Part time Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-time Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service

Date Posted: October 4, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Customer Engagement & Sales: Focus on building strong customer relationships and driving sales through personalized custom framing solutions. This involves actively engaging customers, understanding their needs, and presenting tailored recommendations to enhance the customer journey and achieve sales targets.

• Operational Excellence: Maintain high standards for store operations, including merchandising, inventory management, and maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organized environment. This role is crucial for ensuring a positive shopping experience for every customer.

• Production & Quality: Execute custom framing orders with a strong emphasis on quality and timely completion. This requires proficiency in operating framing equipment and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent, high-caliber results.

• Cross-Functional Support: Actively participate in various store operational tasks, including assisting with truck unloads, stocking processes, and supporting omni-channel fulfillment. This demonstrates a commitment to the overall efficiency and success of the retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Part time Custom Framer" title and the detailed responsibilities, this role is positioned within a retail operations framework, focusing on both customer-facing sales and back-end production. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and building customer relationships suggests a consultative sales approach within the framing department. The role requires a blend of customer service, sales acumen, and hands-on production skills, typical of specialized retail operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and operational requirements.

• Drive sales and production results by building customer relationships and creating memorable custom framing solutions using the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Complete all custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and within the established timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Maintain the ready-made frame department, along with other assigned areas, including SISO (Ship-In-Stock-Out) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Deliver friendly and effective customer service, assisting customers in locating products and providing solutions to meet their needs.

• Ensure the store is well-merchandised and adequately stocked to facilitate a positive and efficient shopping experience.

• Actively participate in the truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget constraints.

• Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures to company standards, ensuring accuracy and security.

• Acknowledge all customers, assist them in locating products, and provide relevant solutions to enhance their shopping experience.

• Support and participate in omni-channel processes to ensure seamless integration of online and in-store customer experiences.

• Contribute to shrink and safety programs by following established procedures and reporting any potential issues.

• Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, maintaining a positive and composed demeanor, even in challenging situations.

• Promote commitment to the organization's vision and values, serving as a role model for professional conduct and customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus on sales/customer interaction and production/operational tasks. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" implies a consultative sales approach within custom framing, requiring the ability to upsell and guide customers through design choices. The inclusion of omni-channel support and truck unloads indicates a broader retail operations involvement beyond just framing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail positions, though not explicitly stated.

Experience:

• Required: 0-2 years of experience demonstrating basic computer skills and fundamental measuring skills. Must possess the ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter safely and effectively.

• Preferred: Previous retail experience, particularly in a sales or customer-facing role. Experience in selling products and/or services directly to customers is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service: Proven ability to provide friendly, helpful, and solutions-oriented service to customers.

• Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to navigate and utilize basic computer systems for tasks such as POS operations or inventory lookups.

• Measuring & Fabrication Skills: Competence in accurate measuring and the operation of framing equipment and glass cutters.

• Cash Handling: Demonstrated accuracy and reliability in processing transactions and managing cash.

• Product Knowledge (Basic): Ability to learn and convey information about framing options and store products.

• Adherence to SOPs: Commitment to following established procedures for quality, safety, and operational consistency.

Preferred Skills:

• Consultative Sales: Experience in guiding customers through product selection and closing sales based on their needs.

• Retail Merchandising: Understanding of visual presentation standards and ability to maintain department appearance.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with stock replenishment and basic inventory control processes.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer issues and operational challenges effectively.

• Time Management: Skill in prioritizing tasks to meet production deadlines and customer service demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description lists "basic computer skills" and "basic measuring skills," the "preferred" category highlights the value of prior retail and sales experience. For operations professionals, demonstrating an understanding of how these basic skills integrate into larger retail workflows (e.g., POS systems, inventory tracking, production scheduling) will be key. For this specific role, the ability to translate customer needs into precise framing specifications is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Project Examples: Showcase a portfolio of custom framing projects, highlighting complexity, material choices, and final aesthetic. Visual evidence of finished work is crucial.

• Customer Consultation Process: Document your approach to understanding customer needs, recommending materials, and guiding design choices for custom framing projects. This can be a case study or a detailed process description.

• Quality Control Checklists/Protocols: If applicable, provide examples of how you ensure quality in your work, perhaps through a personal checklist or by referencing established SOPs for quality assurance.

• Efficiency Improvement Initiatives (if applicable): If you have implemented any personal methods or suggestions to improve framing workflow efficiency or reduce waste in previous roles, detail these with quantifiable results.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of a logical workflow for custom framing, from initial customer consultation and order taking through production, quality checks, and final delivery.

• System Usage: While specific systems aren't detailed, be prepared to discuss your experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and any design or production software you've used.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Explain how you would track the success of your framing services, focusing on metrics like order completion time, customer satisfaction, sales revenue, and error rates.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a traditional "operations portfolio" might not be as formal. However, candidates can create a compelling showcase by documenting their framing process, including visual examples of their work, and detailing how they approach customer consultations to ensure satisfaction and drive sales. Highlighting any personal systems for organization or quality control would be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given this is a part-time, entry-level retail position in Phoenix, Arizona, the hourly wage is expected to be at or slightly above the local minimum wage, likely ranging from $13.00 to $17.00 per hour. This estimate is based on typical retail part-time wages in the Phoenix metropolitan area for roles involving specialized skills and customer interaction, considering the experience level and job type.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with Employer Match: Opportunity for retirement savings with company contributions.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance options for eligible team members.

• Telemedicine Services: Convenient access to healthcare professionals remotely.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with costs associated with commuting to work.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Adoption Assistance: Financial support for team members building their families through adoption.

• Voluntary Insurance Options: Additional insurance products available for purchase.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services, a key perk for employees in the arts and crafts industry.

• Partner Discount Programs: Access to discounts with various partner companies.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While specific hours are not defined, typical part-time retail roles involve approximately 15-29 hours per week. Working hours will include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling is often a consideration for part-time roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on average part-time retail wages in Phoenix, AZ, for roles requiring some specialized skills. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on health and wellness, financial planning, and employee well-being, which are attractive to part-time employees seeking stability and support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts & Crafts, Home Decor, Custom Framing). Michaels operates within a dynamic retail landscape, focusing on DIY, creative projects, and celebration needs. The custom framing segment adds a specialized, high-value service component.

Company Size: Michaels is a large, publicly traded company with over 1,300 stores across North America. This scale implies established operational processes, corporate support structures, and a broad customer base.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history indicates stability, experience, and a deep understanding of the arts and crafts market.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: The Custom Framer will be part of a store team, likely reporting to a Framing Department Manager or a Store Manager. The team structure will include other sales associates, potentially a dedicated framing specialist, and management.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration will be essential with fellow sales associates for customer assistance, stock associates for inventory management, and management for operational oversight and customer issue resolution.

• Customer-Centric Focus: The culture emphasizes building customer relationships and providing solutions, particularly within the custom framing department, suggesting a service-oriented team dynamic.

Methodology:

• Customer-First Approach: The core methodology revolves around understanding and meeting customer needs, from initial inquiry to the final product.

• Process Adherence: Strong emphasis on following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency in sales, production, and operational tasks.

• Sales & Production Integration: The role bridges sales (consulting with customers) and production (executing the framing order), requiring a coordinated approach to workflow.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels, as a large retail entity, likely balances structured corporate guidelines with the day-to-day demands of a customer-facing environment. For a Custom Framer, this means adhering to established procedures while also exercising creativity and excellent interpersonal skills to serve customers effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an Entry-Level (0-2 years) within retail operations. It serves as a foundational position for individuals interested in retail customer service, sales, and specialized production roles. It requires the development of core skills in customer interaction, basic operations, and hands-on fabrication.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Part-time Custom Framer would report to a Framing Department Manager, or if not present, to the Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager. This structure provides direct supervision and guidance on daily tasks, performance, and development.

Operations Impact: The Custom Framer directly impacts store revenue through sales of custom framing services and indirectly through maintaining store presentation and customer satisfaction. High-quality framing and excellent customer service contribute to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth, strengthening the store's reputation and profitability. Efficient production ensures timely order fulfillment, minimizing customer wait times and operational bottlenecks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialist/Lead: With demonstrated skill and performance, advancement to a lead framing role or a more specialized framing position with increased responsibility.

• Retail Sales Associate/Key Holder: Transition to general sales roles with potential for key holder responsibilities, managing store operations in the absence of management.

• Store Management Track: For individuals with strong leadership potential and a desire for career progression, opportunities may exist to move into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, requiring broader operational and leadership skills.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gaining experience in other store departments (e.g., visual merchandising, inventory) to broaden retail operational knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a tangible entry point into specialized retail operations. Growth pathways are clearly defined within the retail hierarchy, emphasizing skill development, customer service excellence, and leadership potential. The impact of this role is directly tied to customer satisfaction and revenue generation within its specific department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a public retail store setting environment, specifically within a Michaels store location. The primary workspace includes the sales floor and a dedicated custom framing area/shop.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Phoenix-2829 W Agua Fria Fwy, Phoenix, Arizona. This is a retail store accessible to the public.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Hub: The sales floor provides constant interaction with customers, requiring a friendly and engaging demeanor.

• Production Area: The frame shop is a specialized workspace where fabrication occurs. It contains equipment like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring safe operation and adherence to production protocols.

• Collaborative Space: The store environment necessitates teamwork with colleagues to manage customer flow, stock, and overall store presentation.

• Tools & Technology: Access to a cash register (POS system), basic computer terminals, and specialized framing equipment.

Work Schedule: The role involves a part-time schedule, with working hours that include nights, weekends, and early mornings. This flexibility is typical for retail operations to ensure store coverage during peak shopping times and operational needs like truck unloads.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric. The frame shop itself is a specialized production zone within a larger retail space, requiring a balance of customer engagement on the floor and focused work in the production area. Awareness of safety protocols for equipment and handling materials like glass is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on clearly articulating your relevant skills, including any framing experience, customer service aptitude, and basic operational competencies.

• Phone/Virtual Screening: A preliminary discussion to assess your interest, availability, and basic qualifications. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of customer service and any prior retail experience.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve a conversation with the store manager or department lead. Expect questions about your customer service philosophy, how you handle challenging customer interactions, your interest in custom framing, and your ability to learn new skills. You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how you would approach a customer consultation.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): You might be asked to perform a practical demonstration of basic measuring, or describe how you would operate framing equipment (if you have prior experience).

• Final Offer: Based on the interview and assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Examples: If you have prior custom framing experience, bring photos of your best work. Highlight different styles, materials, and complexities.

• Process Description: For each project, be ready to explain your process: how you consulted with the client, selected materials, executed the framing, and ensured quality.

• Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you have successfully handled customer requests, resolved issues, and built rapport. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Convey genuine interest in art, design, and the custom framing craft.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Consultation Role-Play: Be ready for a scenario where you must consult with a "customer" to design a custom frame for a piece of art. Focus on active listening, asking clarifying questions, and proposing solutions.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions like, "What would you do if a customer was unhappy with their framing order?" or "How would you prioritize tasks if you had a framing order due and multiple customers waiting for assistance?"

• Operational Understanding: Be ready to discuss your understanding of retail operations, such as maintaining a clean store, assisting with inventory, or operating a cash register.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a formal "portfolio" might be less about documented processes and more about showcasing hands-on skills and customer interaction abilities. Candidates with prior framing experience should leverage visual examples and detailed project descriptions. Those without direct framing experience should focus on transferable skills like customer service, problem-solving, and a demonstrated ability to learn technical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Proficiency or ability to learn the operation of specialized framing machinery, including:

  • Mat Cutters: For precise cutting of mat boards.
  • Frame Moulding Cutters/Chop Saws: For cutting frame pieces to size.
  • Jointers/V-Nailers: For assembling frame corners.
  • Glass Cutters: For sizing glass or acrylic.
  • Heat Press: Potentially used for mounting or sealing.

• Measuring Tools: Rulers, tape measures, calipers for accurate measurements.

• Hand Tools: Various tools for assembly, finishing, and repair.

Analytics & Reporting:

• POS System: For processing sales transactions, handling cash, and potentially tracking customer orders and basic sales data.

• Inventory Management Software (Basic): Likely used for tracking stock levels of ready-made frames, mat boards, and other framing supplies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System (Basic): Potentially used to track custom framing orders, customer preferences, and contact information. This might be integrated with the POS system.

• Order Management System: For managing the lifecycle of custom framing orders from placement to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards specialized production equipment rather than complex software suites. The key is demonstrating an aptitude for learning and safely operating these tools. Familiarity with standard retail POS systems is also a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, emphasizing creating memorable experiences and providing solutions that delight customers. This translates to active listening, empathy, and a commitment to customer satisfaction in all interactions.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality custom framing work that meets or exceeds customer expectations. This involves attention to detail, precision in execution, and pride in the final product.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The understanding that store success is a collective effort. This means supporting colleagues, sharing workload, and fostering a positive and cooperative environment.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving to complete tasks, especially framing orders, in a timely and efficient manner without compromising quality. This involves effective time management and workflow optimization.

• Safety & Compliance: Adhering to all safety protocols, especially when operating equipment, and following company policies and procedures to ensure a secure and compliant work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Service-Oriented Partnership: Collaborating with sales associates to ensure customers receive seamless service, whether it's finding a product on the floor or referring them for custom framing.

• Production Teamwork: Working closely with other framing staff (if applicable) or management to schedule production, share resources, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the framing process.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback regarding work quality, customer interactions, and operational processes to foster continuous improvement.

• Supportive Environment: Contributing to a positive atmosphere where team members feel supported, valued, and motivated to perform at their best.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of customer-centricity, quality craftsmanship, and operational efficiency. For an operations professional, understanding how these values translate into daily tasks—from handling a customer inquiry to meticulously cutting a mat board—is key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production and Customer Service Demands: Effectively managing time to complete custom framing orders accurately and on schedule while simultaneously providing excellent service to walk-in customers. This requires strong prioritization and multitasking skills.

• Learning Technical Framing Skills: Acquiring proficiency in operating specialized framing equipment and mastering techniques for various framing styles, materials, and mounting methods. This involves a learning curve and a commitment to skill development.

• Handling Difficult Customer Situations: Addressing customer dissatisfaction with framing orders or product availability while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. This requires strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.

• Adapting to Retail Pace and Schedule: Adjusting to the demands of a retail environment, including varied work hours, peak seasons, and the need for consistent energy and engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Comprehensive training on custom framing techniques, equipment operation, material selection, and sales consultation provided by Michaels.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific framing styles, preservation techniques, or complex project execution.

• Customer Service Excellence Training: Development in consultative selling, building rapport, and handling diverse customer needs and expectations.

• Retail Operations Exposure: Gaining broader experience in other store functions, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, and POS operations, which can lead to diverse career paths within retail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the dual nature of the role: being both a skilled craftsperson and a customer-facing sales associate. Growth opportunities are focused on mastering the craft and enhancing customer engagement, with potential to expand into broader retail management roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Consultation: "Describe your process for helping a customer choose the right custom frame for their artwork. What questions would you ask?" (Focus on active listening, understanding their aesthetic, and guiding them through material options.)

• Problem-Solving: "A customer is unhappy with the framing you completed. How would you handle this situation?" (Emphasize empathy, understanding their concern, and offering solutions within company policy.)

• Production Prioritization: "You have a framing order due this afternoon, and several customers are waiting for help on the sales floor. How would you manage your time and tasks?" (Highlight prioritization, efficiency, and clear communication with customers and colleagues.)

• Learning New Skills: "This role requires learning to operate specialized framing equipment. How do you approach learning new technical skills?" (Show enthusiasm for learning, mention any past experiences with technical training, and emphasize attention to detail.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in custom framing and working at Michaels?" (Connect your passion for art/crafts/design with the company's mission and the specific role.)

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team in a retail or service environment." (Use the STAR method to illustrate collaboration and contribution to team success.)

• Values Alignment: "Michaels values customer focus and quality craftsmanship. How do you embody these values in your work?" (Provide specific examples of how you prioritize customers and ensure high-quality results.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: If you have photos of framing projects, be ready to walk the interviewer through them, explaining your design choices and execution.

• Focus on Impact: For any past experience, highlight achievements such as increased sales, positive customer feedback, or improvements in efficiency.

• Enthusiasm & Professionalism: Present yourself with energy, a positive attitude, and a clear understanding of the role's responsibilities and requirements.

• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions about the team, daily operations, training, and growth opportunities to show your engagement and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of customer service skills, a willingness to learn technical craft, and an understanding of retail operations. For those with framing experience, showcasing their work and process is key. For those without, highlighting transferable skills and a strong work ethic will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time Custom Framer position:

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

• Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant experience in customer service, sales, retail operations, or craftsmanship (especially framing). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of X customers per shift," "Completed Y custom framing orders weekly").

• Prepare to discuss your customer service philosophy and how you build rapport with clients. Be ready to share examples of how you've handled challenging customer interactions successfully.

• If you have custom framing experience, prepare a small portfolio (digital or physical) showcasing your best work. Be ready to explain your process for each piece.

• Research Michaels' custom framing services and products to understand their offerings and identify how your skills can contribute to their success.

• Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on your reliability, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for the arts and crafts industry.

⚠️ 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.