Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Westerly, RI
Job Type: PART_TIME
Category: Retail Operations / Sales Support
Date Posted: 2025-08-25
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for driving in-store customer engagement and sales within the custom framing department, focusing on building customer relationships and delivering personalized solutions.
• Responsibilities include executing sales and production targets for custom framing orders, ensuring high-quality output and timely delivery.
• The position requires maintaining the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department and other assigned retail areas.
• It involves acting as a brand ambassador by providing exceptional customer service, assisting shoppers, and maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organized store environment.
• The role also encompasses essential retail operations tasks such as cash handling, inventory management, and supporting omni-channel fulfillment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Framer," the responsibilities extend beyond just production to include significant customer-facing sales and relationship-building, positioning this as a hybrid role blending skilled craft with retail sales and operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer interaction and sales methodology.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations for custom framing solutions, aiming to drive sales and customer loyalty.
• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to specified timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction with the final product.
• Maintain the visual merchandising and stock integrity of the ready-made frame department and other assigned retail areas, including supporting inventory replenishment processes (SISO and Directed Replenishment).
• Deliver exceptional in-store customer service by actively acknowledging customers, assisting with product location, and offering creative solutions to meet their needs.
• Operate the cash register and adhere to established cash handling procedures and standards to ensure accuracy and security.
• Support the store's omni-channel operations by assisting with order fulfillment, customer pick-ups, and other online order-related tasks.
• Participate actively in the truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to company standards and efficient inventory management.
• Uphold safety and shrink prevention programs by following all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.
• Proactively interact with colleagues and customers in a positive, respectful, and accepting manner, serving as a role model for company values and vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of skilled craft (framing execution, quality control) with direct sales and customer engagement. The mention of "sales and production results" indicates that performance will be measured on both the quality of work and the revenue generated from custom framing services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within a retail environment.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to build rapport with customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions.
• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic computer applications for order entry and inventory management.
• Measuring Skills: Accurate measurement capabilities for custom framing projects.
• Framing Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and proficiently operate framing equipment, including a glass cutter and heat press.
• Cash Handling Proficiency: Demonstrated accuracy and responsibility in managing monetary transactions.
• Problem-Solving Aptitude: Capacity to address customer inquiries and resolve issues effectively within store policies.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a sales-driven retail environment, with a track record of meeting sales targets.
• Visual Merchandising: Understanding of retail display principles and the ability to maintain appealing product presentations.
• Customization Sales: Experience in selling personalized products or services, demonstrating an ability to upsell and cross-sell.
• Operational Efficiency: Familiarity with inventory management processes like SISO (Sales In, Stock Out) and Directed Replenishment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that the company is open to training individuals with foundational customer service and basic technical aptitudes, making it an accessible entry point into retail operations with a specialized skill. The distinction between required and preferred skills indicates a clear learning curve for specific retail sales and operational functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates demonstrating a keen interest in design, craftsmanship, and customer solutions will be favored.
• Applicants can optionally showcase examples of personal creative projects or any prior work involving detailed assembly or custom creation to illustrate their aptitude.
• Evidence of understanding and applying store-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be assessed through interview responses.
• A focus on customer satisfaction and achieving sales goals in previous roles is a key indicator of potential success.

Process Documentation:

• Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of store operations, including framing order fulfillment, customer service, and inventory management.
• Understanding of workflow design and optimization, particularly in how to efficiently manage custom framing orders from consultation to completion.
• Ability to follow established processes for system implementation and automation, such as using POS systems for transactions and inventory tracking.
• Readiness to document and measure performance against key operational metrics, demonstrating an understanding of efficiency improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level position like this, the "portfolio" is less about formal documentation and more about demonstrating a proactive, detail-oriented approach and a capacity for learning and executing established processes. The emphasis is on adherence to SOPs and a customer-centric sales methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15.25 - $17.90 per hour.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, fostering a connection to the company's creative offerings.
• Other Benefits: Potential for additional benefits as described on mikbenefits.com, which may include retirement savings plans or wellness programs.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. Actual hours will vary based on store needs and scheduling, potentially including nights, weekends, and early mornings. The role is described as potentially requiring 40 hours per week, which is typical for full-time employment, but the job posting specifies PART_TIME.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for entry-level retail positions in many US markets. The benefits package, including health insurance and tuition assistance, is particularly strong for a part-time role, indicating Michaels' commitment to employee well-being and development. The discrepancy between "PART_TIME" and the mention of "40 hours" suggests that hours may fluctuate significantly or the "PART_TIME" designation may allow for flexible scheduling up to full-time hours for some roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading North American retailer specializing in arts, crafts, and home décor.
Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada. This large footprint means established operational processes and a broad customer base.
Founded: 1973. With decades of experience, Michaels has a mature understanding of its market and customer needs. The company headquarters are in Irving, Texas.

Team Structure:

• The Framer will be part of the in-store retail team, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Department Specialist).
• Collaboration is expected with other store associates, particularly those in customer service, sales, and inventory management roles.
• Cross-functional interaction will primarily occur within the store environment, with potential for communication with regional or corporate support for operational or HR matters.

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) to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all stores.
• Sales-Driven Environment: A focus on achieving sales targets, particularly in key departments like custom framing.
• Data-Informed Operations: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the use of systems for inventory (SISO, Directed Replenishment) and sales tracking implies a data-aware operational framework.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture appears to be a blend of creative encouragement ("fuel the joy of creativity") and structured retail operations. The emphasis on SOPs suggests a need for team members who are reliable and detail-oriented, while the sales and customer service focus points to a dynamic, people-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level, specialized position within the retail operations framework. It offers a foundational understanding of customer-facing sales, custom production processes, and in-store operational management.
Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager, who oversees daily operations and team performance.
Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Efficient handling of framing orders and maintaining department presentation also affects the overall shopping experience and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in custom framing techniques, design principles, and customer consultation, becoming a subject matter expert within the store.
• Retail Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Sales Associate, Key Holder, Department Specialist, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager, by demonstrating strong performance, leadership potential, and operational acumen.
• Cross-Functional Training: Gain exposure to various aspects of retail operations, including visual merchandising, inventory management, and customer service, which can support broader career development.
• Company-Wide Opportunities: Michaels offers a large network of stores, providing opportunities for relocation or advancement across different markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals starting in retail operations, this role provides a clear pathway for growth within Michaels. Success as a Framer can lead to increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities within the store management track, emphasizing the importance of mastering both the craft and the customer service/sales aspects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a public retail store setting, specifically within a Michaels craft store.
Office Location(s): Westerly, RI - Airport Rd. This location is a physical retail store accessible to customers.

Workspace Context:

• Store Floor: The majority of the work will occur on the retail sales floor, interacting with customers and maintaining displays.
• Frame Shop: A dedicated area within the store is designated for custom framing operations, equipped with specialized tools like a glass cutter and heat press. This area requires careful attention to safety and organization.
• Stock Rooms: Some tasks, like truck un-loads and stocking, may involve working in stock rooms, which may or may not be climate-controlled.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: The environment encourages interaction among team members to support customer needs and operational tasks.

Work Schedule: The schedule is part-time, with flexibility required to cover store operating hours, which include nights, weekends, and early mornings. The role requires the ability to remain standing for extended periods and perform physical tasks such as bending, lifting, and reaching.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and requires adaptability. While the main store areas are climate-controlled, the physical demands and the presence of specialized tools in the frame shop necessitate a focus on safety and efficiency.

📄 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 availability.
• In-Person Interview: Candidates will typically meet with a Store Manager or Assistant Manager. This interview will focus on customer service skills, understanding of the retail environment, and basic aptitude for the framing tasks.
• Skills Assessment: May include practical questions or a brief demonstration related to measuring or customer interaction, assessing problem-solving and communication abilities.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions about handling customer interactions, managing difficult situations, and prioritizing tasks in a retail setting.
• Cultural Fit: Assessment of how well the candidate aligns with Michaels' values, particularly regarding creativity, customer service, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't expected, candidates can prepare by thinking about past experiences where they demonstrated excellent customer service, problem-solving, or attention to detail.
• Be ready to discuss any creative hobbies or projects that showcase manual dexterity, design sense, or an interest in craftsmanship.
• Prepare specific examples of how you have built customer relationships or exceeded customer expectations in previous roles, even if not in a framing context.
• Highlight any experience with sales or achieving performance targets, and be ready to explain your approach to customer engagement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle a customer who is unsure about their framing choices or a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with a product.
• Be ready to explain your understanding of "building customer relationships" and how you would apply that in a retail setting.
• Think about how you would prioritize tasks when faced with multiple demands, such as assisting a customer, processing a sale, and managing framing orders simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be heavily focused on behavioral and situational questions to gauge customer service aptitude and problem-solving skills. For candidates with relevant experience, being able to articulate their sales approach and customer engagement strategies will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing customer transactions, managing sales, and potentially tracking inventory. Proficiency with POS systems is essential.
• Framing Equipment: Specialized tools including a glass cutter, mat cutters, framing machines (e.g., staple guns, glue guns), and potentially a heat press for specific framing applications.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing measurement guides.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Inventory Management Systems: Such as SISO and Directed Replenishment, used for tracking stock levels, managing product placement, and ensuring product availability.
• Sales Reporting: Access to sales data through the POS system to track individual and departmental performance against targets.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicitly stated, customer interactions and order history may be logged through the POS or a dedicated system to support personalized service and relationship building.
• Internal Communication Tools: Standard retail tools for team communication and task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with POS systems and a willingness to learn specialized framing equipment are critical technical skills. Understanding basic inventory management principles will be beneficial for maintaining the department's stock and presentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: Michaels fosters a culture that celebrates and encourages creativity, both in its products and its team members.
• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on building customer relationships and providing exceptional service to meet their creative needs.
• Teamwork: Collaboration is essential for a smooth store operation, requiring associates to support each other in serving customers and completing tasks.
• Efficiency & Quality: Adherence to SOPs ensures consistent quality in products and services, while efficient task completion is key to store performance.
• Respect & Positivity: Maintaining a positive and respectful environment for both customers and colleagues is a core value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Associates work together across different store functions (sales floor, framing, cash wrap) to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Process Improvement Feedback: While SOPs are followed, there's an implicit value in team members identifying opportunities for process improvements that enhance efficiency or customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are encouraged to share best practices, especially regarding customer service techniques and framing solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values both creative expression and operational discipline. Team members are expected to be customer-centric, collaborative, and committed to maintaining high standards in both product quality and store presentation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Effectively managing customer interactions, custom framing consultations, order production, and general store duties simultaneously requires strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Customer Satisfaction with Custom Work: Ensuring that customer expectations for custom framing are met, which can involve subjective design preferences and precise execution, can be challenging.
• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and performing repetitive tasks, which can be physically demanding.
• Adapting to Retail Pace: Working in a fast-paced retail environment with fluctuating customer traffic and operational demands requires flexibility and resilience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Craftsmanship: Opportunity to develop advanced custom framing skills, including design, material selection, and precise execution techniques.
• Sales and Customer Engagement: Enhance skills in consultative selling, relationship building, and exceeding customer expectations within a retail context.
• Retail Operations Management: Gain practical experience in store operations, inventory control, visual merchandising, and cash management, providing a foundation for retail management careers.
• Industry Trends: Stay updated on art, framing, and crafting trends to better serve customer needs and drive sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for skill development in a specialized craft and in customer-facing sales. Overcoming the challenge of balancing diverse responsibilities will be key to growth and success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Philosophy: "How do you approach building relationships with customers to understand their needs for custom framing?" Be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped customers find the right solution.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Imagine a customer is unhappy with the framing choice they made. How would you handle this situation?" Focus on empathy, active listening, and finding a resolution that aligns with company policy.
• Sales Approach: "Describe your experience with selling products or services. How do you ensure you meet sales targets while providing excellent customer service?" Highlight any experience with upselling or cross-selling.
• Operational Awareness: "How would you prioritize tasks if you were assisting a customer in the frame shop, the phone was ringing for an order, and another customer needed help on the sales floor?" Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Michaels, and what do you understand about our purpose to 'fuel the joy of creativity'?" Show genuine interest in the brand and its mission.
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" Provide examples of teamwork and respectful interaction.
• "What does 'quality' mean to you in the context of custom framing?" Discuss attention to detail and adherence to standards.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• While no formal portfolio is required, be prepared to discuss any personal projects or past work that showcases your attention to detail, creativity, or ability to follow precise instructions.
• If you have examples of customer service success (e.g., positive feedback, resolving issues), have these ready to share as if they were part of a "portfolio" of your customer interaction skills.
• Be ready to articulate how your skills and experiences align with Michaels' values and the specific responsibilities of the Framer role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to answer behavioral questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for creativity, strong customer service orientation, and a methodical approach to tasks.

📌 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 any customer service, sales, or hands-on/craftsmanship experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "exceeded sales targets by X%," "handled Y customer inquiries daily").
• Portfolio Preparation (Conceptual): Mentally prepare examples of your customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and any creative or detail-oriented projects you've undertaken. Think about how you would present these if asked.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and the types of products they offer. Understand how the Framer role contributes to the overall customer experience and store success.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral scenarios related to customer interaction, problem-solving, and teamwork. Practice articulating your understanding of the Framer role and its importance.

⚠️ 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.