PT Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PT Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Freehold, New Jersey, United States Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Merchandising Date Posted: August 27, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focuses on direct customer engagement to drive sales and enhance the in-store experience through custom framing services.
• Requires hands-on execution of framing processes, emphasizing quality and timely order completion.
• Involves maintaining store presentation, particularly in the ready-made frame department and for specific merchandising initiatives.
• Operates as a key point of contact for customers, assisting with product location, sales, and checkout processes.
• Supports broader store operations through tasks like truck unloads, stocking, and Omni-channel fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "PT Framer" and the responsibilities suggest a customer-facing retail role, the emphasis on "creating a memorable framing solution" and "completing framing orders with a high degree of quality and on time" indicates a specialized skill set within the retail operations framework. This role blends direct sales with a craft-oriented service, requiring both interpersonal skills and technical proficiency in framing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Cultivate strong customer relationships by actively engaging with shoppers and understanding their framing needs, utilizing the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.
• Drive sales performance by effectively promoting and selling custom framing solutions, meeting or exceeding sales and production targets.
• Execute custom framing orders with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to delivery timelines.
• Maintain the visual presentation and inventory accuracy of the ready-made frame department, including adherence to Single Item, Single Out (SISO) and directed replenishment plans.
• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting customers in locating products, answering inquiries, and ensuring a well-merchandised and accessible shopping environment.
• Operate the Point of Sale (POS) system accurately, managing cash handling and transaction processing in accordance with company standards.
• Support the efficient execution of Omni-channel services, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store.
• Participate actively in inventory management processes, including truck unloading and stocking, ensuring compliance with safety and operational procedures.
• Uphold company policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety programs to ensure a compliant and secure work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales, production, and customer service. For operations professionals, this translates to managing a specific product category's lifecycle from customer interaction to final production, with a strong emphasis on quality control and efficient workflow within the framing department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in basic computer skills for POS and potential inventory management systems.
• Competence in basic measuring skills essential for custom framing projects.
• Ability to operate framing equipment, including specialized tools like a glass cutter.
• Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Cash handling proficiency and accuracy in processing transactions.
• Basic problem-solving abilities to address customer inquiries and operational issues.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior retail experience, demonstrating an understanding of store operations and customer engagement.
• Proven experience in selling products or services, with a track record of driving sales and customer satisfaction.
• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles to maintain department presentation.
• Dexterity and precision required for intricate tasks like framing and matting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are foundational for a retail associate, but the "framing equipment and glass cutter" requirement points to a specific, hands-on operational skill. Candidates with a background in visual arts, crafts, or technical production roles might find these requirements align well with their existing skill sets.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documentation showcasing successful customer interaction and sales conversion in a retail or service environment.
• Examples of completed custom framing projects, highlighting quality of work, design aesthetic, and adherence to customer specifications.
• Evidence of efficient workflow management in a production or service-oriented task, demonstrating timeliness and accuracy.
• Metrics or examples illustrating contribution to sales targets or customer satisfaction improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies or project examples demonstrating the process of completing a custom order from initial customer consultation to final product delivery.
• Documentation of any personal or professional experience with workflow optimization, even in informal settings, to improve efficiency or quality.
• Examples of how feedback was incorporated to refine processes or improve outcomes in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" might not be expected for an entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples that demonstrate their ability to manage a process, deliver quality results, and interact effectively with customers. Highlighting experience with specific tools or techniques relevant to crafting or production would be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.50 - $19.40 per hour.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options available.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for rest and personal needs.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services.
• Other Benefits: Potential for additional benefits as detailed by the company, promoting overall well-being.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While specific hours are not detailed, typical retail working hours apply, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. The company states "work hours include nights, weekends and early mornings."

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for entry-level part-time retail positions in the specified region. The benefits package is comprehensive for part-time employees, indicating the company's commitment to team member well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading specialty retailer of arts and crafts supplies in North America. Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally, with over 1,300 stores). This size offers stability and established operational frameworks. Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has developed robust retail operations and customer engagement strategies.

Team Structure:

• The PT Framer is part of the store-level team, likely reporting to a Framing Department Manager or Store Manager.
• Collaboration is expected with fellow sales associates, stock associates, and management to ensure smooth store operations.
• Cross-functional interaction includes assisting customers from various departments and supporting store-wide initiatives.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer-centric sales processes and relationship building ("Elevated ABC Deliver").
• Structured operational procedures (SOPs) for merchandising, inventory, and customer service.
• Focus on quality and efficiency in production tasks, particularly framing.
• Commitment to safety and compliance programs across all store operations.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture emphasizes creativity and customer engagement. For an operations role, this means understanding how to translate creative product offerings into tangible customer solutions while maintaining efficient store operations and a positive shopping environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Retail Operations Specialist. This role is an introduction to the operational nuances of a large retail chain, with a focus on a specialized department.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Framing Manager or Assistant Store Manager, who oversees the framing department and its staff. Further reporting would be to the Store Manager.

Operations Impact: Directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer satisfaction. Contributes to operational efficiency by maintaining department presentation and supporting broader store tasks. The quality of framing work reflects on the brand's reputation for custom services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become a skilled framer, mastering techniques and potentially leading to specialized roles within custom framing or visual merchandising.
• Retail Management Path: Potential to advance into roles like Framing Manager, Key Holder, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager by demonstrating strong performance in sales, operations, and leadership.
• Cross-functional Experience: Exposure to various store operations (inventory, customer service, Omni-channel) can build a broad skill set for future retail careers.
• Specialized Training: Access to company-provided training on framing techniques, sales strategies, and operational best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This entry-level role serves as a foundational step in a retail career. Success here can lead to increased responsibility within Michaels, potentially moving into supervisory or management roles, or leveraging the acquired operational and customer service skills in broader retail or even GTM-adjacent functions if the individual develops analytical or process improvement skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. Office Location(s): Store located at 4345 US Hwy 9, Freehold, NJ.

Workspace Context:

• Primarily involves working on the sales floor and within the dedicated custom framing area.
• The framing shop environment includes specialized equipment and materials.
• Requires constant interaction with customers and team members in a dynamic retail setting.
• Work hours may include periods in climate-controlled areas and potentially less controlled stock rooms or during truck unloads.

Work Schedule: Part-time, requiring flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, as dictated by store operational needs and customer traffic patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is fast-paced and customer-centric. Operations professionals accustomed to more predictable, process-driven environments will need to adapt to the dynamic nature of retail, prioritizing customer needs while managing production tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application and resume by HR or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• In-Person Interview: Usually involves meeting with the store manager or framing department manager. Expect questions about customer service experience, problem-solving scenarios, and motivation for the role.
• Skills Assessment: May include a practical demonstration of basic measuring skills or a discussion about handling framing equipment, if applicable.
• Cultural Fit: Assessment of how well the candidate aligns with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, be prepared to discuss past experiences that demonstrate relevant skills.
• Have examples ready of customer interactions where you successfully resolved an issue or exceeded expectations.
• If you have personal projects involving framing, design, or detailed craftsmanship, be ready to describe them and the processes involved.
• Highlight any experience where you improved a process or workflow, even informally.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for scenarios related to customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Prepare to discuss how you would handle common retail challenges, such as a customer being unhappy with a framing order or managing multiple customer requests simultaneously.
• Think about how you would approach learning new technical skills, such as operating framing equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service aptitude and a willingness to learn specific technical skills. Emphasize any experience that showcases attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing sales, handling cash, and managing customer transactions.
• Framing Equipment: Specialized tools for cutting glass, matting, assembling frames, and potentially heat presses or mounting equipment.
• Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, and calipers for precise measurements in framing.
• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing internal systems, communication, and potentially inventory lookups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding basic sales metrics (e.g., units per transaction, sales per hour) might be beneficial for performance tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• The company utilizes CRM principles through its customer engagement strategies and potentially loyalty programs.
• Omni-channel processes involve integrated systems for online and in-store order fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with POS systems and basic computer applications is expected. The ability to learn and safely operate specialized framing equipment is a key technical requirement for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and creating positive, memorable experiences.
• Creativity: Fostering an environment that celebrates and supports creative expression.
• Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, particularly in custom framing.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals and provide excellent customer service.
• Efficiency: Striving for operational excellence in all tasks, from sales to production and inventory management.

Collaboration Style:

• Emphasis on open communication and mutual support among team members.
• Active participation in team meetings and sharing of best practices.
• Cross-functional support to ensure seamless customer experiences and efficient store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a blend of creative passion and operational discipline. Team members are expected to be collaborative, customer-focused, and committed to upholding the brand's dedication to the joy of creativity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer interactions and sales opportunities while simultaneously completing framing orders accurately and on time.
• Learning Specialized Skills: Rapidly acquiring proficiency with framing equipment and techniques to meet quality standards.
• Dynamic Retail Environment: Adapting to fluctuating customer traffic, diverse customer needs, and varied shift requirements.
• Maintaining Presentation Standards: Consistently ensuring the framing department and other assigned areas are visually appealing and well-stocked.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Comprehensive training on custom framing techniques, product knowledge, and sales strategies.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in custom framing, a valuable niche skill within retail.
• Customer Service Excellence: Developing advanced customer interaction and problem-solving skills.
• Retail Operations Exposure: Gaining foundational experience in various aspects of store operations, which can pave the way for future retail leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for individuals to develop tangible, craft-based skills alongside customer service and sales competencies. Overcoming the challenge of managing concurrent tasks will be key to success and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer. What was the situation, and how did you resolve it?" (Prepare with STAR method, focusing on empathy and problem-solving).
• Sales Approach: "How would you approach a customer who is browsing the framing section but hasn't asked for help?" (Focus on consultative selling, identifying needs, and offering solutions).
• Quality & Process: "Imagine a customer is unhappy with the quality of a framing job. How would you handle this?" (Emphasize listening, understanding the issue, and following company procedures for resolution).
• Teamwork: "Tell me about a time you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a goal." (Highlight collaboration, communication, and shared responsibility).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Michaels, specifically as a Framer?" (Connect your passion for creativity, customer service, or craftsmanship to the role and company mission).
• "What do you know about Michaels' custom framing services?" (Show you've done some research on the company's offerings).
• "How do you handle working under pressure or meeting deadlines?" (Relate to managing multiple framing orders or busy store periods).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If asked about examples of your work, be ready to discuss projects where you demonstrated attention to detail, creativity, or problem-solving.
• For any sales or customer service experience, quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "increased sales in my department by X%").
• Be prepared to talk about your methodical approach to tasks, highlighting how you ensure accuracy and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing a strong customer-centric mindset, a willingness to learn technical skills, and an appreciation for the creative aspect of the role. Understanding Michaels' brand and its emphasis on custom framing will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Stores careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, any crafting or production skills, and proficiency with basic tools or technology. Use keywords such as "customer engagement," "sales support," "quality assurance," "detail-oriented," and "production completion."
• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal requirement, mentally prepare examples of successful customer interactions, instances where you ensured quality in a task, or any projects showcasing your craftsmanship or organizational skills.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on scenarios that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, customer service approach, and ability to work in a team. Practice articulating how you would approach learning the framing equipment.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and its custom framing services. Understand the company's commitment to creativity and customer experience.

⚠️ 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.