Part Time Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part Time Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Lacey, Washington, United States

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Engage in direct customer interaction to provide personalized custom framing solutions, driving sales and customer satisfaction within a retail environment.

• Execute the full lifecycle of custom framing order fulfillment, from initial customer consultation to quality-controlled production and timely delivery.

• Maintain store presentation standards, including merchandising of the ready-made frame department and general store upkeep to ensure a positive shopping experience.

• Operate point-of-sale systems for cash handling and support omni-channel processes to enhance customer convenience and sales opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in a retail setting, the "Custom Framer" title and responsibilities suggest a specialized focus that requires attention to detail, precision, and customer advisory skills, akin to a consultative sales and production role within retail operations. The emphasis on SOPs and quality control indicates a need for process adherence in a high-touch customer service environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships by understanding their framing needs and offering expert design advice to create memorable solutions.

• Achieve personal sales and production targets through effective application of the "Elevated ABC Deliver" approach and consultative selling techniques.

• Meticulously complete custom framing orders, adhering to quality standards and production timelines to ensure customer satisfaction.

• Manage and maintain the ready-made frame department, including visual merchandising, stock levels (SISO - Single Item Single Order), and directed replenishment strategies.

• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a well-merchandised and fully stocked store.

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and consistent service delivery.

• Actively participate in and support company-wide shrink and safety initiatives to maintain a secure and hazard-free work environment.

• Foster positive and respectful interactions with colleagues and customers, demonstrating commitment to company values and serving as a role model.

• Assist in the truck unloading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck stocking standards and budget compliance.

• Accurately operate the cash register, execute cash handling procedures, and manage transactions according to established standards.

• Support and execute omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store, to enhance customer convenience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales, customer service, and production within a retail operations context. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" and SOPs points to a structured approach to customer engagement and operational execution. The role requires both individual performance metrics and collaborative contributions to store operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred; specific vocational training in design or craft services can be a plus.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within a retail or service environment.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency for POS systems and potential inventory management software.

• Fundamental measuring skills with high accuracy for custom project specifications.

• Ability to learn and operate specialized framing equipment, including a glass cutter.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills for effective client interaction and relationship building.

• Basic cash handling and transaction processing capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, demonstrating an ability to meet sales targets.

• Experience in selling products or services, with a consultative approach.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes, materials, or design principles.

• Experience with inventory management or replenishment tasks.

• Knowledge of visual merchandising techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are foundational, suggesting a robust training program for specialized tasks like framing equipment operation and advanced sales techniques. The preference for sales and custom framing experience indicates a desire for candidates who can quickly adapt to the consultative sales and precision production aspects of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any personal projects or past work demonstrating attention to detail, creativity, and precision (e.g., craft projects, design work, or any custom creation).

• Examples of how you have successfully managed customer expectations and delivered a quality product or service in previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Understanding and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all tasks, from customer consultation to production and checkout.

• Ability to follow detailed instructions for operating framing equipment and executing custom framing designs accurately.

• Documentation of learning and application of new processes, particularly regarding sales techniques and store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail operations role focused on custom framing, a traditional portfolio is less critical than demonstrating practical skills and a willingness to learn. The "portfolio" here would largely be demonstrated through interview responses, past work experience examples, and potentially a practical skills assessment during the interview process, focusing on adherence to established processes and quality standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.25 - $20.30 per hour.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage options available.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for personal use.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education and skill development.

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products.

• Other Benefits: Specifics available via mikbenefits.com.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. Actual hours will vary based on store needs and scheduling, potentially including nights, weekends, and early mornings. The role may require up to 40 hours per week, but this is not guaranteed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for part-time retail roles requiring specialized skills like custom framing in the Lacey, Washington area. The benefits package is comprehensive for part-time employees, indicating Michaels' commitment to employee well-being and development. The mention of "up to 40 hours" suggests potential for consistent part-time work rather than a strict, limited schedule. Local cost of living in Lacey, WA, is moderate, making this salary range suitable for supporting basic needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts & Crafts Retail / Specialty Retail. Michaels operates as the leading destination for creative individuals and celebrations in North America, offering a wide array of art supplies, craft materials, and custom framing services.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a structured corporate environment with established processes and opportunities for career development within a large organization.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has built a strong brand presence and deep understanding of its customer base, fostering a culture that values creativity and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• As a part-time Custom Framer, you will likely be part of a store-level team comprised of a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager(s), Department Specialists (like Custom Framers), and Sales Associates.

• The reporting structure is typically hierarchical, with the Custom Framer reporting to a Department Lead or Assistant Store Manager, who in turn reports to the Store Manager.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is applied at a corporate level, with store operations guided by established SOPs and performance metrics (e.g., sales targets, customer satisfaction scores, shrink reduction).

• Workflow planning is crucial for managing framing orders efficiently, balancing customer demand with production capacity and staff availability.

• Automation is utilized through POS systems and potentially inventory management tools, with a focus on streamlining transactions and stock replenishment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels emphasizes creativity, customer service, and a structured approach to retail operations. The scale of the company offers stability and a framework for growth, while the specific role of a Custom Framer highlights a specialization within the broader retail environment. The mention of "Artistree" as a subsidiary suggests a commitment to quality and expertise in the framing domain.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level specialist within retail operations, focusing on a specific craft and customer service function. It provides a foundation in retail sales, production, and customer engagement.

Reporting Structure: You will report to store management (e.g., Department Lead or Assistant Store Manager), working collaboratively with a team of sales associates and other specialists. This structure allows for direct mentorship and performance feedback.

Operations Impact: As a Custom Framer, your direct impact is on customer satisfaction and revenue generation through high-quality framing solutions. Indirectly, you contribute to the store's overall operational efficiency, sales performance, and reputation for quality craftsmanship.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in custom framing techniques, materials, and design consultation, potentially becoming a go-to expert in the store.

• Retail Advancement: Progress to roles such as Lead Framer, Sales Associate, Key Holder, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager within Michaels' extensive retail network.

• Cross-Training: Gain experience in other store departments, enhancing your overall retail operations knowledge and versatility.

• Continuous Learning: Utilize tuition assistance for further education or specialized craft/design courses, aligning with Michaels' commitment to employee development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a strong entry point into the retail operations field, particularly for those interested in creative services. The growth trajectory is clear, moving from a specialized part-time role to potentially full-time positions and leadership opportunities within the company's large operational footprint.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. This involves a dynamic, customer-facing environment with significant foot traffic and direct interaction with the public.

Office Location(s): Lacey-701 Sleater Kinney Rd SE Ste 25, Lacey, WA. This location is situated in a commercial area, likely with good accessibility for customers.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace includes the retail sales floor for customer engagement and merchandising, and a dedicated frame shop area equipped with specialized tools like a glass cutter and heat press.

• While most public areas are climate-controlled, stock rooms may have less consistent temperature control. Some outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloading.

• Opportunities for collaboration exist with fellow team members on the sales floor, in the stockroom, and within the frame shop.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position with variable hours. The schedule includes nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail environment. Flexibility is key to accommodate customer demand and store operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail setting, with a focus on customer interaction and product presentation. The frame shop component adds a specialized production element. The need for flexibility in scheduling is standard for part-time retail roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Submit your resume and application online. Candidates meeting the basic qualifications will be contacted for an initial screening.

• In-Person Interview: Expect an interview at the store location. This will likely involve a discussion about your customer service experience, familiarity with retail environments, and any relevant craft or precision skills.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a custom framing consultation. For candidates with prior framing experience, a demonstration of equipment operation might be requested.

• Team Interaction: You might meet other store team members to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential.

• Offer & Onboarding: Successful candidates will receive an offer and proceed through onboarding, including background checks and initial training.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Even without a formal portfolio, be prepared to discuss specific examples of customer service success, problem-solving in a retail context, or any personal projects that demonstrate your attention to detail, creativity, and precision (e.g., hobbies involving crafting, design, or meticulous work).

• Demonstrate Process Adherence: Be ready to explain how you follow instructions and SOPs, emphasizing your ability to learn and execute tasks accurately.

• Showcase Sales Aptitude: Discuss your approach to understanding customer needs and recommending solutions that align with their requirements and budget.

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, use metrics to describe past successes (e.g., "assisted X customers per shift," "contributed to a Y% increase in department sales").

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be prepared for scenarios asking how you would handle a difficult customer, a complex framing request, or a situation where a product is out of stock. Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and offering alternatives.

• Operational Awareness: Think about how you would contribute to maintaining store standards, assisting with inventory, and ensuring a positive shopping environment.

• Company Values: Research Michaels' mission and values (e.g., "fuel the joy of creativity") and be ready to articulate how your approach aligns with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the "portfolio" is less about formal design work and more about demonstrating practical skills, customer service aptitude, and a commitment to following operational procedures. Interviewers will be looking for evidence of reliability, a positive attitude, and the potential to learn specialized framing skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for all customer transactions, cash handling, and potentially inventory lookups. Proficiency in operating a modern retail POS is essential.

• Custom Framing Equipment: Including specialized saws, mat cutters, glass cutters, and heat presses. Hands-on training will be provided, but a willingness to learn and operate machinery safely is key.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct use of advanced analytics tools is unlikely for this role, understanding how sales figures, customer feedback, and production metrics contribute to store performance is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Concepts: While not managing a formal CRM, the role emphasizes building customer relationships through personalized service and understanding repeat customer needs.

• Omni-channel Systems: Understanding and operating systems that support online orders for in-store pickup or ship-from-store processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on direct customer interaction and production within a retail setting. The emphasis is on reliable operation of standard retail equipment and specialized framing tools, with a foundational understanding of how these contribute to broader store operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Joy: Embracing the company's mission to "fuel the joy of creativity and celebration" by fostering a positive and inspiring environment for both customers and team members.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction through friendly service, expert advice, and quality product delivery.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards in all transactions and interactions, treating everyone with acceptance and respect.

• Efficiency & Quality: Adhering to SOPs and production standards to ensure timely delivery of high-quality custom framing solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working cooperatively with fellow associates to support sales, manage inventory, and ensure smooth store operations.

• Cross-Functional Support: Assisting customers across different departments and collaborating with other team members to meet customer needs effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights and learn from colleagues, particularly within the framing department, to continuously improve skills and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is built around fostering creativity and a positive customer experience. For a Custom Framer, this translates to being helpful, inspiring, and meticulous in both customer interactions and production work, while contributing to a supportive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling customer consultations, production tasks, store merchandising, and point-of-sale operations simultaneously.

• Learning Specialized Skills: Mastering the operation of framing equipment and developing design consultation expertise to meet diverse customer needs.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Effectively communicating timelines, costs, and design possibilities to ensure customer satisfaction with custom orders.

• Physical Demands: Performing physically demanding tasks such as standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and working with tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Comprehensive training on custom framing techniques, materials, and design best practices.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Development through the "Elevated ABC Deliver" program and ongoing coaching.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gaining a broad understanding of store management, inventory control, and visual merchandising.

• Tuition Assistance: Pursuing further education or certifications, potentially in art, design, or business management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop specialized craft skills and gain broad retail experience. The challenges are typical of a fast-paced retail environment but are managed through structured training and team support, offering a solid foundation for future growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to handle a challenging customer request. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and finding solutions.)

• "How would you approach advising a customer on the best framing options for their artwork?" (Highlight understanding their needs, explaining material choices, and presenting options.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Michaels and specifically in custom framing?" (Connect your passion for creativity, customer service, or craftsmanship to the role.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Provide examples of collaboration, support, and maintaining a positive attitude.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Examples: Since a formal portfolio is unlikely, be ready to provide concrete examples from past work or personal projects that demonstrate:

  • Attention to Detail: Any task requiring precision.
  • Problem-Solving: How you overcame an obstacle.
  • Customer Satisfaction: A time you went above and beyond.
  • Creativity/Design Sense: Any personal projects or ideas.

• Process Understanding: Discuss your ability to follow instructions and SOPs, emphasizing your learning agility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong customer service orientation, a willingness to learn specialized skills, and an understanding of retail operational flow. Highlighting any experience with crafts, detailed work, or consultative sales will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided "workdayjobs.com" link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any retail or sales background, and any mention of detail-oriented tasks, crafting, or precision work. Use keywords from the job description like "customer service," "sales," "measuring skills," and "retail operations."

• Portfolio Preparation: While a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to discuss specific examples of your customer service successes, problem-solving abilities, and any personal projects that showcase attention to detail or creative skills. Think about how you would articulate your approach to advising a customer on framing.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions focusing on customer scenarios, teamwork, and your motivation for joining Michaels. Practice articulating your strengths in a concise and impactful manner.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience to demonstrate genuine interest during the interview.

⚠️ 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.