Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Syracuse-3471 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY, United States Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service Date Posted: November 17, 2025 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Direct customer engagement focused on consultative sales and solution-oriented problem-solving within a retail environment.
• Execution of operational tasks including inventory management, merchandising, and maintaining store standards to ensure a positive shopping experience.
• Proficiency in handling transactions accurately and efficiently, including cash handling and point-of-sale (POS) operations.
• Adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance, safety, and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the description indicates a broader retail associate role with a specialization in custom framing. The responsibilities encompass general store operations, customer service, and sales, in addition to framing duties. This is crucial for understanding the full scope of the position beyond the primary title.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships through personalized consultations, utilizing the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to drive custom framing sales and production targets.
• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to established timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction with the final product.
• Maintain the visual merchandising and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, as well as other assigned areas, including SISO (Ship-from-Store) and Directed Replenishment processes.
• Provide friendly and proactive customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring the store is well-merchandised and fully stocked.
• Operate the cash register and manage cash handling procedures with precision and according to company standards.
• Actively participate in truck unloading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient completion within budget.
• Support company-wide shrink and safety programs by following established protocols and promoting a secure and safe working environment.
• Collaborate with team members to fulfill Omni-channel fulfillment processes, such as online order pick-up and ship-from-store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of specialized framing sales and general retail operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to consultative selling that candidates should be prepared to demonstrate.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail roles; specific educational requirements are not detailed but are assumed to be met by candidates applying for this position.

Experience:

• Minimum 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new skills quickly, particularly in technical or equipment-based tasks.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for POS operations and potential inventory management systems.
• Basic measuring skills essential for custom framing projects.
• Ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter safely and effectively.
• Strong customer service orientation with a friendly and helpful demeanor.
• Cash handling proficiency and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Problem-solving skills to address customer needs and operational challenges.
• Time management skills to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• High attention to detail for order accuracy and quality control.
• Commitment to safety compliance and following established procedures.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail experience, ideally in a specialty or custom goods environment.
• Proven experience in selling products and/or services directly to customers, with a consultative approach.
• Familiarity with inventory management and merchandising principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are foundational for a retail associate role, with specific emphasis on the technical aspects of framing. Preferred skills indicate that prior sales experience will be advantageous for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of past problem-solving scenarios in customer service or retail settings.
• Demonstration of attention to detail and accuracy through examples of completed tasks or projects, particularly those involving precise measurements or order fulfillment.
• Examples of how you have contributed to a positive team environment or improved a process in a previous role.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and how they would ensure adherence in a retail environment.
• Ability to articulate how they would approach learning and implementing new processes, such as custom framing order fulfillment or Omni-channel workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, a formal portfolio is unlikely. The focus will be on the candidate's ability to articulate their skills, experience, and understanding of operational processes through interview discussions and scenario-based questions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15.75 - $18.50 per hour. This range reflects the company's commitment to competitive compensation for part-time retail associates in this region, considering cost of living and market rates for similar roles in Syracuse, NY.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options available for eligible team members.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services.
• Other Benefits: Access to additional benefits as detailed on mikbenefits.com.

Working Hours: This is a PART_TIME position. While the total expected hours may vary, the role typically requires availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings, accommodating the demands of a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, which is helpful for candidates. The benefits listed are standard for retail positions and should be a key consideration for applicants, especially the tuition assistance and employee discounts.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels operates as the leading specialty retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and floral products, serving a broad customer base with creative needs. Company Size: The Michaels Companies, Inc. is a large enterprise, operating over 1,300 stores in the U.S. and Canada, indicating a significant operational footprint and established corporate structure. Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has built a strong brand presence and extensive operational experience in the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The Framer will be part of a store-level team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager, with direct supervision from a department lead or senior associate for framing-specific duties.
• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional support, with all associates expected to contribute to store operations, customer service, and sales across departments.
• Collaboration is key, especially in fulfilling Omni-channel orders and ensuring smooth daily operations.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through adherence to SOPs, sales targets, and inventory management processes.
• Workflow optimization is evident in the focus on efficient truck unloading, stocking, and order fulfillment.
• Automation is likely present in POS systems and inventory tracking, with an emphasis on leveraging technology for efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Michaels' scale and history provides context for the operational rigor and customer-centric approach expected. The team structure at the store level is typically collaborative, requiring adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the entry-level or early career stage within retail operations. It focuses on executing defined operational tasks and customer service functions, with foundational exposure to sales and merchandising processes.

Reporting Structure: The Framer will report to store management, likely a Department Manager or Store Manager, who oversees all store operations and team performance.

Operations Impact: While this role is customer-facing and execution-oriented, its impact on revenue is through direct sales (especially custom framing), customer retention, and efficient store operations that contribute to overall profitability. Positive customer interactions directly influence brand perception and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Framer or Custom Framing Specialist, taking on more complex projects and potentially training newer associates.
• Progression to other retail store roles such as Keyholder, Sales Associate, or Department Lead, broadening operational responsibilities.
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills through team collaboration and taking initiative on operational improvements.
• Potential for further training in merchandising, inventory management, or visual display.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a strong foundation for a career in retail operations. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within the store environment, emphasizing skill development and increased responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the custom framing department. Office Location(s): Syracuse-3471 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY. This location is a standard retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is customer-centric, requiring constant interaction and service.
• The framing shop area involves specialized equipment and materials, including a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful handling and adherence to safety protocols.
• Opportunities for team interaction are frequent, as collaboration is essential for daily store operations and customer support.

Work Schedule: The work schedule includes nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility is a key requirement for this role to meet the operational needs of the retail business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, typical of a retail setting. The framing shop has specific safety considerations that candidates should be aware of.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online application review to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.
• In-Person Interview: A one-on-one or panel interview with store management. This will assess customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, understanding of retail operations, and suitability for the framing role. Expect behavioral questions.
• Skills Assessment: May include a demonstration of basic measuring skills or a short scenario-based exercise related to customer interaction or problem-solving.
• Final Discussion: Review of fit with team culture, availability, and compensation expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't typically required, focus on preparing specific examples from past experiences that demonstrate your skills.
• For customer service, have stories ready about how you've handled difficult customers or gone above and beyond.
• For problem-solving, think about times you identified an issue and proposed or implemented a solution.
• If you have framing or crafting experience outside of work, be ready to discuss it briefly to show your passion and aptitude.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer questions about how you would approach a difficult customer situation or a complex framing request.
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of sales and how you would actively sell custom framing solutions.
• Consider how you would manage your time effectively if you had multiple framing orders to complete while also assisting customers on the sales floor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be practical and behavioral, focusing on real-world scenarios relevant to retail and custom framing. Candidates should prepare specific examples to illustrate their skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer accounts, and potentially inventory lookups. Proficiency in using POS systems is essential.
• Custom Framing Software/System: Likely a proprietary system for quoting, designing, and tracking custom framing orders. Familiarity with design software or quoting tools is beneficial.
• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing company information, training modules, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managing reports, understanding basic sales metrics and inventory levels is important for performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) might be integrated into the POS system for tracking customer preferences and purchase history.
• Automation is likely present in inventory management and order processing systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary tools will be POS systems and potentially specialized framing design/quoting software. Candidates should highlight any experience with similar systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service is paramount.
• Creativity & Passion: Encouraging a love for arts and crafts and translating that into customer solutions.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals and support colleagues.
• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards and treating everyone with respect.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks, sales, and operational standards.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a collaborative spirit, where associates support each other across departments.
• Open communication is encouraged for problem-solving and sharing best practices.
• Cross-functional support for Omni-channel fulfillment and general store operations is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture of creativity, customer service, and teamwork. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values align with these core principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing multiple responsibilities: Juggling custom framing production, customer service on the sales floor, and general store duties can be demanding.
• Meeting sales targets: Consistently driving sales for custom framing requires strong consultative selling skills and product knowledge.
• Handling diverse customer needs: Assisting customers with a wide range of creative projects and framing requirements.
• Learning specialized framing techniques and equipment operation: Requires attention to detail and a willingness to learn.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Extensive training on custom framing design, materials, and production processes.
• Sales training focused on consultative selling and upselling techniques.
• Opportunities to learn about visual merchandising and inventory management.
• Potential for cross-training in other store departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to develop specialized skills in custom framing and consultative sales, alongside foundational retail operations experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult customer. How did you resolve the situation?" (Assesses customer service and problem-solving.)
• "How would you approach selling a custom framing solution to a customer who initially just needed a ready-made frame?" (Assesses sales acumen and consultative selling.)
• "Describe your experience with measuring and ensuring accuracy. Why is this important in a framing role?" (Assesses attention to detail and technical understanding.)
• "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple demands, such as serving a customer, completing an order, and stocking shelves?" (Assesses time management and prioritization.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels and our custom framing services?" (Assesses research and interest.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Assesses teamwork and cultural fit.)
• "What does 'customer obsession' mean to you in a retail context?" (Assesses understanding of company values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be ready to discuss specific examples from your resume or past jobs that highlight your customer service, sales, or attention-to-detail skills.
• If you have any personal crafting or framing projects, be prepared to briefly describe them to showcase your passion and skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples for behavioral questions related to customer service, sales, and problem-solving.

📌 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 customer service, sales experience, any experience selling custom or specialized products, and any technical skills related to measuring or operating equipment. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased custom framing sales by X%").
• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal portfolio, prepare 2-3 specific examples of your customer service, sales, or problem-solving successes. Be ready to discuss them in detail during an interview.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' product offerings, especially custom framing services, and understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience. Review their mission and values.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your skills and fit with the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your availability for part-time hours, including nights and weekends.

⚠️ 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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