., general merchandise, cashiers) to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a data-intensive role, performance is tracked through sales metrics, framing order volume, and customer feedback.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus is on efficient execution of the framing process, from customer consultation to order completion, to maximize throughput and quality.
• Automation & Efficiency: Utilizing framing machinery and POS systems efficiently contributes to operational effectiveness. Adherence to SOPs ensures consistency.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity and customer engagement. The large retail footprint suggests a structured operational environment with defined processes and standards that entry-level employees are expected to follow.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time position within the retail operations spectrum, specifically focused on the custom framing department. It offers foundational experience in customer service, sales, and production within a retail setting. Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a Framing Manager or a Store Manager, who oversees the operational execution and team performance within the store. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing quality products and services. Efficient operations in the framing department enhance the store's overall customer experience and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to become a senior framer or specialize in advanced framing techniques and design consultation.
• Retail Leadership: Potential to move into roles like Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager, or specialized department management positions (e.g., Visual Merchandising Manager).
• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gain experience in other store departments, potentially leading to broader retail management roles.
• Training & Development: Access to company training programs for product knowledge, customer service, and operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a stepping stone within the retail operations career path. Growth is typically vertical within store management or horizontal into other operational areas of the retail business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The workspace includes the main retail floor, a dedicated custom framing department, and associated stock rooms. Office Location(s): Wilmington, North Carolina, specifically at 6881 Monument Dr. The location is a customer-facing environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The framing department and store operate as a team, requiring close collaboration with colleagues on customer service, sales, and operational tasks.
• Tools and Technology: Access to specialized framing equipment (mat cutters, assembly tools, glass cutters), POS systems, and potentially inventory management software.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with customers and team members is integral to daily operations. The framing area is a hub for customer consultations and project completion.

Work Schedule: The schedule is designed for afternoons and evenings, including weekends, to ensure customer service coverage during peak retail hours. Flexibility is key to meeting staffing needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The framing shop itself is a specialized workspace with unique tools and safety considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application to assess basic qualifications, availability, and interest in the role.
• In-Person Interview: Typically with a Store Manager or Framing Manager. Focus will be on customer service skills, attitude, availability, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. Behavioral questions about past experiences will be common.
• Skills Assessment (Informal): While not a formal test, the interviewer may gauge the candidate's aptitude for detail, measuring, and understanding of basic design concepts through conversation.
• Final Decision: Based on the interview, alignment with company values, and operational needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a formal portfolio is not expected. Instead, prepare to discuss specific examples from previous jobs or personal experiences that highlight:
  • Customer Service Successes: Instances where you went above and beyond to help a customer.
  • Problem-Solving Scenarios: How you handled a challenging customer or a difficult work situation.
  • Attention to Detail: Examples of tasks where precision was critical.
  • Teamwork Contributions: How you collaborated with colleagues.
  • Any relevant craft/art/design experience: Even hobbies can demonstrate aptitude.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe past experiences related to customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the arts and crafts industry and a willingness to learn the custom framing process.
• Clearly state your availability for afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for this retail role is more focused on behavioral and situational questions rather than technical assessments or formal portfolios, given its entry-level nature.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment:
  • Mat Cutters (e.g., Logan, Fletcher-Terry): For precise cutting of mat boards. Proficiency after training is expected.
  • Glass Cutters: For accurately cutting glass or acrylic for frames.
  • Assembly Tools: Staplers, jointers, glue guns, and framing hardware for assembling frames.
  • Heat Press: Used for certain mounting or finishing processes.
• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing customer transactions, managing sales, and looking up product information.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and specialized measuring devices for framing matting and artwork.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for the Framer, store-level sales data and framing department performance metrics are tracked by management.
• Understanding how to read product tags and inventory labels is necessary.

CRM & Automation:

• The POS system may have basic CRM functionalities for tracking customer purchases or loyalty programs.
• No advanced CRM or automation tools are typically used by the Framer directly, beyond the standard POS and operational equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" for this role is highly specific to the custom framing craft and standard retail operations, rather than complex business systems. Proficiency in operating specialized machinery and POS systems is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service is paramount.
• Creativity: Encouraging and supporting the creative endeavors of customers and team members.
• Quality: Commitment to producing high-quality custom framing solutions.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals and provide a positive work environment.
• Efficiency: Striving for productivity and timely completion of tasks and orders.
• Safety: Adhering to safety protocols for equipment operation and store maintenance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working with other store associates to assist customers, manage inventory, and maintain store standards.
• Process Review: Following established procedures and providing feedback on operational improvements when appropriate.
• Knowledge Sharing: Learning from experienced team members and sharing best practices within the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is rooted in creativity and customer service, with an emphasis on teamwork and operational excellence within the retail context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing multiple priorities: Managing customer consultations, order production, and general store tasks simultaneously.
• Customer expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and artistic visions for custom framing.
• Handling specialized equipment: Safely and effectively operating framing machinery.
• Peak season demands: Managing increased customer traffic and order volume during holidays or promotional periods.
• Continuous learning: Keeping up with new framing materials, design trends, and company procedures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skills: Comprehensive training on custom framing techniques, design principles, and equipment operation.
• Customer Service & Sales: Development of consultative selling and relationship-building skills.
• Retail Operations: Understanding of store management, visual merchandising, inventory control, and loss prevention.
• Career Progression: Opportunities for advancement within Michaels' retail management structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a customer-facing, production-oriented retail role, with growth centered on skill acquisition and career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Philosophy: "How do you approach helping a customer who is unsure about their framing needs?" Prepare to discuss active listening, offering options, and guiding their decision.
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult customer or a mistake you made. How did you resolve it?" Use the STAR method to provide a specific example.
• Teamwork: "How do you contribute to a team environment?" Be ready to talk about collaboration and supporting colleagues.
• Availability: Clearly state your availability for afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts.
• Interest in Framing: "What interests you about custom framing or working at Michaels?" Show enthusiasm for creativity and helping customers.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Michaels' mission ("fuel the joy of creativity") and values.
• Understand the importance of customer experience in a retail setting.
• Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company's.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• While no formal portfolio is needed, prepare concise examples from your past experience that demonstrate:
  • Your ability to handle customer inquiries and sales.
  • Your attention to detail and precision in tasks.
  • Your experience with any relevant tools or equipment.
  • Your problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, a positive attitude, reliability, and a willingness to learn the specific craft of custom framing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization (Resume): Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales, attention to detail, and any relevant crafting or manual dexterity experience. Use keywords like "customer engagement," "customization," "production," "sales," and "merchandising."
• Resume Optimization: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "assisted X customers per shift," "maintained Y% accuracy in order fulfillment"). Ensure your availability is clearly stated.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common retail and customer service interview questions using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the framing process and your enthusiasm for the role.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services, and company culture, particularly their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with Michaels Stores during the application or interview process.