Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Fremont, California, United States
Job Type: Part-Time
Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing
Date Posted: December 15, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing exceptional customer service within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department.
• Key responsibilities include building strong customer relationships, understanding their needs, and delivering tailored framing solutions.
• The position requires proficiency in operating specialized framing equipment and maintaining departmental standards.
• Successful candidates will contribute to overall store operations, including sales, production, and maintaining a positive shopping experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Framer," the description emphasizes a blend of customer-facing sales, operational execution, and specialized craft skills, indicating a role that requires a customer-centric approach alongside technical framing abilities. This is typical for retail operations roles that directly impact customer satisfaction and sales.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships by providing a memorable and personalized framing consultation experience.
  • Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to engage customers and guide them through custom framing options.
  • Achieve sales and production targets through effective product knowledge and consultative selling.
  • Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and offer solutions to their creative needs.
• Custom Framing Production:
  • Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and within established production timelines.
  • Operate framing equipment, including specialized tools and a glass cutter, safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure all framing solutions meet customer specifications and company quality standards.
• Store Operations & Merchandising:
  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Single Item, Single Order) and directed replenishment, ensuring visual appeal and stock availability.
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment for customers and team members.
  • Assist with truck un-loading and stocking processes, adhering to established standards and timelines.
  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures according to company standards.
• Team Collaboration & Compliance:
  • Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Execute company policies and standards consistently in daily tasks.
  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, promoting a collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Participate in shrink and safety programs to minimize loss and ensure a secure workplace.
  • Support Omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship from store, as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct customer interaction (sales, consultation) and operational execution (production, merchandising, stocking). The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales methodology that candidates should be prepared to discuss or demonstrate.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific educational degree is mandated, but a strong aptitude for learning and applying new skills is essential.

Experience:

• Required:
  • Minimum of 0-2 years of experience.
  • Basic computer skills for POS operations and potential order entry.
  • Basic measuring skills to accurately assess artwork and select appropriate framing materials.
  • Ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter safely and effectively.
• Preferred:
  • Previous retail experience, demonstrating familiarity with store operations and customer interaction.
  • Experience selling products and/or services to customers, with a proven ability to meet sales goals.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions that enhance their shopping experience.
• Custom Framing Aptitude: Basic understanding of framing principles and willingness to learn specialized techniques and equipment operation.
• Sales Acumen: Capacity to drive sales through product knowledge, consultative selling, and achieving performance targets.
• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accurate and secure management of financial transactions via the cash register.
• Operational Execution: Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for merchandising, stocking, and store maintenance.
• Basic Technical Skills: Competence in using computers for basic tasks and measuring tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior success in a retail sales environment.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication with customers and team members.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer inquiries and operational challenges effectively.
• Teamwork: Capacity to collaborate with colleagues to achieve store objectives.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in measuring, cutting, and assembling framing orders.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload efficiently, especially during peak periods.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle various tasks and adapt to changing store needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" and "Preferred Type of experience" sections are key here. The required skills focus on foundational abilities for operating framing equipment and basic customer interaction, while preferred skills point towards candidates who can immediately contribute to sales and customer engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant past projects or experiences that demonstrate their capabilities.
• Framing Project Examples: If you have personal or professional examples of custom framing projects, be prepared to discuss them, focusing on the design choices, materials used, and the final outcome.
• Customer Service Success Stories: Prepare anecdotes detailing how you successfully resolved customer issues or exceeded expectations in a service-oriented role.
• Sales Achievements: Quantifiable examples of sales performance, such as meeting or exceeding targets, or contributing to increased store revenue.
• Process Adherence: Examples of how you have followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or company guidelines in previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach:
  • Workflow Management: How they prioritize and manage multiple framing orders and other store tasks simultaneously.
  • Quality Control: Their methods for ensuring the accuracy and quality of their work before customer delivery.
  • Customer Consultation: The steps they take to understand customer needs and translate them into effective framing solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal portfolio is unlikely. However, candidates should be ready to discuss their experience through behavioral interview questions and provide specific examples of their work, problem-solving skills, and customer interaction successes. The emphasis is on practical application and demonstrated ability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $18.00 - $21.20 per hour.
• Rationale: This estimate is based on the provided salary information for the role and location. The range reflects potential variations based on experience, performance, and specific store needs.
• Location Context: Fremont, California, is a high-cost-of-living area, and this range aligns with typical retail positions in similar markets, reflecting the specialized nature of framing and customer service.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued paid time off for vacation, sick days, and personal needs.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services.
• Other Benefits: Additional benefits may be available, as detailed on mikbenefits.com.

Working Hours:

• This is a Part-Time position.
• Typical work hours will vary and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with retail operational needs.
• The job description mentions "40" in ai_working_hours, but this is often a standard field for full-time roles; for a Part-Time role, actual hours will be less and vary weekly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions in the Fremont area, especially considering the specialized framing skills involved. The benefits package is comprehensive for part-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in North America, specializing in arts, crafts, custom framing, and seasonal decor. Company Size: Large (The Michaels Companies, Inc. operates over 1,300 stores). This implies a structured, established corporate environment with defined processes and career paths. Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-established brand presence and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: The Framer will be part of a store team that includes a Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, Team Leads, and fellow Team Members (Sales Associates, Cashiers, and other specialized roles like Framers).
• Reporting: Typically reports to a Framing Department Manager or a designated Store Leader responsible for department operations.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with sales associates to support customer needs, cashiers for transaction completion, and inventory teams for stock management. Collaboration is key to ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and delivering personalized solutions, as indicated by "Elevated ABC Deliver."
• Process-Driven Operations: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in sales, production, and store maintenance.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the company likely uses sales data and customer feedback to inform merchandising and operational strategies.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Encouragement of positive interactions and mutual support among team members.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates on a large scale, meaning processes are standardized. The company culture likely values creativity, customer service, and teamwork, aligning with its mission to "fuel the joy of creativity."

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level to early-career position within the retail operations and specialized services sector. It's a hands-on role focused on executing specific departmental tasks and providing direct customer service.

Reporting Structure: The Framer will report to a department lead or store manager, with a clear hierarchy within the store management structure. This provides direct supervision and opportunities for feedback and guidance.

Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts customer satisfaction through quality framing services and personalized consultations.
• Contributes to store revenue through sales of custom framing and related products.
• Influences store presentation and operational efficiency through effective merchandising and adherence to SOPs.
• Plays a role in customer retention by building relationships and delivering reliable service.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become a highly skilled custom framer, mastering techniques and product knowledge.
• Sales Advancement: Potential to move into roles with higher sales targets or commission structures.
• Leadership Track: Progression to Team Lead, Department Manager, or Assistant Store Manager roles within Michaels retail stores.
• Cross-Training: Opportunities to gain experience in other store departments, broadening retail operational knowledge.
• Specialization: Further specialization within custom framing or related creative services.

📝 Enhancement Note: For entry-level retail roles, growth often involves mastering current responsibilities, taking on more complex tasks, and demonstrating leadership potential. Michaels' large footprint offers numerous opportunities for internal advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing area within the store. Office Location(s): Fremont, California (specifically, 39170 Argonaut Way). This is a physical retail location accessible to customers.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The environment is highly customer-facing, requiring constant engagement and a professional demeanor.
• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, a cash register/POS system, and potentially basic computer systems for order management.
• Team Dynamics: Opportunities for frequent interaction with colleagues, fostering a collaborative and supportive work atmosphere.
• Physical Demands: The work involves standing for long periods, regular bending, lifting, carrying, reaching, and stretching, including lifting heavy boxes and frames.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time hours.
• Schedule flexibility is required, including availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings. This allows the store to serve customers throughout operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric, demanding physical stamina and a positive attitude. The framing shop itself is a specialized workspace with specific equipment that requires careful handling.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit resume and complete the online application.
2. Screening: Initial review of qualifications and experience by HR or a hiring manager.
3. In-Person Interview: Likely to involve a conversation with the Store Manager or Framing Department Manager. This will assess:
   • Customer service philosophy and experience.
   • Understanding of sales techniques and motivation to achieve targets.
   • Ability to operate framing equipment and basic technical skills.
   • Fit with Michaels' company culture and values.
   • Availability and flexibility with work schedule.
4. Skills Assessment (Potential): May involve a practical demonstration of measuring skills or a discussion about how they would handle a specific framing consultation.
5. Offer: Extension of a job offer if the candidate is a good fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Experience, Not Formal Documents: Since a formal portfolio is unlikely, prepare to speak confidently about your past experiences.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to describe your accomplishments (e.g., "Exceeded sales targets by 15%," "Handled an average of 20 customer consultations per shift").
• Highlight Customer Service Scenarios: Be ready to describe specific instances where you went above and beyond for a customer.
• Showcase Technical Aptitude: Discuss any experience you have with tools, equipment, or technical processes, emphasizing safety and precision.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Share examples of how you resolved issues or provided solutions for customers or in previous work environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Consultation Simulation: Be ready to role-play a customer consultation scenario. Think about how you would greet a customer, ask clarifying questions about their artwork and desired style, and recommend framing options.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle a difficult customer, a production delay, or a mistake in an order.
• Sales Pitch Practice: Think about how you would present the value of custom framing and upsell related products or services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Behavioral interview questions ("Tell me about a time when...") will be common. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your skills and experiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• POS System: For processing sales, handling cash, and potentially managing customer orders.
• Framing Equipment:
  • Mat Cutters: Manual or automated machines for cutting mats to precise specifications.
  • Frame Moulding Saws/Cutters: For precise cutting of frame materials.
  • V-Nailers/Staplers: For joining frame corners.
  • Glass Cutters: For custom glass sizing.
  • Heat Press: For mounting or applying finishes.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, calipers for accurate sizing.
• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing company portals, potentially for order management software, and for general workplace tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not a primary focus for this role, but store-level sales data and customer feedback reports are likely used by management.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology suggests a customer-centric approach, which might be supported by a CRM system for tracking customer preferences or past orders, though this is more likely managed at a higher level.
• Automation: Limited to POS transactions and potentially automated production equipment within the framing shop.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing equipment is a core requirement. Experience with POS systems is also essential for daily operations. Candidates should be prepared to learn any specific software used by Michaels.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Encouraging a love for arts, crafts, and creative expression.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and building lasting relationships.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals and support one another.
• Integrity & Respect: Upholding company values and treating everyone with dignity.
• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for high-quality work and efficient operational processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Supportive: Team members are expected to communicate openly and support each other in daily tasks.
• Customer-First Approach: All team interactions should ultimately contribute to a positive customer experience.
• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often involves following established procedures and working together to ensure SOPs are met.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve performance and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels aims to foster a culture that is both creative and customer-oriented. Team members are expected to be helpful, supportive, and aligned with the company's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production & Sales: Effectively managing custom framing production demands while also engaging with customers on the sales floor and handling general store duties.
• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving sales goals in a competitive retail environment.
• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and artistic visions for framing.
• Physical Demands: The role requires physical stamina for standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks.
• Learning Specialized Equipment: Mastering the operation and maintenance of various framing tools and machinery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Becoming a highly proficient custom framer with deep knowledge of materials, techniques, and design principles.
• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Developing advanced consultative selling and customer relationship management skills.
• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of retail store management, merchandising, and inventory control.
• Potential for Management: Clear pathways for advancement into leadership roles within Michaels stores.
• Industry Trends: Staying updated on art, framing, and craft industry trends through company resources and potential training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical for specialized retail positions, requiring a blend of technical skill, sales ability, and physical endurance. Growth opportunities are well-defined within the Michaels structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service & Sales:
  • "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs."
  • "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing choices?"
  • "What is your strategy for meeting sales goals in a retail environment?"
  • "How do you handle a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with a product or service?"
• Technical & Operational:
  • "What experience do you have operating specialized equipment? Describe your approach to learning new tools."
  • "How do you ensure accuracy and quality in your work, especially when dealing with custom orders?"
  • "Describe your understanding of inventory management or merchandising in a retail setting."
  • "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple responsibilities (e.g., framing orders, customer service, stocking)?"
• Company & Culture:
  • "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?"
  • "What do you know about our custom framing services?"
  • "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?"
  • "What does 'customer-centric' mean to you in a retail context?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on STAR Method: Use specific examples from your past roles to answer behavioral questions. Clearly outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your customer service, sales, technical aptitude (especially with tools/equipment), problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Showcase Enthusiasm for Craft: Express your interest in art, creativity, and the craft of custom framing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Role-Playing: Be prepared for a role-play scenario where you act as a Framer consulting with a "customer" (interviewer) on a framing project. Think about materials, design, and pricing.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Consider how you would handle common retail issues like stock shortages, customer complaints, or equipment malfunctions.
• Sales Pitch: Practice articulating the value proposition of Michaels' custom framing services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who demonstrate strong customer service skills, a proactive sales attitude, technical aptitude, and a good cultural fit with Michaels. Practical examples and enthusiasm are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Framer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers website.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight any experience in customer service, sales, retail, or working with tools/equipment. Use keywords from the job description like "customer service," "framing," "sales," and "cash handling."
• Prepare for behavioral questions: Think of specific examples using the STAR method to showcase your skills in customer interaction, problem-solving, and operational execution.
• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services (especially custom framing), and company values to demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice your pitch: Be ready to articulate why you're a good fit for the role and how you can contribute to the store's success, particularly in the framing department.

⚠️ 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.

---