(NEX NORFOLK) FRAMER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer Company: NEXCOM (Navy Exchange Service Command) Location: Norfolk, Virginia, United States Job Type: Full-Time (35+ hours) Category: Retail Operations / Custom Services Date Posted: September 30, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered around providing exceptional customer service within a retail environment, specifically focusing on the custom framing of artwork, photographs, and other memorabilia.
• The Framer will be responsible for guiding customers through the design and material selection process, ensuring a high degree of customization and satisfaction.
• This position requires proficiency in using specialized tools and equipment for cutting, assembling, and finishing custom frames, adhering to strict safety protocols.
• The role involves managing inventory, interacting with vendors, and ensuring the security and orderliness of the workspace, contributing to the overall efficiency of the retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while customer-facing, has a significant operational component related to custom production, material handling, and tool management. The "NEXCOM" context suggests a military retail environment, which often emphasizes service, efficiency, and adherence to established procedures.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Consultation & Design:
  • Engage with customers to understand their framing needs and preferences for artwork, photographs, mirrors, and shadow boxes.
  • Provide expert recommendations on various framing materials (wood, metal), matting options, mounting techniques, and glazing choices.
  • Educate customers on the differences and benefits of various customization services offered.
  • Utilize suggestive selling techniques to offer complementary services and products, enhancing the customer's order value.
• Production & Craftsmanship:
  • Accurately measure and calculate dimensions for custom frames, ensuring precise fits for diverse items including paintings, prints, textiles, and glass.
  • Operate specialized equipment such as mat cutters (oval and vertical), glass cutters, saws, and assembly tools for wood and metal framing.
  • Skillfully assemble shadow boxes and custom frames, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
  • Handle delicate items like artwork, glass, and mirrors with care and appropriate protective measures.
• Operations & Inventory Management:
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, adhering to all safety procedures for tool operation and waste disposal (e.g., glass shards).
  • Manage on-site inventory of framing materials, tools, and supplies, identifying and reporting low stock levels to supervisors.
  • Interact with vendors to communicate customer specifications for custom orders and to track order status.
  • Receive and inspect incoming merchandise for damage or discrepancies, signing receiving reports and escalating significant issues.
• Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction:
  • Review finished custom frames with customers to confirm they meet all specified requirements and design choices.
  • Securely repackage completed orders for safe customer transport.
  • Address customer inquiries and concerns with tact, courtesy, and promptness.
  • Ensure adherence to NEXCOM policies and procedures regarding cash handling, stock security, and general retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction and hands-on production. The mention of "suggestive selling" and "suggestive selling techniques" points towards a sales-oriented operational role within retail. The emphasis on precise measuring and tool usage indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and practical skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• One year of high school education can be substituted for 3 months of general experience, up to a GED for one year of general experience.

Experience:

• General Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in general retail or customer service is required. This experience should demonstrate an understanding of customer interaction and basic retail operations.
• Specialized Experience: A minimum of three years of direct experience in custom picture framing is mandatory. This experience must include:
  • Accurately measuring and calculating frame dimensions for various items.
  • Proficiency in framing oil and canvas paintings, still pictures, glass, and mirrors.
  • Hands-on experience operating power and manual tools for cutting and assembling wood and metal frames.
  • Experience with mat cutting (including oval and vertical cuts) and glass cutting.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to interact positively with customers, identify needs, and provide solutions with tact and courtesy.
• Custom Framing Expertise: In-depth knowledge of framing materials, techniques, and processes for diverse media.
• Measurement & Calculation: Strong aptitude for precise measuring and mathematical calculations to ensure accurate framing dimensions.
• Tool Proficiency: Competence in safely operating and maintaining various hand and power tools common in framing and woodworking.
• Mat & Glass Cutting: Demonstrated skill in cutting mats to various shapes and sizes, and safely cutting glass.
• Suggestive Selling: Ability to identify opportunities to upsell and cross-sell framing services and related products effectively.
• Inventory Management: Basic understanding of stock tracking, ordering, and inventory control principles.
• Safety Awareness: Strict adherence to safety protocols when handling tools and materials.

Preferred Skills:

• Visual Merchandising: Ability to create appealing displays and demonstrate product options effectively.
• Color Theory & Design Aesthetics: Understanding of color schemes, textures, and design principles to complement customer merchandise.
• Vendor Relations: Experience communicating with suppliers for order status and material inquiries.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for resolving customer issues and addressing unexpected production challenges.
• Shadow Box Design: Experience in creating visually appealing shadow box displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between "General Experience" and "Specialized Experience" is crucial. The requirement for 3 years of specialized framing experience indicates a need for a skilled craftsperson, not just a retail associate. The "one year of high school education may be substituted for 3 months of general experience" clause is a common government/military hiring practice, indicating flexibility for candidates with less formal education but relevant practical experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Framing Project Showcase: A curated selection of past custom framing projects, demonstrating a range of styles, materials, and complexities (e.g., simple frames, intricate matting, shadow boxes).
• Process Documentation Examples: Visual or written documentation of your framing process, from initial customer consultation and measurement to final assembly and quality check. This could include sketches, workflow diagrams, or step-by-step guides.
• Material & Tool Knowledge: Evidence of understanding different framing materials (wood types, metal profiles), mat boards (conservation, acid-free), glazing options (glass, acrylic, UV-protective), and their appropriate applications.
• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Brief descriptions of challenging framing projects encountered and how they were successfully resolved, highlighting your adaptability and technical expertise.
• Customer Interaction Scenarios: Examples of how you have handled customer inquiries, made recommendations, or resolved issues related to custom framing orders.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to outline a clear, logical workflow for handling custom framing orders from initial customer contact through to product delivery.
• Efficiency Improvements: Documentation of any instances where you identified and implemented a more efficient method for a framing task, tool usage, or workspace organization.
• Quality Control Measures: Examples of how you ensure the quality and accuracy of your work, such as double-checking measurements, inspecting materials, and final product reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly requested for a hands-on role like this, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific projects and processes. The emphasis should be on demonstrating practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service effectiveness within the framing context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Norfolk, Virginia), experience level (2-5 years), and the nature of the role (skilled trade within a government-affiliated organization), a competitive hourly wage can be estimated. For a Framer position with 3+ years of specialized experience in Norfolk, VA, the estimated hourly range is typically between $15.00 - $22.00 per hour. This translates to an annual salary range of approximately $31,200 - $45,760, assuming a 40-hour work week.

Benefits: NEXCOM, as a U.S. Navy organization, typically offers a comprehensive benefits package to its full-time employees, which may include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Retirement Plan: Often a federal retirement plan (e.g., FERS) or a 401(k) equivalent with employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage provided by the employer.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability options.
• Employee Discounts: Potential discounts on NEXCOM merchandise and services.
• Training & Development: Opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth within the organization.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 35+ hours per week.
• Standard retail operating hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility in scheduling is often required to meet operational needs and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided and has been estimated based on industry benchmarks for skilled framing professionals in the Norfolk, VA area, considering cost of living and typical compensation for similar roles in government-adjacent organizations. NEXCOM's benefits are generally robust, aligning with federal employment standards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail / Military Support Services. NEXCOM operates as a retail and services entity for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, providing goods and services to service members and their families. This context implies a culture that values service, discipline, efficiency, and customer focus, particularly towards its military clientele. Company Size: NEXCOM is a large, global organization, employing tens of thousands of associates worldwide. This scale suggests structured processes, established HR policies, and opportunities for internal mobility. Founded: The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) was established in 1946, giving it a long history of supporting the military community.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Organization: The Framer likely operates within a retail department (e.g., Home Furnishings, Automotive, or a dedicated Custom Services area) at a specific NEXCOM facility.
• Reporting Hierarchy: The role reports to a designated supervisor, such as a Department Manager or Store Manager, who oversees daily operations and staff.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on framing, collaboration may occur with other retail departments for stock replenishment, customer service escalations, or joint promotional activities. Interaction with vendors is also a key collaborative aspect.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on understanding and fulfilling customer needs, especially within the military community.
• Process Adherence: Strict following of established procedures for sales, production, safety, and inventory management.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Focus on completing tasks accurately and within a reasonable timeframe to meet customer demand and operational targets.
• Quality Control: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing that meets customer expectations and brand standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "NEXCOM" affiliation is a critical differentiator. It suggests a stable work environment with a strong emphasis on customer service for a specific demographic (military personnel and families). This often translates to clear operational guidelines and a focus on dependable service delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a skilled craftsperson/specialist level within the retail operations framework. It requires specific technical skills beyond general retail associate duties, positioning it as a mid-level operational role with potential for growth into supervisory or management positions within retail departments. Reporting Structure: The Framer typically reports to a supervisor (e.g., Department Manager, Assistant Manager) who oversees the daily operations of a retail section. This provides exposure to management practices and operational decision-making at a departmental level. Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts customer satisfaction and revenue through direct sales of custom framing services and by providing a specialized, high-value product offering. Their work contributes to the overall appeal and utility of NEXCOM's retail services for the military community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Lead Framer/Senior Craftsman: Opportunity to become a senior member of the framing team, mentoring new hires, handling more complex projects, and potentially taking on lead responsibilities for production.
• Department Supervisor/Manager: With demonstrated leadership, operational acumen, and customer service success, growth into a supervisory role within the framing department or another retail department is possible.
• Cross-Training: Potential to cross-train in other retail operations areas within NEXCOM, broadening skill sets and opening doors to diverse roles.
• Specialization: Further development in specialized framing techniques (e.g., conservation framing, intricate matting) could lead to expert status.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth paths within NEXCOM are often tied to performance, tenure, and demonstrated ability to take on more responsibility. The military retail environment can offer stable career progression for dedicated employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hands-on, on-site role within a retail store environment. It involves a dedicated workspace for custom framing production, likely equipped with workbenches, cutting stations, tool storage, and display areas. Office Location(s): The primary location is Norfolk, Virginia, at a NEXCOM facility. This would be a physical store on or near a naval base.

Workspace Context:

• Production Area: A dedicated space for cutting, assembling, and finishing frames, requiring good lighting, ventilation, and organized tool storage.
• Customer Interaction Zone: An area where customers can view samples, discuss options, and place orders, often adjacent to the production space.
• Tool & Material Organization: Maintaining a highly organized system for tools, raw materials (wood, metal, mats, glass), and finished products is essential for efficiency and safety.
• Collaborative Environment: While much of the work is individual, there will be interaction with customers and potentially other retail associates or supervisors.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, generally 35+ hours per week.
• The schedule will likely involve working typical retail hours, which can include evenings, weekends, and federal holidays. Flexibility is key to accommodate customer traffic and operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is practical and hands-on. It requires the ability to work independently while also being customer-facing. The specific setup of the framing station will be crucial for efficiency and safety.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Application review to assess general and specialized experience against the requirements.
2. Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss background, motivation, and basic qualifications.
3. Skills Assessment/Practical Test: Candidates may be asked to demonstrate framing skills, such as mat cutting, measuring, or assembling a simple frame, or to discuss their process for specific framing challenges. This is a critical step for a hands-on role.
4. In-Person Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager and potentially a senior team member to assess cultural fit, problem-solving abilities, and detailed knowledge of framing techniques.
5. Reference Checks: Verification of previous employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Presentation: Prepare a clear, well-organized portfolio (physical or digital) showcasing a diverse range of your best framing work. High-quality photographs are essential.
• Project Details: For each project, be ready to discuss:
  • The type of item framed (artwork, photo, memorabilia).
  • Materials used (wood type, mat board, glass).
  • The customer's initial request and your recommendations.
  • Any challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • The final outcome and customer satisfaction.
• Process Explanation: Be prepared to walk through your typical framing process, highlighting your attention to detail, measurement accuracy, and tool usage.
• Customer Service Examples: Have specific anecdotes ready that demonstrate your ability to handle customer inquiries, make effective recommendations, and resolve issues.
• Tool & Material Knowledge: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of different framing materials and tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practical Framing Task: If a hands-on test is given, practice precise measuring, cutting (straight and potentially angled mats/glass), and assembly. Focus on clean cuts and a sturdy, well-finished product.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like:
  • "A customer wants to frame a valuable antique textile. What considerations would you take?"
  • "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with the final framing choice?"
  • "Describe your process for suggesting matting options for a watercolor painting."
• Safety Procedures: Be ready to articulate your understanding of safe tool operation and workspace management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a hands-on role like this, the "portfolio" is less about formal documents and more about demonstrating practical skill and experience. Be ready to talk about your work and, if possible, show examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Mat Cutters: Logan, Fletcher, or similar brands (manual and potentially automated). Proficiency in straight, bevel, and potentially V-groove and oval cuts.
• Glass Cutters: Various types for different glass thicknesses and materials.
• Saws: Miter saws (chop saws) for precise angle cuts on wood and metal framing stock.
• Assembly Tools: Assemblers (e.g., pneumatic or manual jointers, point drivers), staple guns, glue guns, clamps.
• Hand Tools: Measuring tapes, rulers, squares, screwdrivers, pliers, utility knives.
• Power Tools: Drills, potentially routers for specialized finishes.
• Mounting Equipment: Heat presses, vacuum sealers (for certain types of mounting or conservation).

Analytics & Reporting:

• POS Systems: Familiarity with retail point-of-sale systems for processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially tracking inventory.
• Inventory Management Software: Basic understanding or experience with systems used for tracking stock levels of framing materials.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Order Tracking: Systems or manual logs for tracking custom order status, customer specifications, and delivery timelines.
• Vendor Communication Tools: Email, phone, and potentially online portals for interacting with suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack here is heavily weighted towards specialized manual and power tools used in the craft of framing. Proficiency with these tools is paramount. Basic retail systems for sales and inventory are also relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of military personnel and their families by delivering high-quality custom framing services.
• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to precision, attention to detail, and producing durable, aesthetically pleasing finished products.
• Integrity & Reliability: Upholding NEXCOM's reputation for dependable service and honest transactions.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving to complete work accurately and in a timely manner to meet operational demands and customer expectations.
• Safety First: Maintaining a safe working environment through adherence to all tool and material handling procedures.

Collaboration Style:

• Customer-Centric Interaction: Engaging with customers in a friendly, professional, and helpful manner, offering expert advice and solutions.
• Team Support: Willingness to assist colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive team atmosphere within the retail department.
• Vendor Communication: Professional and clear communication with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and accurate order fulfillment.
• Supervisor Guidance: Openness to receiving direction, feedback, and support from supervisors to ensure operational alignment and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at NEXCOM is likely to be service-oriented, professional, and structured, reflecting its role in supporting the military community. Values will center on reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Customer Needs: Handling a wide range of customer requests, from simple frames to complex shadow boxes, requiring adaptability and creative problem-solving.
• Material & Tool Management: Ensuring the proper maintenance and availability of tools and a diverse inventory of framing materials, while managing waste effectively.
• Time Management: Balancing customer consultations, production tasks, and administrative duties to meet deadlines and operational targets.
• Handling Delicate Items: Safely and competently framing valuable, fragile, or irreplaceable items like artwork, photographs, and heirlooms.
• Staying Current: Keeping up with evolving framing trends, new materials, and advanced techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn specialized skills such as conservation framing, advanced matting designs, and working with unique materials.
• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of different types of artwork, photography, and memorabilia and their specific framing requirements.
• Customer Service Enhancement: Developing advanced sales and consultation skills to better serve a diverse clientele.
• Operational Efficiency: Learning best practices for workspace organization, inventory control, and workflow optimization.
• Potential for Leadership: For high performers, opportunities to advance into lead framer roles or supervisory positions within NEXCOM retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are primarily craft-based and customer-service oriented. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering the craft and demonstrating operational leadership potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical/Craftsmanship Questions:
  • "Describe your process for measuring and cutting a mat for a standard photo versus a custom-shaped artwork."
  • "What are the key differences between acrylic and glass glazing, and when would you recommend each?"
  • "How do you ensure a frame is structurally sound and will last for many years?"
  • "Walk me through your steps for assembling a shadow box for military medals."
  • "What safety precautions do you take when operating a mat cutter or glass cutter?"
• Customer Service & Sales Questions:
  • "A customer is unsure about the best framing style for their painting. How do you guide them to a decision?"
  • "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with the final framed product?"
  • "Describe a time you used suggestive selling to enhance a customer's order. What was the outcome?"
  • "How do you balance providing excellent customer service with the need to efficiently complete production tasks?"
• Operational & Situational Questions:
  • "How do you keep your workspace organized and ensure all tools are readily accessible?"
  • "What is your approach to managing inventory for framing materials?"
  • "Describe a challenging framing project you completed and how you approached it."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about NEXCOM and its mission?"
• "How do you think your skills and experience align with the values of a military retail organization?"
• "Describe your ideal work environment and team dynamics."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Showcase Versatility: Present examples of different types of framing projects (photos, art, memorabilia, shadow boxes) using various materials and techniques.
• Highlight Problem-Solving: For each project, be ready to explain any challenges encountered (e.g., unusual shape, delicate item, customer budget) and how you addressed them.
• Emphasize Customer Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with customers to understand their vision and make recommendations.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for custom work, mention if your recommendations led to increased order value or significantly enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Be Prepared for Live Demonstration: If possible, be ready to demonstrate a basic skill like measuring or a simple cut.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus heavily on demonstrating practical framing expertise, customer service skills, and an understanding of operational best practices within a retail context. Be ready to talk about your experience in detail and potentially show your work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Framer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the NEXCOM Taleo career portal. Ensure all sections are filled accurately, paying close attention to the experience requirements.
• Curate Your Experience Showcase: Prepare to discuss specific framing projects you have completed. If possible, gather high-quality photos of your work to discuss during an interview. Focus on projects that demonstrate your range of skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Review Key Framing Processes: Refresh your knowledge on common framing techniques, material properties (mats, glass, wood, metal), and safety protocols for tools. Be ready to articulate these clearly.
• Practice Customer Interaction Scenarios: Consider how you would handle various customer requests, recommendations, and potential issues. Prepare examples of your customer service successes.
• Research NEXCOM: Familiarize yourself with NEXCOM's mission, its role within the military community, and its commitment to service. This will help tailor your responses and demonstrate your interest.

⚠️ 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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