PT Custom Picture Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PT Custom Picture Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Kennewick, WA (6803 W Canal Dr) Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service Date Posted: September 24, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level to 2 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on direct customer engagement within a retail environment, specifically offering custom framing solutions and general store support.
• Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, executing sales transactions, and ensuring high-quality, timely completion of custom framing orders.
• The position requires adherence to operational standards, including merchandising, inventory management (SISO and Directed Replenishment), and maintaining a safe, clean store environment.
• It involves direct interaction with customers to understand their needs, provide solutions, and ensure a positive shopping experience, encompassing both in-store and potential omnichannel processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title suggests a specialized framing role, the description indicates broader retail responsibilities, including general customer service, merchandising, and operational tasks like truck unloading and stocking. The "Custom Picture Framer" aspect is a significant component, but candidates should expect a blend of specialized and general retail duties.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations for custom framing projects, utilizing tools like Elevated ABC Deliver to drive sales and production.
• Accurately complete custom framing orders, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to specified timelines and customer expectations.
• Execute sales transactions with precision, operating the cash register and adhering to all cash handling and payment processing standards.
• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, including executing SISO (Saka In, Saka Out) and Directed Replenishment processes.
• Provide exceptional customer service by acknowledging customers, assisting with product location, offering solutions, and ensuring a welcoming, well-organized store environment.
• Participate actively in the truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring compliance with truck standards and efficient inventory management.
• Support company-wide shrink and safety programs through diligent adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales process and customer engagement methodology that candidates should familiarize themselves with. The responsibility for completing orders "with a high degree of quality and on time" highlights the importance of precision and reliability in production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific educational degree is mandated, aligning with entry-level retail positions. Emphasis is placed on practical skills and customer interaction capabilities.

Experience:

• Entry-level to 2 years of experience is expected, with a focus on customer-facing roles.

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in fundamental computer operations for POS systems, inventory lookup, and potential order management software.
• Basic Measuring Skills: Ability to accurately measure artwork and framing materials to precise specifications.
• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage positively with customers, understand their needs, and provide helpful solutions.
• Cash Handling: Competence in operating a cash register, processing various payment types, and managing cash accurately.
• Framing Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment, including potentially a glass cutter and heat press.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience working in a retail environment, understanding store operations and customer flow.
• Sales Experience: Demonstrated ability to sell products and/or services, with a focus on consultative selling and customer needs assessment.
• Visual Merchandising: Familiarity with maintaining product displays and ensuring departments are well-organized and appealing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "basic" qualifier for computer and measuring skills suggests that while proficiency is necessary, extensive technical expertise or advanced measurement techniques may not be required initially. However, candidates with demonstrable precision in these areas will be more competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of past work demonstrating attention to detail and quality, particularly if they have custom framing or craft-related experience.
• Quantifiable achievements in customer service or sales, if available, should be highlighted to showcase impact.
• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles or custom project completion could serve as implicit portfolio elements.
• Demonstrating efficiency in task completion and adherence to process guidelines is beneficial.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all tasks, from customer interaction to order fulfillment and cash handling.
• Adherence to company programs for inventory management (SISO, Directed Replenishment) and operational efficiency.
• Ability to follow specific guidelines for truck un-loading, stocking, and maintaining store standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of the role, a traditional "operations portfolio" with detailed process maps or system implementations is unlikely. Instead, candidates should focus on showcasing their understanding of retail processes, customer service protocols, and the practical execution of framing tasks through their resume and interview discussions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.75 - $19.70 per hour. This range reflects entry-level to potentially slightly experienced part-time retail roles, with variations based on local market conditions and candidate experience.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, providing comprehensive health protection.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual of paid time off, allowing for work-life balance and personal needs.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education, enabling professional development and skill enhancement.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products, benefiting creative individuals and those who enjoy crafting.
• Other potential benefits: Depending on the specific part-time status and local regulations, other benefits may apply.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While the exact hours are not specified, retail roles typically require flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and potential early mornings, as indicated in the work environment section.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions in many US markets. The benefits package, particularly tuition assistance and employee discounts, offers significant value for individuals seeking to advance their education or pursue creative hobbies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts and Crafts) Company Size: Michaels is a large enterprise, operating over 1,300 stores across North America. This implies a structured corporate environment with established operational frameworks and customer service standards. Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history suggests a stable company with a well-defined brand identity focused on creativity.

Team Structure:

• The framing team is likely small, consisting of the framer and potentially a supervisor or store manager overseeing operations.
• Reporting structure typically flows up through store management to regional and corporate oversight.
• Cross-functional collaboration primarily involves interactions with other store associates (e.g., sales floor, cashiers) and potentially with corporate support for specific operational or HR matters.

Methodology:

• Data analysis in this role would likely focus on sales performance, order completion rates, and customer feedback metrics.
• Workflow planning involves managing custom framing projects from customer consultation through production and delivery, ensuring efficiency.
• Automation is less likely to be a focus for the framer role itself, but the company likely utilizes various retail automation tools for inventory, POS, and CRM.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' purpose, "to fuel the joy of creativity," indicates a culture that values artistic expression and customer inspiration. As a large retailer, there's a balance between standardized procedures and the creative aspect of the custom framing service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at an entry-level to early-career stage within retail operations, specifically focused on specialized customer service and production within a retail setting. It serves as a foundational position for understanding customer engagement and operational execution in a creative retail environment. Reporting Structure: The PT Custom Picture Framer typically reports to a Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager, who oversee the day-to-day operations and staff management at the store level. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts customer satisfaction through high-quality framing services and personalized consultations. It also contributes to store revenue through sales of custom framing and related products, and influences operational efficiency through accurate order processing and department maintenance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to become a more experienced and skilled custom framer, potentially taking on more complex projects or training new team members.
• Retail Management Track: Progression into roles such as Lead Framer, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager, involving increased responsibility for sales, operations, and team leadership.
• Cross-Departmental Experience: Potential to gain experience in other areas of store operations, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or specialized departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is part-time and specialized, Michaels often provides pathways for advancement within its extensive retail network. Demonstrating strong performance in customer service, sales, and operational adherence can open doors to leadership development programs and higher-level store positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. Office Location(s): Kennewick, WA (6803 W Canal Dr). The environment is customer-facing, with climate-controlled public areas. Workspace Context:

• The workspace includes the main retail floor for customer interaction and sales, and a dedicated frame shop area for production.
• The frame shop contains specialized equipment like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring adherence to safety protocols.
• Opportunities for team interaction occur with fellow store associates during daily operations, truck un-loads, and general store upkeep. Work Schedule: This is a part-time position. Work hours are flexible and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by retail operational needs. Stock rooms may not always be climate-controlled, and some outdoor work might be assigned (e.g., retrieving shopping carts, truck un-loads).

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment demands adaptability to varied tasks and schedules. The presence of specialized equipment in the frame shop highlights the need for careful execution and adherence to safety standards, which are critical in any retail operations role involving machinery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an online application and potentially a brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• In-Person Interview: Candidates will likely undergo an interview at the store, focusing on customer service skills, retail experience, and understanding of the framing role. This may include behavioral questions assessing how they handle various customer scenarios.
• Skills Assessment: Practical demonstration of basic measuring skills or discussion about framing equipment operation might be part of the interview.
• Final Assessment: Evaluation of cultural fit, enthusiasm for creativity, and alignment with Michaels' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't standard, be prepared to discuss examples of your work or projects that demonstrate craftsmanship, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• If you have no direct framing experience, highlight transferable skills from other roles or hobbies that show precision, creativity, and customer focus.
• Prepare to talk about a time you successfully resolved a customer issue or exceeded customer expectations in a service role.
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of sales processes and how you would approach consultative selling for custom framing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer questions about how you would approach a customer who is unsure about their framing choices or has a specific budget constraint.
• Prepare to explain your understanding of quality control in production or service delivery.
• Think about how you would manage multiple customer requests or framing orders simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should emphasize their ability to connect with customers and translate their needs into tangible framing solutions. A strong understanding of consultative sales principles will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales, and potentially basic inventory lookups.
• Custom Framing Software/Tools: Potentially proprietary software or design tools used for quoting, designing, and managing custom framing orders (e.g., Elevated ABC Deliver).
• Framing Equipment: Including specialized machinery like glass cutters, mat cutters, and potentially heat presses or assembly tools.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and calipers for precise measurements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic reporting on sales performance, order volume, and customer feedback might be accessed or contributed to by store management.

CRM & Automation:

• Michaels likely uses CRM systems for customer data management and loyalty programs, though direct access for this role might be limited to customer interaction aspects.
• Automation could be present in inventory management, replenishment systems, and scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with POS systems is essential. Familiarity with design software or tools used in custom framing would be a strong asset, even if not explicitly required. The ability to learn and adapt to proprietary company systems is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: A core value, encouraging artistic expression and providing customers with tools and inspiration for their creative projects.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs, providing exceptional service, and building lasting relationships.
• Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, ensuring customer satisfaction with custom framing.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with fellow store associates to create a positive and productive work environment.
• Efficiency: Adhering to SOPs and best practices to ensure smooth store operations and timely order completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where team members support each other in serving customers and maintaining store standards.
• Communication is key, especially between the framing specialist and other store personnel to ensure seamless customer experiences.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and sharing knowledge about products and services is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture strongly emphasizes fostering creativity and a positive customer experience. Candidates who are passionate about arts and crafts and enjoy helping others bring their creative visions to life will likely thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Managing customer consultations, production tasks, sales transactions, and general store duties simultaneously requires strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and expectations for custom framing, which can range from simple to highly complex artistic projects.
• Technical Skill Acquisition: Learning to operate specialized framing equipment safely and effectively, and mastering precise measurement and assembly techniques.
• Seasonal Fluctuations: Retail environments often experience peak seasons, requiring adaptability and increased effort during busy periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Deepen knowledge and skills in custom framing techniques, materials, and design principles.
• Retail Operations Skills: Develop proficiency in POS systems, inventory management, visual merchandising, and customer relationship management.
• Sales and Consultation Training: Enhance consultative selling techniques and customer engagement strategies.
• Career Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles within Michaels stores, leveraging experience gained in this position.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a practical entry point into the retail industry with a specialized focus. The challenges presented are typical of customer-facing operational roles and provide opportunities for significant skill development and personal growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a customer who is indecisive about frame choices, has a tight deadline, or is unhappy with a completed order. Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and offering solutions.
• Sales Approach: How would you approach a customer to offer custom framing services? What questions would you ask to understand their needs and suggest appropriate options?
• Operational Adherence: Discuss your understanding of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and why they are important in a retail environment.
• Teamwork: Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal in a retail or service setting.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Michaels' mission and values ("fuel the joy of creativity"). Be ready to articulate why you are drawn to this mission and how your personal values align.
• Understand the importance of customer experience in Michaels' retail strategy.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have any examples of custom framing, artwork, or detailed craft projects, be ready to briefly showcase or describe them.
• Highlight any experience where you demonstrated precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality in your work.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the quality and timeliness of custom framing orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize your passion for creativity and helping customers realize their artistic visions. Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, a detail-oriented approach, and a willingness to learn will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers website.
• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant customer service, sales, or hands-on crafting/production experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased customer satisfaction by X%" or "Completed Y custom orders per week").
• Portfolio Preparation: While not formal, mentally prepare to discuss relevant projects or skills that showcase your craftsmanship, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, especially if you have prior framing or artistic experience.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to customer service, sales, and operational tasks. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the Michaels brand and its commitment to creativity.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' product offerings, particularly their custom framing services, and understand their customer-centric approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided input. All details, particularly regarding specific operational processes, team structure, and exact responsibilities, should be verified directly with Michaels Stores during the application or interview process.