Pt. Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Pt. Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Fort Walton Beach-411-A Mary Esther Cut-Off NW, Florida, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: August 10, 2025

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on customer engagement within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department, requiring excellent customer service and sales orientation.

• Responsibilities include building customer relationships, understanding their needs, and translating them into custom framing solutions, directly impacting customer satisfaction and store revenue.

• Operational duties involve the precise execution of framing orders, ensuring high quality and timely delivery, which is critical for maintaining customer loyalty and operational efficiency.

• The position requires adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for compliance, safety, and operational consistency across all customer interactions and production tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data describes a "Pt. Framer" role, the core responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a customer-facing position within a specialized department (custom framing) of a retail store. It's essential for applicants to understand this is not a traditional "operations" role focused on back-end processes, but rather a hybrid of customer service, sales, and hands-on production within a retail setting. The "operations" aspect pertains to the efficient and quality-driven execution of framing services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Cultivate and build strong customer relationships by actively engaging them, understanding their creative needs, and guiding them through the custom framing selection process, aligning with the company's purpose to "fuel the joy of creativity."

• Deliver exceptional customer service by assisting customers in locating products, providing solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience, contributing to overall store performance and customer loyalty.

• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of precision, quality, and adherence to timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction and minimizing rework or errors.

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, including executing Sales in Store Out (SISO) and Directed Replenishment processes to optimize product availability and store aesthetics.

• Operate the cash register and manage cash handling procedures with strict adherence to company standards, ensuring accuracy and security in all transactions.

• Actively participate in the truck unload and stocking processes, ensuring compliance with truck standards and efficient inventory management to support store operations.

• Support company-wide shrink and safety programs by following established procedures and contributing to a secure and accident-free work environment.

• Assist with and execute Omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship from store, to provide seamless customer experiences across all sales channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The input data listed "deliver sales and production results" under "Embrace and execute personal designer" which implies a direct sales target and production quota. This suggests the role has a performance metric tied to both customer engagement and the successful completion/sale of framing services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions, providing a foundational understanding of communication and problem-solving.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within a retail or service-oriented environment, demonstrating an ability to interact effectively with diverse customer needs and preferences. Experience in a sales or design-adjacent role is advantageous for understanding customer motivations and product recommendations.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions in a friendly and helpful manner.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic data entry, and potentially simple design software for order processing.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Accuracy in taking measurements for framing projects, ensuring precise fit and quality of the final product.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Competency in safely and effectively operating framing machinery, such as a mat cutter, saw, and potentially a heat press, as outlined in the job description.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Ability to accurately process transactions, manage cash, and follow all cash handling policies and procedures.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying customer needs, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions within the scope of the role.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a retail sales environment, demonstrating an understanding of sales cycles, upselling techniques, and achieving sales targets.

• Selling Products/Services: Experience in consultative selling, where understanding customer requirements and recommending appropriate solutions is key, particularly relevant for custom framing.

• Visual Merchandising: Ability to maintain an organized and appealing display of ready-made frames and related products.

• Time Management: Skill in prioritizing tasks, managing multiple customer interactions, and ensuring framing orders are completed on time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Type of experience" listed "basic computer skills and basic measuring skills" and "ability to operate the framing equipment and glass cutter." This indicates a foundational technical requirement that can be learned on the job but requires a baseline aptitude. The "Preferred Type of experience" mentions "retail experience" and "Experience selling products and/or services to customers," highlighting a desire for candidates with prior exposure to sales and customer engagement in a retail context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight projects or experiences where they demonstrated customer service, problem-solving, or creative problem-solving skills.

• Examples of successfully completed framing projects (if personal or available) could be beneficial, showcasing attention to detail and quality.

• Evidence of understanding and applying sales techniques or consultative selling approaches would be valuable.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for customer service, sales, and production.

• The ability to articulate how they would approach learning and executing the framing process, from customer consultation to order completion, is important.

• Demonstrating an understanding of how to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, as per retail operational standards, is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail position like this, a formal "process portfolio" in the traditional operations sense (e.g., detailed process maps, automation scripts, ROI analyses) is unlikely to be expected. Instead, the focus would be on the candidate's ability to articulate their understanding of established processes, their capacity to learn new procedures quickly, and their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction through their actions and past experiences.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Part-Time Framer position in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with entry-level experience, the estimated salary range is typically between $12.00 - $15.00 per hour. This estimate is based on typical retail wages in the region for similar roles, considering the cost of living and general market rates for positions requiring customer service, basic technical skills, and some sales capability.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Michaels provides health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, for its team members.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Team members are eligible for paid time off, which can accrue based on hours worked.

• Tuition Assistance: Michaels offers tuition assistance programs, supporting employees in pursuing further education and professional development.

• Employee Discounts: A significant employee discount on Michaels products is a key benefit, allowing team members to enjoy creative supplies and framing services at a reduced cost.

• Other Benefits: Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k) and opportunities for advancement within the company.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Actual working hours will vary based on business needs, customer traffic, and scheduling. The role requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings as needed to cover store operating hours. While the input specifies "40" working hours, this typically refers to a full-time equivalent and for a part-time role, the hours would be less, likely ranging from 15-30 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The input data provided "40" for ai_working_hours. However, the employment_type is explicitly "PART_TIME". Therefore, the interpretation is that 40 hours is a general reference or a maximum, and the actual hours for this part-time role will be less. The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the specified location and experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Michaels operates within the Arts and Crafts Retail industry, positioning itself as a leading destination for creative supplies and custom framing services. This industry context emphasizes creativity, customer inspiration, and hands-on product engagement.

Company Size: Michaels is a large retail organization, operating over 1,300 stores across the U.S. and Canada. This scale implies established operational processes, a wide customer base, and opportunities for structured career development.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long history in the retail sector, building a strong brand identity centered around "fueling the joy of creativity." This longevity suggests stability and a well-defined business model.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a store-level team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager.

• Within the store, the Framer will be part of the sales floor team, with direct collaboration with other sales associates and potentially a dedicated Framing Manager or lead.

Methodology:

• Michaels emphasizes customer-centric methodologies, focusing on building relationships and providing personalized solutions, especially within the custom framing department.

• Operational methodology involves adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in service, sales, and production.

• A data-driven approach is likely utilized at a corporate level for inventory management, sales forecasting, and performance analysis, while store-level operations focus on executing these strategies effectively.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights Michaels as "the best place for all things creative" and its purpose as "fueling the joy of creativity." This indicates a culture that values passion for arts and crafts, customer engagement, and a positive, inspiring work environment. The emphasis on "wellbeing of our teams" and robust benefits for both full-time and part-time members suggests a supportive employee culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Pt. Framer" role is considered an entry-level position within the retail operations and customer service spectrum. It provides foundational experience in direct customer interaction, sales, and specialized production (framing).

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, who oversees all store operations and personnel. There may be a lead framer or department head within larger stores, to whom the framer would also look for guidance and task assignment.

Operations Impact: The Framer's impact on operations is direct and tangible within their department. By providing quality framing solutions and excellent customer service, they contribute to:

• Revenue Generation: Directly through sales of custom framing services and related products.

• Customer Satisfaction & Loyalty: Building repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

• Operational Efficiency: Ensuring timely order completion and minimizing production errors.

• Shrink Reduction: Through careful handling of materials and adherence to cash handling procedures.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to master advanced framing techniques, learn about different materials, and potentially gain proficiency in sales and customer relationship management.

• Advancement within Store: Potential to move into roles like Sales Associate, Key Holder, Assistant Manager, or even Store Manager, with demonstrated performance and leadership potential.

• Specialization: Within the framing department, there might be opportunities to become a lead framer or to develop expertise in specific types of framing or custom design.

• Transfer Opportunities: With tenure and strong performance, opportunities to transfer to other Michaels locations may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is entry-level, the "Framer" aspect offers a specialized skill set within retail. Growth paths are typical for retail, moving from associate to supervisory or management roles. The company's size suggests structured career ladders are in place.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail store environment, specifically within a Michaels Arts & Crafts store. It is a public-facing setting where employees interact directly with customers.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The store is situated in a retail area, accessible to the local community.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace includes the retail sales floor, the custom framing counter, and the framing workshop/production area.

• The framing shop contains specialized equipment like glass cutters, mat cutters, and potentially heat presses, requiring adherence to safety protocols.

• The environment is generally climate-controlled in public areas, though stock rooms may have less consistent climate control.

• Opportunities for team interaction are frequent among store associates throughout the workday.

Work Schedule: The work schedule will be part-time, requiring flexibility to accommodate store operating hours, which include nights, weekends, and early mornings. This allows for coverage across all operational periods of the store.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, involving constant customer interaction and the physical demands of a retail setting, including standing for long periods and lifting. The framing shop itself is a specialized workspace with specific tools and safety considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an online application followed by a phone screen with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: A face-to-face interview at the store, where candidates will meet with the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. This typically involves behavioral questions to gauge customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and team fit.

• Skills Assessment: While not explicitly stated, candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills, discuss their approach to customer interaction, or explain how they would operate framing equipment (conceptually, if not practically).

• Onboarding: If successful, candidates will undergo onboarding, including training on company policies, safety procedures, POS systems, and specific framing techniques.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Customer Service: Prepare examples of exceptional customer service you've provided in previous roles, focusing on positive outcomes and customer satisfaction.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss situations where you encountered a customer issue and how you resolved it effectively.

• Demonstrate Sales Acumen: If you have sales experience, articulate how you approached selling products or services, your understanding of customer needs, and any successes in meeting sales goals.

• Detail Technical Aptitude: For framing, mention any experience with tools, crafts, or precise work that demonstrates your ability to learn and operate the required equipment safely and accurately.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be prepared for questions like, "A customer wants to frame a valuable painting but is unsure about the best materials. How would you assist them?"

• Process Understanding: Expect questions about how you would ensure accuracy in framing orders or maintain quality standards.

• Teamwork: Questions might focus on how you handle working with a team or contribute to a positive store environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the "portfolio" is less about formal documents and more about the candidate's ability to articulate their skills and experiences through their answers during the interview. Demonstrating enthusiasm for creativity and customer service will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Michaels uses a proprietary POS system for processing sales transactions, managing inventory, and handling customer accounts. Proficiency or the ability to quickly learn such systems is essential.

• Custom Framing Software/Design Tools: While not explicitly detailed, custom framing departments often utilize software for designing mats, calculating prices, and generating order forms.

Basic familiarity with design interfaces or willingness to learn is important.

• Framing Equipment: This includes specialized tools like:

  • Mat Cutters: For precise cutting of mat boards.
  • Saws/Cutting Tools: For cutting frames and glass.
  • Assembly Tools: For assembling the frame, glass, artwork, and backing.
  • Heat Press: Potentially used for certain types of mounting or sealing.

• Basic Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially calipers for accurate project specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• The company likely uses a CRM system to manage customer information and loyalty programs, which the Framer would access for customer lookup or to add new customer details.

• Automation in this role is primarily related to the efficient operation of framing machinery and potentially integrated POS/inventory systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on practical, hands-on tools and retail operational systems. The ability to learn and use specialized framing equipment safely and efficiently is a core technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and building positive relationships through creative solutions and excellent service.

• Creativity & Inspiration: Fostering an environment that encourages creative expression for both customers and employees.

• Quality & Precision: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing services that meet customer expectations.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals and provide a seamless customer experience.

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, ethical standards, and taking responsibility for tasks and customer orders.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaboration is primarily team-based within the store, with associates supporting each other on the sales floor and during operational tasks like stocking.

• The framing team works closely together to manage workflow, ensure order accuracy, and meet production deadlines.

• Communication with management (Store Manager/Assistant Manager) is key for task assignment, issue resolution, and performance feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated purpose, "fuel the joy of creativity," strongly suggests a culture that values passion, innovation, and a positive, encouraging atmosphere. Customer-centricity and teamwork are implied as core operational values within the retail setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling customer service, sales, order production, and general store upkeep simultaneously can be demanding.

• Customer Expectations: Managing diverse customer expectations for custom framing, which can range from simple requests to complex, high-value projects.

• Learning Curve for Framing: Mastering the technical skills and safety protocols for operating framing equipment and ensuring high-quality output requires focused training and practice.

• Pace of Retail: Adapting to the variable pace of a retail environment, including busy peak seasons and managing inventory effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skills Mastery: Deepening expertise in custom framing techniques, material selection, and design principles.

• Sales & Customer Relationship Skills: Enhancing abilities in consultative selling, upselling, and building lasting customer relationships.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a broader understanding of retail management, inventory control, visual merchandising, and loss prevention.

• Leadership Potential: Developing leadership qualities through taking on more responsibility, mentoring new team members, and potentially pursuing management training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a hands-on retail role with a specialized component. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within the retail operational structure, allowing for progression from a specialized associate role to broader store management responsibilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you handle difficult customers, manage multiple customer requests at once, or go above and beyond for a customer. Example: "Describe a time you resolved a customer complaint. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?"

• Sales Approach: Prepare to talk about your sales philosophy or how you approach selling a product or service. Example: "How would you encourage a customer to choose custom framing for their artwork?"

• Process Adherence: Be prepared to discuss the importance of following procedures and how you ensure accuracy in your work. Example: "Why is it important to follow Standard Operating Procedures in a retail environment, especially when dealing with custom orders?"

• Teamwork: Discuss your experience working as part of a team and how you contribute to a positive work environment. Example: "How do you handle disagreements with colleagues or contribute to team success?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Michaels: Research the company's mission ("fuel the joy of creativity"), values, and recent initiatives. Be ready to articulate why you want to work for Michaels.

• Passion for Creativity: Express your interest in arts, crafts, or design, and how that aligns with the company's brand.

• Role Fit: Connect your skills and experiences to the specific requirements of the Framer role, emphasizing customer service, attention to detail, and technical aptitude.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Examples: Since a formal portfolio isn't expected, use strong verbal examples to illustrate your skills. For each skill (customer service, sales, problem-solving), have a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)-based story ready.

• Highlight Key Skills: Emphasize your basic computer and measuring skills, your ability to learn new equipment, and your customer-facing experience.

• Show Enthusiasm: Convey genuine enthusiasm for the role, the company, and the creative aspect of custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus on behavioral and situational questions to assess a candidate's fit for a customer-centric retail role with a specialized production component. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and a positive attitude will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Michaels Careers portal.

• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight customer service experience, any sales achievements, attention to detail, and any experience with crafts, tools, or precise work. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of 50 customers per day," "Consistently met sales targets").

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about customer interactions, problem-solving, teamwork, and your approach to learning new skills. Practice using the STAR method to structure your answers.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels’ mission, values, and the specific products/services offered. Understand the importance of custom framing within their business model.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in the role and the company culture during the application and interview process. Show your passion for creativity and helping customers bring their visions to life.

⚠️ 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.