Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: 1459 E LaSalle Dr, Bismarck, North Dakota, United States
Job Type: Part-Time
Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing
Date Posted: 2025-10-06
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences within a retail environment, specifically in the custom framing department.
• Key responsibilities include building strong customer relationships, providing expert framing solutions, and driving sales within the framing services.
• The position requires meticulous attention to detail in order to complete framing orders accurately and to a high standard of quality.
• Maintaining store presentation, including merchandising and organization of the framing department, is crucial for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original listing is for a "Framer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a customer-facing retail role with a specialization in custom framing. This enhancement clarifies the role's operational focus on customer interaction, sales, and in-store execution within a specific department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:
  • Build strong customer relationships by actively engaging with shoppers, understanding their needs, and providing personalized framing consultations.
  • Utilize the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to drive sales and achieve production targets for custom framing services.
  • Acknowledge all customers, assist them in locating products, and offer solutions that meet their creative and practical requirements.
• Custom Framing Execution:
  • Accurately interpret customer orders and specifications to design and assemble custom framing solutions.
  • Operate framing equipment and tools, including glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently to produce high-quality finished products.
  • Ensure all framing orders are completed on time and to the highest quality standards.
• Store Operations & Merchandising:
  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, including SISO (Shop In Shop Out) and Directed Replenishment, ensuring it is well-merchandised and stocked.
  • Uphold a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking processes to ensure adherence to truck standards and timely replenishment of inventory.
• Transaction & Inventory Management:
  • Operate the cash register and process transactions accurately, adhering to all cash handling standards.
  • Assist with Omni-channel processes, such as fulfilling online orders or assisting with in-store pickup.
• Teamwork & Compliance:
  • Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws and requirements.
  • Support company shrink and safety programs by following established guidelines.
  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, remaining professional even in challenging situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original "Major Activities" section has been expanded and categorized to better reflect the operational scope of a retail framing specialist, emphasizing customer interaction, sales execution, quality control in production, and general store operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific educational degree is explicitly required beyond the ability to perform job functions. High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected in retail environments.

Experience:

• Required:
  • Basic computer skills for operating point-of-sale systems and potentially design software.
  • Basic measuring skills to accurately determine frame dimensions and matting.
  • Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively.
• Preferred:
  • Prior retail experience, demonstrating an understanding of store operations and customer interaction.
  • Proven experience in selling products and/or services, with a knack for consultative sales and solution-oriented approaches.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions that exceed expectations.
• Framing Expertise: Proficiency in using framing equipment, understanding matting techniques, and assembling custom frames.
• Sales Acumen: Capacity to identify sales opportunities, upsell services, and meet sales targets.
• Cash Handling: Accuracy and integrity in managing financial transactions at the point of sale.
• Basic Technical Proficiency: Comfort with fundamental computer operations and point-of-sale systems.
• Measurement & Precision: Strong attention to detail in measuring and cutting materials for framing.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer concerns and resolve issues effectively.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Willingness to work effectively with store colleagues and support overall store operations.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal communication for customer interactions and team collaboration.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle varying customer needs, store demands, and operational tasks.
• Attention to Detail: Crucial for accurate order fulfillment, quality control, and maintaining store standards.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage tasks, customer interactions, and production deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Demonstrated success in a retail sales environment, particularly in consultative sales.
• Art & Design Aptitude: A natural eye for aesthetics, color, and composition that can aid in customer consultations.
• Inventory Management Acumen: Understanding of stock rotation, replenishment, and visual merchandising principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum" and "Preferred" experience sections have been translated into specific required and preferred skills, making them more actionable for candidates. Core competencies like customer service, sales, and technical aptitude for framing equipment have been emphasized.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested for this entry-level retail position, candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant experiences in their resume and during interviews that demonstrate:
  • Customer Interaction & Problem Solving: Examples of how you've successfully assisted customers, resolved issues, and provided solutions.
  • Sales Achievement: Any instances where you met or exceeded sales goals, particularly in a consultative capacity.
  • Quality Output: Evidence of your ability to produce high-quality work, whether in a previous framing role, crafting, or other detail-oriented tasks.
  • Process Adherence: Demonstrations of following instructions, SOPs, and safety guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all framing tasks, sales processes, and store operations.
• Familiarity with the company's "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology for customer engagement and sales.
• Ability to follow instructions for Omni-channel order fulfillment and in-store replenishment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail role, a formal portfolio is unlikely. This section focuses on what aspects of a candidate's experience and demonstrated abilities would effectively serve as a "portfolio" during the application and interview process, emphasizing practical skills and customer-focused outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a part-time entry-level position in Bismarck, North Dakota, the estimated hourly wage for a Framer typically ranges from $12.00 to $16.00 per hour. This estimate is based on typical retail associate wages in the region for similar roles, considering the specific skills required for framing and customer service. Actual compensation will be determined by experience, skills, and the specific demands of the role.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage are available.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for rest and recovery.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education and professional development.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, ideal for creative individuals.
• Other Benefits: Access to additional benefits as detailed by the company, often including retirement savings plans and employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position. Actual hours will vary based on scheduling needs, which may include nights, weekends, and early mornings. The estimate of 40 hours per week provided in the input data might represent a maximum or a blended average across full and part-time roles; for a part-time role, expect fewer hours per week, determined by store needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated based on the location (Bismarck, North Dakota), job type (Part-Time), and experience level (Entry Level) for a retail framing position. The benefits listed in the input data have been clearly itemized. The working hours have been clarified in the context of a part-time role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts & Crafts Supplies, Custom Framing)
Company Size: Michaels Stores is a large, publicly traded company with over 1,300 stores across North America. This scale offers stability and opportunities for structured training and development.
Founded: 1973

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: The Framer will be part of a store team led by a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, and potentially department leads or supervisors.
• Departmental Focus: While part of the broader store team, there's a specific focus on the custom framing department, requiring collaboration with other retail associates.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Associates will interact with customers, other department specialists, and potentially support staff for inventory and operations.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes "fueling the joy of creativity" and providing a positive customer experience.
• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and safety across all stores.
• Data-Informed Operations: While this role is hands-on, the company leverages data for sales, inventory, and operational efficiency, which influences daily tasks like merchandising and stock replenishment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes Michaels Stores as a large retail entity with a clear mission. It outlines the typical store team structure relevant to a Framer and highlights the company's operational methodologies, focusing on customer experience and process adherence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Retail Associate / Specialist
Reporting Structure: The Framer will report directly to the store's management team (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or designated department lead).
Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in a corporate sense, the Framer directly impacts the company's revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to operational efficiency by maintaining store standards, managing inventory, and ensuring a positive customer experience that encourages repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become an expert in custom framing techniques, design principles, and consultative sales.
• Retail Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Key Holder, Lead Associate, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager within Michaels Stores.
• Cross-Training: Possibility of learning operations in other store departments, broadening retail experience.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in framing, potentially leading to roles with higher responsibility within the framing department or at a regional level if such opportunities exist.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis positions the Framer role within a retail career path, highlighting its direct impact on revenue and operational flow. It outlines clear growth opportunities typical in a large retail organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public Retail Store Environment
Office Location(s): 1459 E LaSalle Dr, Bismarck, North Dakota. The store serves the local community.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing: The primary workspace is the retail floor and the dedicated custom framing area.
• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, a cash register, and basic computer systems.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with customers and colleagues, fostering a collaborative and dynamic atmosphere. The framing area may require focused, independent work at times.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time position. Work hours will include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, based on store operating hours and staffing needs. Flexibility in scheduling is often a requirement for retail roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the physical and social aspects of the work environment, emphasizing the retail setting, the specific tools used in the framing shop, and the collaborative yet independent nature of the work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• In-Person Interview: Typically with the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. This will likely involve:
  • Behavioral questions assessing customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.
  • Situational questions asking how you would handle specific customer scenarios or operational challenges.
  • A demonstration or discussion of your framing skills if applicable.
  • A tour of the store and framing department.
• Skills Assessment: May include a practical demonstration of measuring, using a glass cutter, or discussing framing design concepts.
• Offer & Onboarding: If successful, an offer of employment will be extended, followed by onboarding and training.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Highlight any past experience in sales, customer service, crafting, or any role involving detail-oriented tasks or the use of tools. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "exceeded sales targets by X%").
• "Show, Don't Just Tell": Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully:
  • Solved a customer's problem or met a unique need.
  • Managed multiple tasks or deadlines effectively.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail in a previous role.
  • Operated tools or equipment safely and efficiently.
• Framing Interest: Express genuine enthusiasm for art, design, and helping customers bring their creative visions to life through custom framing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Practice responding to common customer service challenges (e.g., a dissatisfied customer, a complex framing request, a product inquiry).
• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach a situation where a customer has a tight deadline or a unique framing material requirement.
• Operational Awareness: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of store operations, including safety, cleanliness, and inventory management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical retail interview process and provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their existing experience and skills to align with the requirements of a retail framing role, even without a formal portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: This includes mat cutters, cutting mats, framing tools (e.g., underpinners, staple guns), and potentially specialized machinery for different framing materials.
• Glass Cutter: Essential for precision cutting of glass or acrylic for frames.
• Heat Press: May be used for specific mounting or finishing techniques.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing rulers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing sales, managing customer transactions, and potentially tracking inventory.
• Basic Computer Skills: Likely includes navigating internal company software for training, scheduling, and communication.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Elements: While not a formal CRM system, building customer relationships and understanding repeat business is a key aspect of the role. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a structured approach to customer interaction.
• Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels of ready-made frames and framing supplies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific tools and technologies a Framer would encounter daily, differentiating between production tools, sales systems, and general operational technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value is "fueling the joy of creativity," suggesting an environment that appreciates artistic expression and creative problem-solving.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and building relationships is paramount.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality custom framing solutions.
• Teamwork & Respect: Fostering a supportive and respectful environment where colleagues collaborate effectively.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company standards in all aspects of work, from sales to safety.
• Efficiency & Organization: Maintaining a clean, well-organized store and efficient workflow.

Collaboration Style:

• Customer-Centric Collaboration: Working with customers to co-create framing solutions.
• Peer Support: Collaborating with fellow store associates to ensure smooth store operations, assist customers, and manage tasks.
• Management Guidance: Receiving direction and support from store leadership to achieve store goals and adhere to company standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the company's stated purpose and operational needs into specific values and collaboration styles relevant to the Framer role and the broader Michaels culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling customer consultations, order production, stocking, and general store duties in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Meeting Diverse Customer Needs: Adapting to a wide range of artistic styles, budgets, and framing requirements.
• Maintaining Quality Under Pressure: Ensuring high standards for framing even during busy periods or with tight deadlines.
• Learning New Equipment/Techniques: Staying proficient with framing tools and potentially new product offerings or processes.
• Managing Inventory: Ensuring adequate stock of framing supplies while minimizing waste and overstock.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Mastery: Becoming highly skilled in all aspects of custom framing, from design to production.
• Sales & Consultation Skills: Developing expertise in consultative selling and customer relationship management.
• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of store management, inventory control, and visual merchandising.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about other areas of the retail business.
• Company-Specific Training: Access to Michaels' internal training programs for product knowledge, sales techniques, and operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges specific to a retail framing role and outlines the learning and development pathways available within Michaels Stores.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you went above and beyond for a customer." "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing choice?"
• Sales & Consultation: "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing options?" "What steps would you take to sell a premium framing package?"
• Problem-Solving & Operations: "Imagine a customer needs a frame by tomorrow, but our equipment is down. What would you do?" "How do you ensure accuracy when taking measurements for a custom frame?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels Stores and our mission?"
• "Why are you interested in custom framing and working at Michaels?"
• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?"
• "What does 'fueling the joy of creativity' mean to you?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Highlights: Be ready to elaborate on any experiences listed on your resume that demonstrate customer service, sales, attention to detail, or hands-on work.
• Anecdotal Evidence: Prepare 2-3 strong, specific examples (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result) showcasing your skills in customer interaction, problem-solving, or quality execution.
• Enthusiasm for Craft: Clearly articulate your interest in art, design, and the craft of framing. This shows passion and a deeper connection to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific types of questions candidates can expect and offers strategic advice on how to prepare their responses, focusing on behavioral, situational, and company-alignment aspects relevant to a retail operations role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Framer position:

• Submit your application through the Michaels Stores careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, any crafting or detail-oriented work, and familiarity with tools or equipment. Use keywords from the job description like "customer service," "sales," "framing," and "attention to detail."
• Prepare Your Examples: Have 2-3 specific anecdotes ready (using the STAR method) that demonstrate your ability to handle customer interactions, solve problems, and perform detailed work.
• Research Michaels: Understand the company's mission ("fuel the joy of creativity"), product offerings, and commitment to customer experience. This will help you answer company-specific questions effectively.
• Express Enthusiasm: Clearly communicate your interest in the role, the company, and the art of custom framing during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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