PT Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PT Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: San Diego-2740 Midway Dr, San Diego, California, United States Job Type: Part-Time Category: Retail Operations / Sales Operations Date Posted: January 10, 2026 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 Years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on customer engagement within a retail environment, specifically centered around custom framing solutions.
• Responsibilities include building strong customer relationships, driving sales through consultative framing design, and ensuring high-quality, on-time order fulfillment.
• The position requires maintaining visual merchandising standards for ready-made frames and contributing to overall store operations, including stocking and customer assistance.
• Key to success is providing exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive shopping experience, and adhering to all company policies and safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title "PT Framer" and the description focus on a specific craft (framing), the underlying responsibilities integrate core elements of retail operations and sales, emphasizing customer interaction, product knowledge, and transaction management. This role can serve as an entry point into broader retail operations or sales career paths.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:
  • Build and nurture customer relationships by actively listening to their needs and preferences.
  • Utilize consultative selling techniques to design and recommend custom framing solutions that meet customer expectations and artistic vision.
  • Drive sales by effectively presenting framing options, materials, and value propositions.
  • Achieve personal sales and production targets through excellent customer service and product expertise.
• Custom Framing Production & Quality:
  • Accurately measure artwork and select appropriate framing materials (moulding, matting, glass, backing).
  • Operate specialized framing equipment, including glass cutters and potentially heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Complete framing orders to a high standard of quality, ensuring precision and aesthetic appeal.
  • Ensure all custom framing orders are completed and ready for customer pickup within the promised timeframe.
• Store Operations & Merchandising:
  • Maintain the visual presentation of the ready-made frame department and other assigned retail areas.
  • Execute directed replenishment and SISO (Shop In Store Out) processes to ensure adequate stock levels and product availability.
  • Assist with truck un-loading and stocking processes, adhering to company standards and timelines.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment for both customers and team members.
• Customer Service & Support:
  • Acknowledge and greet all customers promptly and warmly.
  • Provide friendly and efficient customer service, assisting shoppers in locating merchandise and offering solutions.
  • Support omnichannel processes, fulfilling online orders and assisting with in-store pickup or returns as needed.
  • Operate the cash register accurately and execute cash handling procedures according to company standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, craft-specific production, and general retail operations. For an operations-focused candidate, emphasis should be placed on the efficiency of the framing process, quality control measures, inventory management within the framing department, and the customer journey from consultation to order fulfillment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within a retail environment.
• Experience in sales, design, or a craft-related field is advantageous but not always mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, build rapport, and provide solutions with a positive attitude.
• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic computer applications for order entry and information retrieval.
• Basic Measuring Skills: Accurate measurement capabilities are crucial for custom framing.
• Framing Equipment Operation: Ability to learn and safely operate framing tools and equipment (e.g., glass cutter, mat cutter).
• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accurate and responsible management of financial transactions.
• Attention to Detail: Essential for producing high-quality custom framing and maintaining store standards.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Capability to address customer inquiries and operational challenges effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience in a retail setting, understanding store operations and customer flow.
• Sales Experience: Proven ability to sell products or services and meet sales targets.
• Visual Merchandising: Understanding of how to present products attractively to drive sales.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals.
• Time Management: Efficiently managing tasks and prioritizing responsibilities in a dynamic retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates with operations backgrounds, highlighting transferable skills such as process adherence, efficiency improvements in previous roles, inventory management experience, or any experience with specialized equipment (even if not framing-specific) will be beneficial. Demonstrating a capacity to learn technical skills and follow SOPs is key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for this entry-level role, candidates can demonstrate relevant skills through examples:
  • Process Improvement Examples: If applicable, briefly describe a time you improved a process in a previous role (e.g., faster checkout, more organized stockroom) and the impact.
  • Customer Solution Examples: Be prepared to discuss how you've helped customers solve problems or achieve their goals, particularly in a sales or service context.
  • System Familiarity: Mention any POS systems, inventory management software, or design tools you have used.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is critical.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their ability to learn and follow detailed operational guidelines for framing, sales, and store management.
• The role involves documenting or contributing to the efficiency of processes within the framing department and store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals transitioning from or interested in operations roles, it's crucial to frame their experience in terms of process efficiency, adherence to standards, and quality control. Even if not directly related to framing, any experience in documenting workflows, optimizing task completion times, or ensuring compliance with operational guidelines should be highlighted.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $18.00 - $21.20 per hour
• This range reflects an entry-level to early-career position with specific craft and customer service responsibilities within a retail setting.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage is available.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for rest and personal needs.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education and skill development.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products, which can be a significant perk for those interested in crafts and home decor.
• Other Benefits: Additional benefits may be available as detailed on mikbenefits.com.

Working Hours:

• Part-time position.
• Typical working hours may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with retail operational needs.
• The advertised 40 hours per week likely reflects the maximum potential for a full-time equivalent but will be distributed based on part-time scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for part-time retail roles requiring specialized skills. For operations professionals, the benefits package, particularly tuition assistance and employee discounts, can be valuable for continuous learning and personal development, aligning with the operational focus on skill enhancement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in North America, providing supplies for crafting, home decor, and celebration. Company Size: Large enterprise with over 1,300 stores across North America and a significant online presence. Founded: 1973. Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail sector, known for its focus on creativity and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: This role operates within a single retail store, reporting to store management (e.g., Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, Framing Department Specialist/Manager).
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The PT Framer will collaborate daily with fellow store associates, including cashiers, sales floor associates, and potentially other department specialists. Collaboration extends to supporting omnichannel fulfillment and store-wide initiatives.
• Reporting: Direct reporting is to store leadership, with potential indirect influence from regional or corporate operations teams regarding SOPs and merchandising standards.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing tailored solutions, particularly in the framing department.
• Process Adherence: Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sales, production, safety, and inventory management is expected.
• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing the need for efficient production of custom framing orders with maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
• Data-Driven Insights (Store Level): While not directly responsible for complex data analysis, store associates contribute to operational metrics through sales performance, inventory accuracy, and customer feedback.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, understanding Michaels' emphasis on SOPs, customer relationship management (CRM) principles applied at the retail level, and the balance between speed-to-market for custom orders and quality control is crucial. The company's size suggests robust, standardized operational frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level/Associate. This role is foundational, focusing on execution of defined tasks and customer interaction within a specialized department. Reporting Structure: Reports directly to store management. Opportunities exist to learn from and support experienced team leads or department managers. Operations Impact: The PT Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and indirectly through general customer satisfaction and store presentation. Efficient operations in the framing department contribute to profitability by minimizing waste and maximizing throughput.

Growth Opportunities:

• Within Framing: Potential to advance to a Framing Specialist or Department Manager role, taking on more responsibility for inventory, staff training, and sales strategy within the department.
• Retail Leadership: Progression into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, requiring broader operational and leadership skills across all store functions.
• Specialized Operations: Development of skills in visual merchandising, inventory management, loss prevention, or omnichannel operations, which can lead to corporate or regional roles within Michaels or the broader retail industry.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain expertise in custom design, material knowledge, and specialized equipment operation, enhancing transferable skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role can be viewed as a stepping stone to understanding the front-line execution of retail operations. Highlighting achievements in efficiency, process adherence, and sales within this role can build a strong foundation for future operations management positions, whether in retail or other industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing shop within the store. Office Location(s): San Diego-2740 Midway Dr, San Diego, California. This is a specific retail store location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Daily interaction with store colleagues, management, and a diverse range of customers. The framing shop itself requires focused work but is integrated within the broader store operation.
• Tools & Technology: Access to specialized framing equipment (e.g., mat cutters, glass cutters, potentially heat presses), POS systems, and basic computer resources for order management.
• Operations Integration: This role is hands-on, directly involved in the creation of custom products, sales transactions, and store presentation, offering direct insight into the operational flow of a retail business.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time schedule, requiring flexibility to work nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings based on store hours and customer traffic.
• While individual shifts may be focused, the overall operational demands require an understanding of the full retail cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric. For operations professionals, understanding how physical store operations, customer flow, and production processes intersect is key. The ability to manage tasks efficiently in a potentially fast-paced, on-site environment is paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online application review.
• In-Person Interview: Expect a face-to-face interview at the store location. This will involve meeting with store management.
• Skills Assessment: May include practical demonstrations of measuring skills, basic computer use, or a discussion about handling customer scenarios.
• Behavioral Questions: Focus on customer service, teamwork, problem-solving, and adherence to procedures.
• Portfolio Discussion (if applicable): If you have relevant examples of past work (e.g., design projects, process improvements), be ready to discuss them concisely.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Transferable Skills: If you have an operations portfolio, highlight examples of process optimization, efficiency gains, project management, or data analysis that demonstrate your ability to manage workflows and improve outcomes.
• Customer Service Narratives: Prepare to discuss customer interactions, problem resolutions, and how you've contributed to a positive customer experience.
• Technical Aptitude: Be ready to discuss your willingness and ability to learn new equipment and software quickly.
• Visual Examples (for framing): If you have personal framing projects or design work, these can be helpful to showcase creativity and attention to detail, even if not professionally produced.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be prepared to role-play a customer interaction, from greeting to sales consultation and problem resolution.
• Process Adherence: Be ready to discuss how you approach learning and following detailed instructions and procedures.
• Problem-Solving: Think about a time you encountered an unexpected issue in a previous role (work or personal) and how you resolved it.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, the key is to translate their experience into the context of retail store operations and customer service. Emphasize an understanding of process, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, even if the specific craft of framing is new. Demonstrating a strong aptitude for learning and adherence to standards will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Mat cutters, glass cutters, potentially specialized saws, presses, and assembly tools.
• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and accessing sales data.
• Basic Computer Systems: For order entry, inventory lookups, and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytical roles are not part of this position, understanding how sales data, customer feedback, and production metrics contribute to store performance is beneficial.
• The POS system will likely provide basic reporting on sales performance within the framing department.

CRM & Automation:

• The POS system may have basic customer relationship management features for tracking past orders and customer preferences.
• Automation is primarily seen in the efficiency of the framing equipment and POS system, streamlining the sales and production process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, familiarity with POS systems and inventory management software is highly relevant. The ability to learn and master specialized equipment is also a key operational skill. Highlighting experience with any system that involves data input, transaction processing, or inventory tracking will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and ensuring a positive experience through excellent service and quality products.
• Creativity & Passion: Encouraging a love for arts, crafts, and personal expression.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals and support colleagues.
• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, safety standards, and ethical practices.
• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing speed of service with the delivery of high-quality custom framing solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-on Support: Team members are expected to assist each other across departments as needed, particularly during busy periods or for tasks like truck unloading.
• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often involves ensuring consistent application of SOPs across all team members to maintain service and quality standards.
• Communication: Open communication with management and colleagues regarding customer needs, operational issues, and task completion is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture that values both creativity and operational discipline. For operations candidates, demonstrating an understanding of how to balance creative problem-solving with strict adherence to operational procedures and team collaboration will resonate well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Meeting customer deadlines for custom framing while ensuring meticulous craftsmanship can be challenging.
• Customer Expectations Management: Handling diverse customer needs and expectations regarding design, budget, and turnaround time.
• Learning Curve: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and understanding the vast array of framing materials requires dedicated learning.
• Physical Demands: The role involves standing for long periods, lifting, and repetitive motions, which can be physically demanding.
• Adapting to Retail Rhythms: Working varied shifts, including nights and weekends, requires flexibility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Craft Skills: Deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, design principles, and material science.
• Sales and Customer Service: Enhance consultative selling skills and customer relationship management.
• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gain practical experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, and store operations.
• Potential for Advancement: Opportunities to grow into leadership roles within the store or explore other operational functions within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, framing these challenges as opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and skill development is key. The growth opportunities align with building a comprehensive understanding of retail operations from the ground up.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about framing options for a valuable piece of art?" (Assesses consultative sales and problem-solving)
• "Describe a time you had to learn a new skill or operate new equipment quickly. How did you approach it?" (Assesses learning agility and adaptability)
• "How do you ensure accuracy and quality in your work, especially when tasks are repetitive?" (Assesses attention to detail and process adherence)
• "Imagine a customer needs a framed item by tomorrow but we don't have the exact material in stock. What steps would you take?" (Assesses problem-solving and customer service under pressure)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Michaels and the custom framing role specifically?" (Assesses alignment with company values and role requirements)
• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Assesses teamwork and collaboration skills)
• "What does excellent customer service mean to you in a retail setting?" (Assesses customer-centric mindset)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if not directly framing-related, emphasize transferable skills:
  • Process Management: Discuss any experience with workflows, SOPs, or efficiency improvements.
  • Customer Interaction: Share examples of successful customer service or sales engagements.
  • Technical Aptitude: Mention experience with tools, machinery, or software that required learning.
• Focus on Results: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "increased customer satisfaction by X%", "reduced process time by Y%").
• Enthusiasm for Learning: Clearly articulate your eagerness to learn the specific skills required for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, the interview preparation should focus on framing their experience in terms of process, efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Demonstrating a strong understanding of structured workflows and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any technical or craft-related skills, attention to detail, and experience with operational processes or equipment. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "cash handling," "team collaboration," and "attention to detail."
• Portfolio Preparation: If you have a formal operations portfolio, prepare to discuss case studies related to process improvement, efficiency gains, or project management. For this role, focus on transferable skills like problem-solving, technical aptitude, and customer engagement.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common behavioral questions, focusing on examples that demonstrate your ability to learn, follow procedures, work with others, and provide excellent customer service. Practice articulating how your skills align with the demands of a retail operations and sales role.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings. Understand their position in the arts and crafts market and their commitment to customer creativity.

⚠️ 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.