Part Time Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part Time Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Thornton, Colorado, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This part-time Custom Framer role focuses on sales, customer service, and production within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department.

• The position requires building strong customer relationships by providing expert advice and creating memorable framing solutions for artwork and other items.

• Key responsibilities include meeting sales and production targets, ensuring high-quality custom framing services, and maintaining an organized and well-stocked sales floor.

• Success in this role hinges on adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), effective cash handling, and a commitment to creating a positive customer shopping experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job description is for a retail associate with framing duties, the "revenue operations" framework is applied by focusing on the sales, production, and customer service aspects that directly contribute to the company's revenue stream and operational efficiency within the framing department. The role involves direct customer interaction influencing sales and requires adherence to operational processes to ensure quality and timely delivery of services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build and nurture customer relationships by understanding their needs and recommending appropriate custom framing solutions.
  • Utilize sales techniques and product knowledge to drive sales of custom framing services and related products.
  • Actively engage customers to help them find products and provide solutions, aiming to enhance their shopping experience.

• Custom Framing Production & Quality:

  • Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and precision, adhering to established design and production standards.
  • Ensure all framing orders are completed on time to meet customer expectations and delivery schedules.
  • Operate and maintain framing equipment, including glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, as well as other assigned areas, ensuring they are well-merchandised, organized, and in stock.
  • Participate in truck un-load and stocking processes, adhering to company standards to ensure inventory is processed correctly and efficiently.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment throughout the store and framing area.

• Operational Compliance & Efficiency:

  • Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and requirements.

  • Execute cash handling procedures accurately and efficiently, operating the cash register to company standards.

  • Support company-wide shrink and safety programs, actively contributing to a secure and loss-preventative environment.

  • Assist with and understand Omni channel processes, supporting initiatives that bridge online and in-store customer experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to highlight the direct impact on revenue generation through sales and efficient production, as well as operational excellence through SOP adherence and store maintenance. This provides a clearer picture for candidates interested in roles where customer interaction directly drives business outcomes and operational processes are critical.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred, but not strictly required.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role is ideal, with a focus on developing skills in sales and service.

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to navigate point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic software applications, and potentially inventory management tools.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Proficiency in taking accurate measurements for custom framing projects.

• Equipment Operation: Demonstrated ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment, including a glass cutter and heat press.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide friendly, helpful, and solutions-oriented customer service.

• SOP Adherence: Commitment to following Standard Operating Procedures and company policies to ensure consistency and compliance.

• Cash Handling: Accuracy and trustworthiness in handling financial transactions and operating a cash register.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a sales-focused retail role, with a track record of meeting sales goals.

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Previous experience or a strong interest in custom framing, art, or design principles.

• Customer Relationship Building: Skills in establishing rapport and building long-term customer relationships.

• Visual Merchandising: An eye for detail and the ability to maintain visually appealing displays and store layouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills are categorized into required and preferred to provide clarity on essential competencies versus desirable attributes. Emphasis is placed on practical skills directly applicable to the framing and retail environment, aligning with operations roles that require hands-on proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Service Case Studies: Examples of how you've resolved customer issues, built relationships, and exceeded expectations in previous roles. Focus on situations where your actions directly led to customer satisfaction or retention.

• Sales Achievement Examples: Documentation or descriptions of sales goals met or exceeded, highlighting your approach to selling products or services effectively. Quantifiable results are highly valued.

• Process Adherence Examples: Brief descriptions of how you've followed and maintained specific operational processes or SOPs in previous positions, ensuring quality and consistency.

• Equipment Operation Proficiency: While not a traditional portfolio item, be prepared to discuss your experience and comfort level with operating specific equipment, demonstrating your ability to learn and safely use tools.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Ability to understand and articulate the workflow of a custom framing order, from initial customer consultation through production and final delivery.

• Quality Control Awareness: Understanding the importance of quality control at each stage of the framing process to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize errors.

• System Navigation: Familiarity with using POS systems and other retail technology to manage orders, inventory, and customer information.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal "portfolio" is less common than for higher-level operations roles. The emphasis here is on demonstrating practical skills and experience through examples and discussions, rather than formal documents. The requirements focus on showcasing the candidate's ability to execute processes effectively in a customer-facing and production-oriented environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The total base pay range for this position is $15.25 - $17.90 per hour. This range reflects the company's commitment to competitive compensation for part-time roles, taking into account the specific skills and responsibilities involved in custom framing and retail operations.

Benefits:

As a part-time Team Member at Michaels, you can expect to receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:

• Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for vacation, personal days, or sick leave.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development.

• Generous Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services.

• Other Benefits: Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans and employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

This is a part-time position. Actual hours will vary based on business needs and scheduling, but typically involve a portion of a standard 40-hour work week. Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by retail operations. Flexibility in scheduling is often a key component of part-time retail roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the input. Benefits are listed as provided, with context on their availability to part-time employees. Working hours are clarified to emphasize the part-time nature and typical retail schedule requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts, Crafts, and Home Decor)

Michaels operates within the highly competitive arts, crafts, and home decor retail sector. This industry demands a strong focus on customer experience, product variety, and seasonal relevance. The company's position as a leading destination for creative supplies and custom framing means operations must be agile to meet diverse customer needs, from hobbyists to professional artists.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores in North America.

The large store footprint indicates a robust operational infrastructure. For an individual contributor role like this, it means standardized processes, a structured support system, and opportunities to learn from a well-established retail model. It also implies a significant volume of customer interactions and transactions daily.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas.

With a long history, Michaels has developed deep expertise in its market. This longevity suggests stability and a strong understanding of customer preferences and operational efficiency within the creative retail space. The company's established presence provides a solid foundation for its operations and employee development.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: You will be part of the Custom Framing department, working closely with fellow framers and reporting to a store management team (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Manager, or Framing Department Manager).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on framing, you will collaborate with other store associates for general customer service, inventory management, and operational tasks. Collaboration with the broader store team is essential for maintaining a cohesive and efficient shopping environment.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Likely reports to a Store Manager or designated Department Manager who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and staff management within the store.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Operations at Michaels emphasize creating a positive and inspiring customer experience, from initial sales interaction to product delivery.

• Process Standardization: Adherence to SOPs is critical for ensuring consistent quality, safety, and efficiency across all locations. This includes standardized procedures for sales, production, inventory, and cash handling.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While this role is hands-on, operational decisions are informed by sales data, inventory levels, and customer feedback to optimize performance and meet business objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is expanded to highlight how its industry, size, and history influence the operational environment and the role of an individual contributor. The team structure and methodology sections are tailored to a retail store setting, emphasizing collaboration and process adherence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Retail Associate / Skilled Tradesperson

This role represents an entry point into specialized retail operations. It provides foundational experience in customer interaction, sales, and hands-on production within a specific department (Custom Framing). It's suitable for individuals looking to develop practical skills in a trade environment within a retail context.

Reporting Structure:

You will typically report to a Store Manager or a Department Manager (e.g., Framing Manager or Assistant Store Manager) who oversees the daily operations of the store or specific department. This structure ensures clear direction, performance feedback, and support for operational tasks.

Operations Impact:

• Revenue Generation: Directly contributes to store revenue through custom framing sales and upselling opportunities.

• Customer Loyalty: High-quality framing services and excellent customer interactions build loyalty and repeat business.

• Operational Efficiency: Adherence to production timelines and quality standards ensures efficient use of resources and minimizes rework, directly impacting profitability.

• Brand Representation: As a face of the brand, your customer interactions and the quality of your work reflect on the Michaels brand and its reputation for creativity and quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in custom framing techniques, materials, and design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Sales Development: Enhance sales skills, potentially leading to roles with higher sales targets or commission opportunities if available.

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into supervisory roles such as Lead Framer, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager, taking on greater responsibility for team management and store operations.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Opportunity to gain experience in other areas of store operations, broadening your retail skill set.

• Continuous Learning: Michaels offers ongoing training and development programs, including potential tuition assistance, to support career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role not just as a job, but as a step in a career path. It details the operational impact and outlines concrete growth opportunities within Michaels, providing a clear vision for potential career progression in retail operations and specialized trades.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public Retail Store Setting

The work environment is a customer-facing retail store, specifically within the Michaels arts and crafts store. This means constant interaction with the public and a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere. The framing department is a specialized area within the store, often with specific tools and materials.

Office Location(s):

The role is based at the Michaels store located at 931 E 120th Ave, Thornton, CO. This location serves the local community, requiring associates to be accessible and engaged with customers in the area.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Zone: Significant time will be spent on the sales floor, interacting directly with customers, assisting them with product selection, and providing framing consultations.

• Production Area (Frame Shop): This involves working with various tools and materials, including potentially hazardous ones like glass cutters and heat presses. The environment requires focus, precision, and adherence to safety protocols.

• Stock Room & Back Areas: May involve time in stock rooms for receiving and organizing inventory, which can sometimes be less climate-controlled. Occasional outdoor work may be required for truck unloads.

• Tools & Technology: Access to POS systems, framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, and other tools necessary for the role.

Work Schedule:

• Varied Hours: Work hours are flexible and will include nights, weekends, and early mornings to meet the demands of retail operations.

• Part-Time Commitment: The role is part-time, with hours varying based on business needs.

• Climate Control: Public areas of the store are climate-controlled. Some stock rooms may not be.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the practical aspects of the work environment, including the physical space, interaction dynamics, and schedule. It's tailored to a retail setting, emphasizing the blend of customer service and production work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for this role is likely to be multi-stage and designed to assess both customer service aptitude and practical skills.

1. Initial Screening: This may be a brief phone or online assessment to gauge basic qualifications, availability, and interest.

2. In-Person Interview: A one-on-one or panel interview with the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. This stage will focus on:

• Customer Service Philosophy: How you interact with customers, handle difficult situations, and build relationships.
• Motivation & Fit: Why you're interested in Michaels and this specific role, and how you align with company values.
• Basic Skills Assessment: Questions about your comfort with basic computer skills, measuring, and willingness to learn equipment operation.

1. Skills Demonstration/Practical Assessment (Potential): You might be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss your approach to a framing consultation scenario. For framing-specific roles, a hands-on assessment with equipment could be part of the process.

2. Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion to finalize details, answer any remaining questions, and extend an offer of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

While a formal portfolio is not typically required for this entry-level role, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Focus on Customer Service: Prepare examples of times you provided exceptional customer service, resolved a complaint, or went above and beyond.

• Highlight Sales Aptitude: Share instances where you successfully sold a product or service, met sales goals, or persuaded a customer.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be ready to describe challenges you've faced in previous roles (even non-retail) and how you overcame them.

• Showcase Eagerness to Learn: Emphasize your willingness and ability to learn new skills, operate equipment, and adhere to processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions like, "A customer wants to frame a valuable piece of art but has a limited budget. How would you approach this?" or "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their custom framing order?"

• Process Understanding: Be prepared to discuss the importance of SOPs and how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work.

• Teamwork Scenarios: Discuss how you collaborate with team members to achieve common goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, outlining the likely interview stages and offering specific tips for preparing to discuss their experience, even without a formal portfolio. The focus is on transferable skills and demonstrating potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing sales transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially tracking inventory. Proficiency in using POS terminals is a must.

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Glass Cutter: For precise cutting of glass or acrylic to frame size.
  • Mat Cutter (Potentially): For cutting custom mats to complement artwork.
  • Framing Tools: Various hand tools for assembling frames, cutting moulding, and finishing.
  • Heat Press: Used for specific mounting or finishing techniques in framing.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing measuring devices for accurate project specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Reporting Tools: While not directly managed by this role, understanding that sales data and production metrics are tracked by management is important. You contribute to this data through accurate transaction processing and order completion.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Elements: The POS system likely has basic CRM functionalities for tracking customer purchase history and contact information, aiding in relationship building.

• Order Management Systems: Integrated within the POS or a separate system to track custom framing orders from creation to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the specific tools and technologies a Custom Framer would use daily. It highlights the hands-on equipment and the retail systems, providing clarity on the technical requirements of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, emphasizing creating positive and memorable experiences for every customer who walks through the door. This translates to attentive service, helpfulness, and a solutions-oriented approach.

• Creativity & Inspiration: Aligned with Michaels' core business, fostering an environment where creativity is celebrated and employees are encouraged to help customers bring their creative visions to life.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing services, ensuring attention to detail and precision in all production work.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Valuing the collective effort of the store team to achieve operational goals, support each other, and provide seamless customer service across all departments.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, from cash handling to customer interactions, and taking responsibility for one's work and contributions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Associates are expected to support each other across different departments (e.g., helping with stocking, assisting customers in other areas, covering breaks).

• Direct Communication: Open and respectful communication is encouraged, particularly between associates and management, to address operational needs, customer feedback, and potential issues promptly.

• Shared Goals: The team works towards common store objectives, such as sales targets, customer satisfaction scores, and operational efficiency metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the company's values and how they translate into the daily work experience and collaborative dynamics for store associates, including those in specialized roles like custom framing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales, Production, and Service: Juggling direct customer sales, efficient production of custom framing orders, and providing excellent customer service simultaneously can be demanding.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and budget constraints while delivering high-quality framing requires skillful negotiation and creative problem-solving.

• Learning and Mastering Framing Techniques: Acquiring proficiency with specialized framing equipment and techniques takes time, practice, and attention to detail.

• Pace of Retail: Adapting to the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of retail, including busy periods and unexpected customer demands.

• Physical Demands: The role involves standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and performing repetitive tasks, which can be physically taxing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skill Development: Comprehensive on-the-job training to master custom framing techniques, material selection, and design principles.

• Sales & Customer Service Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in consultative selling, relationship building, and conflict resolution.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Learning about a wide range of art, framing materials, and preservation techniques.

• Operational Proficiency: Gaining experience with retail POS systems, inventory management, and store operational procedures.

• Potential for Advancement: As mentioned in Career & Growth, pathways exist to move into leadership roles within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a realistic outlook on potential challenges and clearly outlines the learning and development avenues available, encouraging candidates to see the role as a growth opportunity.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Expect questions that probe your understanding of customer service, sales, and your ability to learn.

• Customer Service: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer." "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with a framing quote?"

• Sales Approach: "What steps would you take to sell a custom framing solution to a customer?" "How do you stay motivated to meet sales goals?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a customer needs a frame for an unusual-sized item. What's your process for finding a solution?"

• Learning Agility: "What interests you about custom framing?" "How do you approach learning new technical skills?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why Michaels?" "What do you know about our brand and products?"

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team." "How do you contribute to a positive work environment?"

• Values Alignment: Questions designed to see if your approach aligns with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and quality.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Since a formal portfolio isn't standard, focus on articulating your experience clearly.

• STAR Method: Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions.

• Quantifiable Achievements: If you have sales experience, be ready to share metrics like sales targets met or exceeded.

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Express genuine interest in art, design, and the craft of framing. This passion can be a significant differentiator.

• Prepared Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer about the role, the team, training, and growth opportunities. This shows engagement and initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions and preparation strategies, focusing on how candidates can showcase their relevant skills and fit for the role, even without a traditional operations portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Part-Time Custom Framer position at Michaels:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers portal. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any relevant experience in customer service, sales, retail, or hands-on work. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "production," "measuring skills," and "equipment operation."

• Prepare Your Examples: Think of specific situations where you've demonstrated strong customer service, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn new skills. Be ready to discuss these using the STAR method.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services (especially custom framing), and company values. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating enthusiasm, reliability, and a strong work ethic. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

⚠️ 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.

---