PT Framer
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: PT Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Fayetteville-27 Hudson Plaza, United States of America Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service Date Posted: 2025-08-18T00:00:00 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- This role focuses on direct customer engagement within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department.
- Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, providing design consultation for framing solutions, and ensuring customer satisfaction through quality product delivery.
- The position requires proficiency in basic computer skills, measuring, and operating specialized framing equipment, necessitating a blend of customer service and technical aptitude.
- Success in this role is measured by sales performance, production quality, and adherence to operational standards, contributing to the overall store's revenue and customer experience.
📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title and description clearly indicate a retail associate role with a specialization in custom framing, the core functions involve sales, customer service, and operational execution within a specific product category. This aligns with a "Retail Operations" or "Customer Service" category, emphasizing the operational aspects of managing a department and driving sales through specialized services.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships by providing personalized design consultation for custom framing solutions, leveraging sales techniques to drive revenue.
- Execute the full cycle of custom framing order fulfillment, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and on-time delivery according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Deliver exceptional customer service by assisting customers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience, thereby enhancing customer loyalty.
- Maintain the readiness and presentation of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, including visual merchandising and stock management (SISO, Directed Replenishment).
- Operate the cash register accurately, handle cash transactions with integrity, and execute all end-of-day cash handling procedures according to company standards.
- Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to company standards and efficient inventory management.
- Uphold company policies, programs, and safety standards, including shrink prevention and maintaining a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment.
- Support Omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store, to enhance the customer's shopping journey.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct sales/customer interaction and operational execution within the framing department. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" suggests a consultative sales approach, which is a key operational driver for specialized retail services.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent is generally expected for entry-level retail positions, providing a foundational level of literacy and numeracy.
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience in customer-facing roles, preferably within a retail environment, to understand sales dynamics and customer service expectations.
- Previous experience in sales or service-oriented positions is valuable for understanding customer needs and consultative selling approaches.
Required Skills:
- Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage positively with customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions that lead to satisfaction and repeat business.
- Framing Knowledge & Operation: Proficiency in operating framing equipment (e.g., mat cutters, mount cutters, potentially heat presses) and utilizing measuring tools with precision.
- Sales Acumen: Capability to identify sales opportunities, recommend suitable framing solutions, and contribute to achieving department sales targets.
- Basic Computer Skills: Competence in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic computer applications for order entry, and potentially inventory management systems.
- Cash Handling Proficiency: Accuracy and reliability in processing transactions, managing cash, and adhering to financial security protocols.
Preferred Skills:
- Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a retail setting, particularly in sales or design-consultation roles, is beneficial.
- Product Knowledge: Familiarity with art, picture framing materials, and design principles can enhance the ability to provide expert advice.
- Problem-Solving: Aptitude for addressing customer inquiries, resolving issues, and finding creative solutions within the scope of store policies.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" and "Preferred Type of experience" clearly delineate core competencies required for the role. The emphasis on "basic computer skills" and "measuring skills" along with "framing equipment" operation points to essential technical requirements beyond standard customer service.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- While a formal portfolio isn't typically required for an entry-level retail associate, candidates may be asked to demonstrate past achievements related to customer service, sales performance, or project completion in previous roles.
- Candidates should be prepared to discuss examples of how they have successfully built customer relationships or resolved customer issues in past experiences.
- Demonstrating an understanding of quality control in product delivery or service execution can be valuable.
- Any examples of process improvement or efficiency gains in previous roles, even in a non-operations context, can highlight an operations mindset.
Process Documentation:
- Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing order creation, production, and customer delivery is critical.
- Familiarity with inventory management processes, such as stock counts, replenishment, and visual merchandising standards, is expected.
- Knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) transaction processes, including cash handling and return policies, is essential.
📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, the "portfolio" would likely translate to practical demonstrations or discussions of past experiences rather than a structured document. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to articulate their skills and past performance in relation to the core responsibilities of customer engagement and operational execution.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Based on entry-level retail positions in the US, particularly for part-time roles involving specialized skills like framing, the estimated hourly wage typically falls between $10.00 and $15.00 USD. This range is influenced by local minimum wage laws, the cost of living in Fayetteville, GA, and the specific responsibilities of the Framer role.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, potentially offered to part-time employees based on hours worked or tenure.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual of paid time off for vacation, sick leave, or personal days, often prorated for part-time status.
- Tuition Assistance: Programs may be available to support employees pursuing further education, aligning with Michaels' commitment to team member development.
- Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services, a key perk for employees in a creative retail environment.
- Other potential benefits: May include retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k)), employee assistance programs, and opportunities for training and development.
Working Hours:
- This is a PART_TIME position, with expected working hours varying based on business needs. This could range from 10-25 hours per week. Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings is required, as the retail environment operates across extended hours.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general US retail industry benchmarks for entry-level, part-time roles with specialized duties. Specifics would depend on the precise location and Michaels' internal compensation structure for this role. The benefits listed are explicitly mentioned in the job description as being available to both full-time and part-time team members.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry:
- Michaels operates in the Arts and Crafts retail sector, positioning itself as a leading destination for creative supplies and services. The industry is characterized by seasonal trends, a focus on customer inspiration, and a blend of DIY culture with professional artistry. This context means operations must be agile, customer-centric, and responsive to creative demands.
Company Size:
- The Michaels Companies, Inc. operates over 1,300 stores across North America and employs a significant workforce. This large scale implies established operational processes, structured training programs, and opportunities for advancement within a large retail network. For operations roles, this means working within a defined framework but also having access to resources and support.
Founded:
- Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long history in the retail landscape. This longevity suggests a stable company with a proven business model, which can translate to reliable operational procedures and a consistent customer experience strategy.
Team Structure:
- In a retail store setting, the operations team is typically integrated with sales and customer service functions. The PT Framer would likely report to a Framing Manager or the Store Manager.
- The team structure is hierarchical, with associates supporting department leads and store management. Collaboration is essential between framing specialists, sales associates, and inventory personnel.
- Cross-functional collaboration involves working with other sales floor associates, stockroom personnel, and potentially online order fulfillment teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.
Methodology:
- Operations within Michaels likely involve a mix of standardized processes for sales, inventory, and customer service, alongside creative problem-solving for framing consultations.
- Data analysis would focus on sales performance, inventory turnover, and customer feedback to optimize operations and product offerings.
- Workflow planning focuses on efficient task management, from customer consultations and order creation to production and stock replenishment, ensuring smooth store operations.
- Automation might be leveraged in POS systems and inventory management, while efficiency is driven by SOP adherence and effective task delegation.
Company Website:
📝 Enhancement Note: The company information provides context for the operational environment. Michaels' focus on "the joy of creativity" suggests a culture that values both efficiency in operations and a passion for the products and services offered. The size indicates structured operational frameworks, which are important for candidates looking for clear processes and potential career paths.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level:
- This PT Framer role represents an entry-level position within the retail operations and customer service spectrum. It is a foundational role focused on executing specific departmental tasks and providing direct customer interaction. The responsibilities are task-oriented and require adherence to established procedures.
Reporting Structure:
- The PT Framer typically reports to a Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager, and potentially a dedicated Framing Department Manager or Lead. This structure ensures oversight, guidance, and performance management within the department.
Operations Impact:
- The role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer satisfaction, which drives repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. By ensuring quality and timely order fulfillment, the Framer contributes to the store's operational efficiency and reputation. Effective operations in the framing department can significantly boost the store's overall profitability and customer engagement.
Growth Opportunities:
- Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to become a senior framer, gaining expertise in complex framing techniques and potentially training new associates.
- Retail Management Path: Potential to move into roles like Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, overseeing broader store operations and team leadership.
- Cross-Functional Development: Possibility to gain experience in other store departments, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or e-commerce fulfillment, broadening operational skill sets.
- Specialized Training: Access to training on new framing techniques, materials, and sales strategies to enhance expertise and career progression within the creative services sector.
📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight a tangible career path within Michaels, from an entry-level associate to potential leadership roles. This is a key consideration for operations professionals seeking roles with defined progression.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type:
- The work environment is a public retail store setting, specifically within a Michaels store. This includes the main sales floor, the custom framing shop, and stockroom areas. The environment is customer-facing and requires constant interaction with the public.
Office Location(s):
- The specific location is Fayetteville-27 Hudson Plaza. This implies a physical retail store in a commercial area, accessible to local customers.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace includes the framing counter and production area, which involves specialized equipment like mat cutters and potentially heat presses. Safety protocols for handling tools and materials are paramount.
- The sales floor requires associates to be mobile, assisting customers throughout the store. The stockroom may be less climate-controlled and involves lifting and organizing inventory.
- Opportunities for team interaction are constant, as associates collaborate on customer service, sales, and operational tasks. The framing team works closely together, and all associates interact with the broader store team.
Work Schedule:
- The schedule for a PT Framer is variable and depends on business needs. It requires flexibility to cover various shifts, including nights, weekends, and early mornings. This allows for comprehensive coverage of store operating hours and peak customer traffic times.
📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment is typical for retail operations, emphasizing the need for adaptability, physical capability, and collaborative teamwork within a customer-facing setting.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: May involve an online application and potentially a brief phone screen with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.
- In-Person Interview: Typically involves one or more interviews with the Store Manager or Framing Manager. This stage will assess customer service skills, sales aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
- Skills Assessment/Demonstration: Candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss their approach to customer service and sales. For the framing aspect, they might be asked about their understanding of framing or their willingness to learn.
- Final Evaluation: Based on interview performance, alignment with company values, and demonstrated potential to meet job requirements.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- For this role, a traditional portfolio isn't expected. Instead, candidates should prepare to discuss:
- Customer Service Successes: Specific examples of how they've gone above and beyond for customers, resolved complaints, or built rapport.
- Sales Achievements: Instances where they successfully upsold, cross-sold, or met sales targets in previous roles.
- Problem-Solving Scenarios: How they've handled challenging customer situations or operational issues.
- Learning Agility: Their approach to learning new skills, particularly technical ones like operating framing equipment.
- Be ready to articulate your understanding of Michaels' commitment to creativity and customer experience.
Challenge Preparation:
- Be prepared for behavioral questions that probe your customer service philosophy, sales approach, and ability to work in a team.
- Anticipate questions about handling difficult customers or situations where you had to improvise or find a solution.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for the creative aspects of the framing business and a willingness to learn the technical skills required.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a retail associate role is typically less formal than for corporate operations roles, focusing more on interpersonal skills and practical experience. The "portfolio" is effectively demonstrated through interview responses and personal anecdotes.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Point-of-Sale (POS) System: Used for processing customer transactions, managing sales, and handling cash. Proficiency with modern POS systems is expected.
- Framing Equipment: Specialized tools such as mat cutters, mount cutters, glass cutters, and potentially heat presses or framing assembly tools.
- Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and potentially specialized measuring jigs for accurate framing.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While direct analytics roles are not part of this position, associates will interact with systems that generate sales and inventory data.
- Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels, receiving new inventory, and managing product placement on the sales floor.
- Sales Reporting: Associates contribute to daily sales figures through POS transactions, which are then aggregated for reporting.
CRM & Automation:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) aspects: Focus on building customer relationships through personalized service and design consultations, contributing to customer loyalty.
- Automation: Primarily within the POS system for transaction processing and potentially in inventory tracking systems.
📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is centered around retail operations, primarily POS systems and specialized framing equipment. The emphasis is on accurate usage and adherence to procedures rather than deep technical analysis.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction through excellent service and creative solutions. This means actively listening, offering expert advice, and ensuring a positive experience.
- Creativity & Passion: Embracing the company's purpose of fueling creativity by engaging with customers on artistic projects and demonstrating enthusiasm for the products.
- Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to producing high-quality custom framing work that meets customer expectations and company standards.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to support store operations, assist customers, and achieve collective goals.
- Integrity & Respect: Upholding company values, treating colleagues and customers with respect, and maintaining a positive and inclusive work environment.
Collaboration Style:
- The collaboration style is very hands-on and team-oriented, typical of a retail store environment. Associates are expected to support each other across departments, whether it's assisting a customer on the sales floor, helping with stock, or covering breaks.
- There's a culture of open communication, where feedback is exchanged to improve customer service and operational efficiency. Associates are encouraged to share best practices and assist one another in learning new skills.
- Knowledge sharing might involve discussing new framing techniques, popular design trends, or effective customer service strategies among team members.
📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels emphasizes creativity, customer engagement, and a collaborative team spirit. These values directly influence how operational tasks are performed and how team members interact.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Sales and Service: Effectively managing customer consultations, sales targets, and production quality simultaneously can be demanding.
- Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of customer preferences, budgets, and artistic visions for framing requires adaptability and excellent communication.
- Technical Skill Acquisition: Learning to operate framing equipment accurately and efficiently, along with understanding various framing materials and techniques.
- Pace of Retail Operations: Working in a dynamic retail environment with fluctuating customer traffic and the need to multitask efficiently, especially during peak seasons.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Framing Expertise: In-depth training on custom framing design, material selection, and advanced production techniques.
- Sales & Customer Service Skills: Opportunities to hone consultative selling techniques and enhance customer engagement strategies.
- Retail Operations Exposure: Gaining experience in visual merchandising, inventory management, and point-of-sale systems.
- Industry Trends: Staying updated on art, design, and framing trends to better serve customers and drive sales.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a customer-facing retail role with specialized duties, offering opportunities for skill development and personal growth through hands-on experience.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- Customer Service Approach: "Describe a time you provided excellent customer service. What made it successful?" Prepare an example that showcases your ability to build rapport and solve customer needs.
- Sales Experience: "Tell me about a time you successfully sold a product or service. How did you approach the customer and what was the outcome?" Focus on your consultative selling skills and ability to meet targets.
- Problem-Solving: "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their custom framing order?" Prepare an answer that demonstrates empathy, a commitment to quality, and a process for resolution.
- Adaptability: "This role requires learning new equipment and techniques. How do you approach learning new skills?" Highlight your eagerness to learn and your methods for acquiring new knowledge.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Motivation: "Why are you interested in working at Michaels and specifically in the framing department?" Connect your passion for creativity or customer service to the company's mission.
- Teamwork: "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team atmosphere." Emphasize collaboration and support for colleagues.
- Company Knowledge: "What do you know about Michaels and our commitment to creativity?" Show you've researched the company and understand its values.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Since a formal portfolio isn't required, focus on preparing compelling stories from your past experiences that highlight:
- Customer Relationship Building: Detail how you've connected with customers and fostered loyalty.
- Problem Resolution: Illustrate your ability to handle complaints or issues effectively.
- Sales Contributions: Quantify your sales achievements where possible.
- Learning & Adaptability: Showcase your willingness and ability to learn new skills.
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the framing process and your enthusiasm for creative projects.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role emphasizes behavioral questions and the ability to articulate relevant experiences that align with customer service, sales, and operational execution within a creative retail context.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels career portal.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, and any relevant technical skills (e.g., measuring, operating equipment). Quantify achievements whenever possible.
- Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Review common interview questions related to customer service, problem-solving, sales, and teamwork. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills.
- Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and products, particularly the custom framing services. Understand the creative and customer-centric culture.
- Practice Your "Portfolio": Be ready to discuss your experience in a way that demonstrates your capabilities, even without a formal portfolio. Think about specific anecdotes that showcase your customer interaction, sales success, and problem-solving abilities.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Basic computer and measuring skills are required, along with the ability to operate framing equipment. Retail experience and the ability to lift heavy items are preferred.