Custom Framer PT at Michaels Stores

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Custom Framer PT Company: Michaels Stores Location: Howell, NJ (4785 Rte 9 N) Job Type: Part-Time Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service & Sales Date Posted: August 09, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Deliver exceptional customer service and build strong client relationships within a retail environment, focusing on custom framing solutions.
Execute sales and production targets by providing expert advice and creating memorable framing experiences for art and memorabilia.
Maintain operational standards for the framing department, including order completion, quality control, and visual merchandising.
Operate framing equipment, cash registers, and assist with omnichannel processes to ensure seamless customer transactions and store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided input is for a retail associate role, this enhancement frames it within an operations context by emphasizing the customer service, sales, and operational execution aspects relevant to a retail environment. The "Custom Framer" title implies a specialized operational function within the store, requiring specific skills and process adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Build and nurture customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations for custom framing projects, aiming to exceed customer expectations and drive sales.
Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of precision, quality, and adherence to production timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, including executing directed replenishment and planograms.
Operate the cash register accurately, handle cash and credit transactions according to company standards, and assist with omnichannel fulfillment processes such as buy online, pick up in-store.
Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for general store maintenance, stockroom organization, and safety programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Enhanced responsibilities focus on the customer-facing and operational execution elements of the role. "Elevated ABC Deliver" is interpreted as a customer engagement methodology emphasizing relationship building, sales, and production quality, which are core to operational success in a retail framing context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions. Experience: 0-2 years of experience in customer-facing roles, with a focus on sales, design, or skilled craft execution. Experience in a retail environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage positively with customers, understand their needs, and provide tailored solutions.
Framing Design & Execution: Basic understanding of framing principles, materials, and the ability to operate framing equipment safely and effectively.
Sales Acumen: Aptitude for selling products and services, identifying customer needs, and closing sales.
Cash Handling Proficiency: Accurate and efficient processing of financial transactions, including cash, credit, and gift cards.
Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic computer operations for order entry and inventory management.
Measuring & Calculation Skills: Ability to take precise measurements and perform basic calculations for framing orders.

Preferred Skills:

Retail Operations Experience: Prior experience in a retail setting, understanding store operations, merchandising, and inventory management.
Product Knowledge: Familiarity with art, crafting, and framing materials.
Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer issues and operational challenges effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualifications are tailored to a retail operations role, emphasizing customer interaction, product knowledge, and the operational execution of sales and service. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests an entry-point role suitable for individuals looking to develop skills in retail operations and customer engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a track record of successful customer interactions, highlighting instances where exceptional service led to increased sales or customer loyalty in a retail or service context.
Showcase examples of projects or tasks completed with a high degree of quality and attention to detail, particularly those involving custom specifications or precise execution.
Illustrate experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems, cash handling procedures, and any relevant inventory or customer management tools.
Provide evidence of ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure, common in retail environments during peak times.

Process Documentation:

Highlight any experience or understanding of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sales, customer service, or operational tasks.
Showcase examples of process adherence, such as maintaining store cleanliness, accurate stock replenishment, or efficient transaction processing.
Demonstrate an ability to learn and adapt to new processes and technologies, such as new POS features or omnichannel service protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are adapted for a retail operations role, focusing on customer service, sales execution, and adherence to operational processes rather than traditional business operations portfolios. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical skills and a customer-centric approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15.50 - $18.20 per hour. This range is competitive for part-time retail associate positions in the Howell, NJ area, reflecting the specialized skills required for custom framing and customer sales.

Benefits:

Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, providing comprehensive health protection.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for vacation, sick days, or personal needs.
Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development, aligning with career growth aspirations.
Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, encouraging personal creativity and savings.
Other Benefits: Potential for additional benefits as outlined by the company, contributing to overall employee well-being and job satisfaction.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Actual hours will vary based on store needs and employee availability, which may include nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility in scheduling is often a key requirement for retail roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the input. Benefits are listed as provided, with context for retail employees. Working hours are clarified as part-time, with typical retail flexibility expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading omni-channel retailer in North America, providing a wide range of arts, crafts, and home decor products. This industry focus means a culture centered around creativity, inspiration, and customer engagement. Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across the U.S. and Canada, indicating a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale. Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has established a strong brand presence and operational infrastructure, suggesting a stable and experienced employer.

Team Structure:

The retail store team typically includes a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager(s), Team Leads, and Sales Associates (including specialized roles like Custom Framers). The Custom Framer likely reports to a Team Lead or Manager responsible for the framing department or overall store operations.
Reporting structures are generally hierarchical within a store, with clear lines of authority from store management down to individual contributors.
Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with the Custom Framer working alongside other associates in sales, merchandising, and stock management to ensure smooth store operations and a positive customer experience.

Methodology:

Data Analysis: While not a data-intensive role, success will be measured by sales performance, customer satisfaction scores, and order completion rates, requiring an understanding of key retail metrics.
Workflow Planning: Efficiently managing custom framing orders, from consultation and design to production and completion, requires adherence to established workflows and time management.
Automation & Efficiency: Utilizing store POS systems, inventory management tools, and potentially design software for framing requires a grasp of how technology drives efficiency in a retail setting.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is extracted from the provided description, highlighting Michaels' position as a large retail entity focused on creativity. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on typical retail store operations for a role of this nature.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level to early-career position within retail operations. It focuses on executing specific operational tasks (framing, sales, customer service) with guidance. Reporting Structure: The Custom Framer PT typically reports to a store-level manager or team lead who oversees sales floor operations and specific departments like Custom Framing. Operations Impact: The Custom Framer plays a direct role in driving revenue through custom framing sales and enhancing customer loyalty through quality service and product delivery. Their performance directly impacts store sales targets and customer satisfaction, contributing to the overall operational success of the specific store.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become a highly skilled Custom Framer, mastering design, production techniques, and customer consultation for framing services.
Retail Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Sales Lead, Department Specialist, or Assistant Store Manager, taking on more responsibility for store operations, team leadership, and sales performance.
Cross-Functional Training: Exposure to various aspects of retail operations, including merchandising, inventory management, and customer service, can broaden skill sets for future opportunities within Michaels or the broader retail industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career analysis focuses on the retail operations context, outlining the role's position within the career ladder and potential growth paths within the company's operational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a public retail store setting, specifically within a Michaels store which includes a dedicated Custom Framing shop area. Office Location(s): Howell, NJ (4785 Rte 9 N). This location is a standard retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is customer-facing, requiring constant interaction with diverse clientele. Collaboration with fellow store associates is integral for maintaining store flow and customer service standards.
The framing shop is equipped with specialized tools and machinery, including a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols. Standard retail technology, such as POS systems, will also be utilized.
Opportunities for interaction with the operations team (store management, other associates) are frequent, fostering a collaborative environment for problem-solving and task coordination.

Work Schedule: The role is part-time, with working hours that may include evenings, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility is key, as schedules are often determined by store operational needs and customer traffic patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a retail store setting, emphasizing the dynamic customer-facing nature and the specialized equipment within the framing department.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of the application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience. Candidates may be asked to provide examples of customer service or sales success.
In-Person Interview: Typically involves a conversation with the hiring manager (e.g., Store Manager or Assistant Manager) to discuss experience, skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your approach to customer service, sales, and handling operational tasks.
Practical Assessment (Potential): While not explicitly stated, some retail roles may include a brief practical demonstration of skills, such as basic measuring or a customer interaction role-play.
Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit with the team and company culture, focusing on reliability, customer focus, and willingness to learn operational procedures.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Customer Service Stories: Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully assisted customers, resolved issues, or gone above and beyond to create a positive experience. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "increased sales by X%").
Sales Achievements: Highlight any sales successes, including your approach to consultative selling or upselling. If you have experience in custom orders or design, emphasize that.
Process Adherence: Provide examples of how you've followed procedures, maintained organized work areas, or contributed to efficient operations in previous roles.
Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in Michaels, the creative process, and the opportunity to help customers bring their visions to life through custom framing.

Challenge Preparation:

Be ready to discuss how you would handle common retail scenarios, such as a customer who is unsure about framing options, a busy period with multiple customer requests, or a minor operational issue.
Practice articulating your understanding of Michaels' commitment to creativity and customer service.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the store's operational focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview and portfolio preparation advice is adapted for a retail operations role, focusing on customer service, sales skills, and operational execution within a store environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Extensive use of the store's POS system for sales transactions, returns, exchanges, and potentially customer order management. Proficiency in accurate data entry and transaction processing is key.
Custom Framing Equipment: Operation of specialized framing machinery such as mat cutters, glass cutters, saws, and joining/crimping tools. Requires precision and adherence to safety protocols.
Inventory Management Software: Familiarity with systems used for stock counts, replenishment, and tracking inventory levels for both ready-made frames and framing supplies.

Analytics & Reporting:

Sales Performance Dashboards: Access to store-level sales data, potentially including framing department performance, customer conversion rates, and average transaction value.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Lite: While not a dedicated CRM role, interaction with customer databases for loyalty programs or order history may occur.

CRM & Automation:

Omnichannel Support Tools: Systems that facilitate "buy online, pick up in-store" (BOPIS) or ship-from-store processes, requiring coordination between online orders and in-store execution.
Store Communication Platforms: Internal tools for team communication, task assignment, and operational updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology focus is specific to a retail environment with a specialized framing department, highlighting POS systems, framing equipment, and inventory management tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service is paramount, directly contributing to sales and loyalty.
Creativity & Passion: A culture that encourages creativity, personal expression, and a passion for arts and crafts, which translates into inspiring customer interactions.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with store colleagues to ensure smooth operations, efficient task completion, and a positive shopping environment.
Quality & Precision: Maintaining high standards in custom framing work and overall store presentation reflects a commitment to quality in all operational aspects.
Efficiency & Reliability: Adhering to procedures, managing time effectively, and being a dependable member of the store team.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with sales associates, stock team members, and store leadership to ensure seamless customer journeys and efficient store functioning.
Process Review & Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing feedback on operational processes, customer interactions, and framing techniques to drive continuous improvement.
Knowledge Sharing: Sharing expertise on framing techniques, product knowledge, and customer service best practices with team members to elevate the collective skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are interpreted through the lens of a creative retail environment, emphasizing customer engagement, quality, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Multiple Demands: The role requires managing customer consultations, order creation, production tasks, and general store duties simultaneously, demanding strong time management and prioritization skills.
Mastering Craftsmanship: Achieving a high level of skill and consistency in custom framing requires practice, attention to detail, and a commitment to learning advanced techniques.
Customer Expectations Management: Meeting diverse customer expectations for design, quality, and turnaround time for custom framing projects can be challenging.
Adapting to Retail Dynamics: Navigating fluctuating customer traffic, seasonal demands, and evolving operational procedures common in the retail sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Framing Certification: Potential to achieve recognized certifications in custom framing, enhancing expertise and marketability.
Sales & Design Training: Opportunities to develop advanced sales techniques, design principles, and customer consultation skills.
Retail Operations Training: Exposure to broader retail management principles, merchandising, inventory control, and team leadership.
Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about new art supplies, framing materials, and design trends to better serve customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are contextualized within the specific demands of a custom framing role in retail operations, highlighting skill development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Customer Service Scenario: "Describe a time you successfully helped a customer find the perfect product or solution, especially in a custom or personalized context." (Focus on listening skills, problem-solving, and achieving customer satisfaction.)
Sales Approach: "How would you approach selling a custom framing service to a customer who is unfamiliar with the process or uncertain about the value?" (Emphasize consultative selling, highlighting benefits, and building confidence.)
Operational Execution: "What steps would you take to ensure a custom framing order is completed accurately and on time, from consultation to final product?" (Showcase understanding of process, attention to detail, and time management.)
Teamwork & Conflict Resolution: "Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a team member to achieve a goal or resolve a customer issue." (Focus on communication, cooperation, and positive outcomes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

Research Michaels' mission and values ("Fuel the joy of creativity"). Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with the company's.
Understand the importance of the Custom Framing department within the broader Michaels retail strategy.
Prepare to discuss your understanding of a positive retail work environment and your role in contributing to it.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

If you have a portfolio of past framing work or design projects, be ready to walk the interviewer through key pieces, explaining your design choices, the client's needs, and the final outcome.
For customer service or sales achievements, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and concisely.
Highlight any experience with visual merchandising or maintaining attractive displays, relevant to the ready-made frame department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of a retail operations role, focusing on customer service, sales, operational execution, and demonstrating cultural alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels job portal.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant retail experience, customer service skills, any framing or design experience, and familiarity with POS systems. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., sales performance, customer satisfaction improvements).
Portfolio Preparation: If you have examples of custom framing work, design projects, or instances of exceptional customer service/sales, prepare to discuss them. Even without a formal portfolio, be ready to articulate specific examples from past roles.
Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions focused on customer service, sales, problem-solving, and teamwork. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and store operations.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, products, and commitment to creativity. Understand the role of the Custom Framer within the store's operational framework.

⚠️ 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.

Custom Framer PT