Retail Part Time Design Consultant, Boston Seaport

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Part Time Design Consultant, Boston Seaport Company: Framebridge Location: Boston, MA, USA Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Customer Experience Date Posted: 2025-09-10T00:00:00 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 Years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on providing exceptional, in-person customer service and representing the Framebridge brand within a retail store environment.
• Responsibilities include offering expert design advice and product knowledge to customers regarding custom framing solutions.
• Key aspects involve customer relationship management, including clienteling and business growth through customer interactions.
• The position requires adeptness in using Framebridge's proprietary tools for artwork inspection, measurement, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data doesn't explicitly use "operations" terminology, the role of a Design Consultant in a retail setting directly supports retail operations by driving sales, enhancing customer experience, and ensuring efficient in-store processes for custom product fulfillment. This role is crucial for the operational success of Framebridge's physical retail presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver outstanding customer service and embody the Framebridge brand ethos in all customer interactions within the retail store.
• Leverage strong listening, oral, and communication skills to build and nurture lasting customer relationships.
• Provide expert design advice and comprehensive product knowledge to guide customers through the custom framing process.
• Utilize Framebridge's specialized tools to accurately inspect, photograph, and measure customer artwork.
• Address customer inquiries and troubleshoot issues effectively, applying sound judgment to resolve challenges.
• Proactively identify and suggest opportunities for innovation and enhancement of the retail customer experience.
• Fulfill any necessary tasks to ensure the delivery of Framebridge's 100% happiness guarantee for every customer.
• Manage a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the operational demands of the retail store.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are core to the operational efficiency of a retail store. Customer service and sales drive revenue, while accurate artwork handling and problem-solving ensure smooth order processing and minimize operational disruptions. The emphasis on the "happiness guarantee" highlights a customer-centric operational focus.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree is mandated, but a background or strong interest in design, art, or related fields is beneficial for understanding customer needs and offering relevant advice.

Experience: Prior experience in a customer-facing role, such as customer service, retail sales, or hospitality, is required. Experience in clienteling and actively growing customer relationships is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in delivering exceptional customer service in a retail, hospitality, or similar environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, with a demonstrated capacity for building customer rapport.
• A genuine interest in design, art, and creative environments, coupled with a passion for helping customers realize their vision.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and master new tools, products, and operational processes.
• Excellent time-management, organizational, and problem-solving skills to manage multiple customer needs and tasks efficiently.
• Experience with clienteling outreach and actively growing business through proactive customer relationship management.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with custom framing principles or art display techniques.
• Basic understanding of retail sales metrics and customer satisfaction KPIs.
• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems or retail management software.
• An eye for aesthetic details and an ability to translate customer ideas into tangible design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize soft skills crucial for customer-facing operations, such as communication and problem-solving, alongside a willingness to adapt to new processes and tools. This aligns with the need for flexible and customer-centric staff in retail operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of how they have successfully managed customer relationships, resolved service issues, or contributed to improving a customer experience.
• Showcase instances where creative problem-solving or design input led to positive customer outcomes.
• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a customer needing design advice for a unique piece of art.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how personalized service contributes to customer loyalty and repeat business.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of key retail operational processes, such as customer onboarding, order taking, problem resolution, and customer feedback collection.
• Articulate how they would ensure accuracy in measuring and documenting artwork for custom framing orders.
• Be ready to describe how they maintain organization and efficiency in a fast-paced retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a "portfolio" is less about formal design work and more about demonstrating a track record of excellent customer service and operational execution in a retail context. Highlighting specific examples of problem-solving and customer engagement will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Framebridge indicates a competitive hourly range, with the potential for bonuses. The exact range is not specified but is noted to be adjusted based on factors like experience, qualifications, and location. Given Boston's cost of living and the retail nature of the role, an estimated range for a part-time Design Consultant with 0-2 years of experience would typically fall between $17-$22 per hour.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay structure.
• Generous employee discounts on Framebridge products (free frames are also mentioned).
• Opportunities for contests and incentives to drive performance.
• Participation in team-building events to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Paid time off (PTO) for eligible employees.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Hotline (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Commuter Benefits to assist with transportation costs.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position, with the expectation of working approximately 20 hours per week. The schedule is flexible and will include evenings and weekends to accommodate business needs and customer availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are standard for retail positions and offer a good mix of financial, developmental, and well-being support. The mention of bonuses and incentives suggests a performance-driven compensation structure, common in sales-oriented retail roles. The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in Boston.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce and Retail (Custom Framing) Company Size: Framebridge is a growing company, likely falling into the small to medium-sized business category, which fosters a more agile and hands-on operational environment. Founded: Framebridge was founded in 2014, indicating a relatively young company that has rapidly scaled its operations from online to physical retail.

Team Structure:

• The retail store team likely consists of a Store Manager, Assistant Manager, and Design Consultants (this role).
• Design Consultants will report to store leadership and collaborate closely with fellow team members on daily operations and customer service.
• Cross-functional collaboration would primarily involve communication with the e-commerce team, design specialists, and potentially manufacturing for order-specific inquiries.

Methodology:

• Framebridge emphasizes a customer-centric approach, focusing on delivering a "delightful" experience.
• Data analysis likely informs operational decisions, from staffing to inventory and customer feedback.
• Workflow planning is critical for managing custom order processes efficiently from in-store consultation to production.
• Automation and efficiency practices are key to their business model, aiming for quality products at affordable prices with quick turnarounds.

Company Website: Framebridge.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Framebridge's culture is built around core values like pride, collaboration, adaptability, making things special, and building for the long term. This suggests an environment where employees are empowered to take ownership, contribute ideas, and work together to achieve company goals, which is crucial for effective retail operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level or junior level within retail operations, focusing on direct customer interaction and in-store service execution. It's a foundational role for understanding the customer journey and operational flow of a physical retail business.

Reporting Structure: As a Design Consultant, you will report directly to the Store Manager or Assistant Manager, who oversee the day-to-day operations and performance of the retail location.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts store revenue through sales and customer satisfaction by providing expert design advice and exceptional service. Positive customer experiences contribute to brand loyalty, repeat business, and word-of-mouth referrals, all vital for operational success and market growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen knowledge in custom framing, design principles, customer relationship management, and retail operations.
• Advancement: Potential to progress to roles like Senior Design Consultant, Key Holder, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager within Framebridge's retail division.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Possibility to gain exposure to other areas of Framebridge's operations, such as e-commerce support or production processes, through internal mobility or project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a retail operations framework. Success here can lead to increased responsibility and career advancement opportunities within Framebridge, particularly in customer-facing and operational management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a Framebridge retail store, designed to be a customer-facing, engaging, and creative space.

Office Location(s): The specific location is the Framebridge retail store in Boston Seaport, a vibrant urban district.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is dynamic, involving direct interaction with customers and their artwork.
• It requires maintaining a clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing store environment that reflects the brand's quality and style.
• Close collaboration with team members is essential for managing customer flow, processing orders, and maintaining store operations.
• Access to Framebridge's proprietary tools and technology for design consultation and order management will be standard.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is part-time (approx. 20 hours/week) and flexible, requiring availability during evenings and weekends to align with retail operating hours and customer traffic patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The retail store environment demands a blend of customer engagement, visual merchandising, and efficient task execution. The flexible schedule is typical for retail operations, requiring staff to adapt to peak hours and customer demand.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and interest in the role.
• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth interview at the retail store or a designated office, focusing on customer service experience, design aptitude, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. This may include situational questions and role-playing scenarios.
• Potential Practical Assessment: Candidates might be asked to demonstrate their approach to a design consultation or artwork measurement using provided tools/examples.
• Final Interview: Possibly with a retail manager or HR representative to discuss compensation, benefits, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't expected, prepare to discuss specific examples from your past customer service or retail roles that showcase your ability to:
  • Build rapport and lasting relationships with customers.
  • Provide excellent design advice or creative solutions.
  • Handle difficult customer situations or complaints effectively.
  • Contribute to a positive team or work environment.
• Be ready to articulate your understanding of the Framebridge brand and how you would represent it.
• If you have relevant design projects or a personal portfolio (e.g., related to art, interior design), be prepared to briefly share relevant aspects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for questions about how you handle busy periods, manage multiple customer needs simultaneously, and deal with customer dissatisfaction.
• Practice articulating your design process and how you would guide a customer who is unsure about their framing choices.
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of Framebridge's product and how you would learn and communicate its value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily weigh customer interaction skills and a genuine interest in design. Demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Framebridge Proprietary Tools: Specific software and hardware used by Framebridge for customer consultations, artwork measurement, photography, and order creation. Proficiency will be trained, but a willingness to learn new technology is essential.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: Used for processing transactions, managing customer accounts, and tracking sales.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Likely used to manage customer interactions, preferences, and outreach (clienteling).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for complex analytics, Design Consultants may use simple reporting tools or dashboards to track personal sales performance or customer engagement metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of basic CRM principles is beneficial for clienteling.
• Familiarity with any in-store automation or operational efficiency tools would be a plus, though training will be provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on proprietary Framebridge tools means that adaptability and a quick learning curve for new software are critical. Familiarity with standard retail POS and CRM systems is a helpful foundation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A primary value is making the customer experience special and ensuring 100% happiness.
• Collaboration: Working together as a team to achieve store goals and support each other.
• Adaptability: Embracing change and proactively finding creative solutions in a dynamic retail environment.
• Quality & Detail: Showing pride in the product and attention to detail in every customer interaction and task.
• Integrity: Building lasting relationships based on trust and reliability.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative, supportive style, where members assist each other to manage customer flow and operational tasks.
• Open communication and feedback are encouraged to continuously improve the retail experience.
• Team members are expected to contribute to a positive and energetic store atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framebridge's values are deeply integrated into their operational approach, focusing on creating a positive customer and employee experience. This fosters a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement within the retail team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Customers: Effectively managing simultaneous customer consultations and ensuring each receives personalized attention during peak times.
• Design Uncertainty: Assisting customers who have a clear vision but need guidance on framing options, or those who are unsure and need creative direction.
• Product Knowledge Mastery: Quickly learning and retaining detailed information about Framebridge's extensive product line, materials, and design possibilities.
• Maintaining Store Standards: Ensuring the retail space is always presentable, organized, and inspiring, even during busy operational periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Training: Comprehensive training on Framebridge's framing styles, materials, and design consultation best practices.
• Customer Service Excellence: Opportunities to refine customer interaction skills, active listening, and problem-solving techniques.
• Retail Operations Fundamentals: Gaining practical experience in essential retail operations, including sales, customer management, and store upkeep.
• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about art, photography, and display techniques relevant to custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for hands-on learning in both customer service and the specialized field of custom framing. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing retail environment and provide fertile ground for developing key operational and interpersonal skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to answer questions like: "Describe a time you went above and beyond for a customer," "How do you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with a product or service?", and "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing design?"
• Think about how you would articulate the value of custom framing and Framebridge's unique offerings.
• Consider how you manage your time and prioritize tasks when multiple customers need assistance simultaneously.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Framebridge's mission, values, and product offerings. Understand their disruption of the traditional framing market.
• Be ready to discuss why you are interested in Framebridge specifically and how your personality and skills align with their culture of "making it special" and "showing pride."
• Consider how you contribute to a positive team dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• While no formal portfolio is required, be ready to share specific examples of your customer service successes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Prepare to talk about a time you used your creativity or design sense to help a customer.
• If you have any personal projects or examples of your aesthetic eye, be prepared to briefly mention them if relevant to a design discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating customer empathy, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a genuine enthusiasm for design and the Framebridge brand. Highlighting past successes with specific examples will be crucial.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Framebridge Careers portal.
• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, retail, design interest, and any experience with clienteling or relationship building. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased customer satisfaction by X%" or "Handled an average of Y customer interactions per day").
• Portfolio Preparation (Conceptual): Mentally prepare specific examples of your customer service successes, problem-solving skills, and any instances where you've applied a creative or design-oriented approach. Be ready to articulate these using the STAR method.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Framebridge website to understand their brand, product, and values. Familiarize yourself with their retail store experience and unique selling propositions.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail and customer service interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your alignment with Framebridge's company culture and operational focus on customer delight.

⚠️ 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.