Part Time Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part Time Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Waldorf, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Custom Framing Expertise: Focus on building customer relationships and delivering high-quality custom framing solutions, directly impacting customer satisfaction and driving sales within the framing department.

• Customer Engagement & Sales: Actively engage with customers to understand their needs, provide product solutions, and drive sales through personalized service and effective merchandising.

• Operational Efficiency: Execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sales, production, and store operations, ensuring timely order completion and adherence to company policies.

• Retail Operations Support: Contribute to overall store success by supporting inventory management, merchandising, cash handling, and omni-channel processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a specialized retail associate with a primary focus on custom framing services. While "Part Time Framer" is the title, the responsibilities extend to broader retail operations, including customer service, sales, and store upkeep. The "Entry Level" designation suggests a strong emphasis on training and development in framing techniques and customer interaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Consultation & Design:

  • Engage customers to understand their framing needs and preferences for artwork, photos, and memorabilia.
  • Utilize design principles and knowledge of framing materials (mats, frames, glass types) to propose creative and aesthetically pleasing solutions.
  • Employ the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to build rapport and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

• Sales & Order Management:

  • Drive sales performance by effectively presenting framing options and closing custom framing orders.
  • Accurately process custom framing orders through the POS system, ensuring all details are captured for production.
  • Manage order fulfillment, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and timely completion within established production timelines.

• In-Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, ensuring it is well-organized, visually appealing, and fully stocked.
  • Execute SISO (Store-Inventory-Store Operations) and Directed Replenishment tasks to maintain optimal inventory levels.
  • Contribute to truck un-load and stocking processes, adhering to company standards and timelines.
  • Ensure the store environment is safe, clean, and clutter-free for customers and team members.

• Customer Service & Assistance:

  • Provide friendly and helpful customer service, assisting shoppers in locating products and offering solutions.
  • Operate the cash register, adhering to all cash handling and transaction standards.
  • Support omni-channel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store.

• Adherence to Policies & Procedures:

  • Strictly follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance and operational consistency.

  • Support company shrink reduction and safety programs through diligent practice and awareness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: a skilled framer and a customer-facing retail associate. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "Custom Framing solutions" suggests a focus on consultative sales and personalized service, going beyond transactional retail. The inclusion of omni-channel processes indicates a modern retail environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific educational degree is listed as a requirement, indicating a focus on practical skills and on-the-job training.

Experience:

• Minimum 0-2 years of experience, suitable for entry-level candidates.

• Experience in retail, sales, or customer service is preferred, demonstrating a foundation in client interaction and transaction handling. Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic software applications, and potentially inventory management tools.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Ability to accurately measure artwork, photos, and other items for framing purposes.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Competency in operating framing equipment, including specialized tools and machinery used in the framing process.

• Glass Cutting: Skill in safely and accurately cutting glass to fit custom frame dimensions.

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, build rapport, and provide solutions to meet their needs.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for consultative selling, presenting options, and closing sales for custom framing services.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accurate and secure management of financial transactions at the point of sale.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience working in a retail environment, understanding store operations, customer flow, and merchandising principles.

• Sales Experience: Proven track record in selling products or services, particularly in a custom or consultative sales context.

• Merchandising Skills: Ability to maintain visually appealing displays and ensure product availability in assigned areas.

• Inventory Management Basics: Understanding of stock rotation, replenishment, and maintaining accurate inventory counts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are a blend of technical framing abilities and essential retail competencies. The preference for retail and sales experience suggests that candidates with a background in customer-facing roles will be more competitive, even if lacking direct framing experience. The "basic" qualifier for computer and measuring skills implies that comprehensive training will be provided.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Design Samples: Showcase examples of custom framing projects, highlighting creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work with diverse materials and artwork. Visual documentation (photos) of completed projects is key.

• Customer Service Case Studies: Present brief scenarios or examples of how you've handled challenging customer requests, built rapport, or gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction in a retail or service setting.

• Sales Performance Metrics (if applicable): If previous sales roles exist, include quantifiable achievements related to sales targets, upselling, or customer acquisition.

• Process Walkthroughs (Conceptual): For candidates with limited direct framing experience, a conceptual walkthrough of how they would approach a custom framing consultation and production process, demonstrating understanding of best practices.

Process Documentation:

• Framing Order Workflow: Demonstrate understanding of the steps involved in a custom framing order, from initial consultation to final product delivery, including order entry, material selection, production, and quality control.

• Customer Interaction Flow: Outline a typical customer journey within the framing department, emphasizing engagement, needs assessment, solution presentation, and closing.

• Store Operations Integration: Explain how framing operations integrate with broader store functions like inventory management, POS transactions, and omni-channel fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, a portfolio demonstrating practical skills and customer interaction capabilities will be highly advantageous. Focus on visually showcasing framing work and articulating customer-centric approaches. For candidates without direct framing experience, demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving and customer service within a retail context will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $15.25 - $17.90 per hour.

Explanation of Range: This range reflects the part-time nature of the role, entry-level experience requirements, and the specific market for retail associates with specialized skills in custom framing. The higher end of the range likely accounts for candidates with prior retail sales or custom framing experience.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for vacation, personal days, or sick leave.

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

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products, fostering a connection to the brand and its offerings.

• Other Benefits: This includes potential for career advancement, training programs, and a supportive work environment.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While the exact hours per week are not specified, the role will likely involve a mix of weekdays, evenings, and weekends, including early mornings and nights as indicated in the work environment section. Flexibility is expected to accommodate store operating hours and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for part-time retail positions in the specified region. The benefits package is robust for a part-time role, particularly the tuition assistance and employee discounts, which align well with a creative retail environment. The work hours are typical for part-time retail, requiring flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer for arts, crafts, and home decor products, serving a broad customer base passionate about creative pursuits.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale.

Founded: 1973. With decades of experience, Michaels has a long-standing presence and deep understanding of the creative consumer market.

Headquarters: Irving, Texas.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: The Framer will be part of a store team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with direct supervision from a Framing Department Manager or Lead.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaboration will occur with fellow retail associates for general store operations, customer service, and inventory tasks. There will be close interaction with customers on a daily basis.

• Specialized Focus: While part of a larger store team, the role maintains a specialized focus on the custom framing department, requiring close coordination with other framing specialists or leads.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing memorable experiences, as highlighted by the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.

• Process-Driven Operations: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is crucial for consistency, compliance, and efficient store operations.

• Data-Informed Merchandising: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the broader retail context suggests that merchandising decisions are informed by sales data and customer trends.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels fosters a culture centered on creativity, customer engagement, and operational excellence within the arts and crafts sector. The scale of the company offers stability, while the specialized framing role provides an opportunity for skill development within a creative niche. The emphasis on SOPs suggests a structured environment, but the "joy of creativity" points to a more engaging and inspiring workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time position focused on a specific retail skill (custom framing) and general store operations. It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to enter the retail industry or gain specialized craft-related experience.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager, with direct oversight from a Framing Department Lead or Manager.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to customer loyalty by providing high-quality products and excellent service. They also play a vital role in maintaining store appearance and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialization: Potential to develop advanced framing techniques, design skills, and become a go-to expert in the department.

• Retail Leadership Path: Opportunity to progress into roles like Framing Department Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager within Michaels.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gain exposure to other areas of store operations, such as visual merchandising or inventory management, for a broader retail skill set.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training programs, employee discounts on crafting supplies, and potential tuition assistance can support ongoing personal and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent entry point into the retail and creative industries. Growth is possible both within the framing specialization and into broader retail management roles. The company's size and established presence offer clear pathways for career progression for dedicated employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the retail floor and the dedicated custom framing shop within the store.

Office Location(s): Waldorf, Maryland (3026 Festival Way). This is a specific retail location within a commercial area.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The environment is highly customer-facing, requiring constant interaction and service delivery.

• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, POS systems, and potentially basic computer terminals for order entry and inventory lookup.

• Team Interaction: Regular collaboration with other store associates for operational tasks and customer support. The framing area may involve close work with other framing specialists or supervisors.

• Environment Conditions: The main store area is climate-controlled. Stock rooms may not be climate-controlled. Some outdoor work might be required for tasks like retrieving shopping carts or during truck unloading. The frame shop contains specialized tools like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring adherence to safety protocols.

Work Schedule: The role is part-time. Work hours will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating hours and customer traffic patterns. Flexibility in scheduling is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a hands-on, dynamic work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with direct customer interaction, physical tasks, and working within a retail setting that involves both climate-controlled and potentially non-climate-controlled areas. The mention of specific tools like glass cutters and heat presses emphasizes the specialized nature of the framing shop.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and applications for basic qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with company values.

• Phone Screen/Initial Interview: A brief conversation to assess general suitability, customer service aptitude, and interest in the role. May include questions about basic retail experience and availability.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Store Manager or Framing Department Lead. Expect questions focused on customer service scenarios, problem-solving, and understanding of the framing process.

• Skills Assessment/Demonstration: Potentially a practical demonstration of basic measuring skills, computer proficiency, or a discussion about how one would approach a custom framing consultation. A portfolio review may occur here.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Visuals: Showcase high-quality photos of your best framing work. Include a variety of styles and complexities if possible.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, briefly describe the customer's request, your design choices, materials used, and any challenges overcome.

• Quantify Achievements: If you have sales experience, include metrics like sales targets met or exceeded.

• Demonstrate Customer Focus: If you don't have direct framing sales experience, use examples from other customer-facing roles to show your ability to build relationships and solve problems.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on your most relevant and impactful work. A digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, online album) is typically preferred.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a demanding customer, a difficult framing request, or a situation where you need to de-escalate.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach a situation where a customer is unsure of their framing needs or when a framing order has a production issue.

• Basic Math & Measurement: Review basic measurement conversion and calculation skills, as these are fundamental to framing.

• Company Knowledge: Research Michaels' brand, values, and commitment to creativity. Understand their product offerings beyond framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be multi-stage, focusing heavily on customer service skills, basic technical aptitude, and cultural fit. A portfolio, even for an entry-level role, can significantly differentiate a candidate by visually demonstrating their capabilities and understanding of the framing craft and customer service principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Standard framing tools such as mat cutters, framing saws, jointers, and potentially specialized machinery like glass cutters and heat presses.

• POS System: For processing transactions, managing sales, and potentially tracking custom orders. Proficiency in a retail POS system is expected.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized measuring devices for accurate framing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Reporting Tools: While not highly technical, the role may involve using POS reports or basic inventory tracking systems to monitor sales and stock levels for the framing department.

• Inventory Management Systems: Likely an internal system for tracking ready-made frames and framing supplies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology implies a customer-centric approach, suggesting the use of CRM principles or a basic CRM system to track customer preferences and build relationships.

• Order Management Systems: Integrated with the POS to manage custom framing orders from placement to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is primarily focused on point-of-sale operations and specialized framing equipment. While advanced analytics are unlikely to be a direct responsibility, an understanding of how sales data and inventory levels are tracked and utilized would be beneficial. The emphasis is on practical application of tools for sales and production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Inspiration: Michaels champions the joy of creativity. Team members are encouraged to be imaginative and help customers bring their creative visions to life.

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and providing exceptional service is paramount. The "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology underscores this commitment.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: For the framing role, a dedication to high-quality work and attention to detail in custom framing is expected.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with fellow store associates to ensure smooth operations and a positive customer experience is vital.

• Safety & Compliance: Adherence to safety protocols and company SOPs ensures a secure and efficient work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Customer-Centric Collaboration: Team members collaborate to ensure customers have a seamless experience, whether it's finding a product, getting assistance with a framing quote, or completing a purchase.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often revolves around executing SOPs for tasks like truck unloading, merchandising, and order fulfillment.

• Supportive Environment: As a large retail organization, there's an emphasis on supporting colleagues and fostering a positive atmosphere for both team members and customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is built around fostering creativity and providing excellent customer service within a structured retail environment. Team members are expected to be both creative problem-solvers and diligent executors of operational processes. The emphasis on teamwork and customer focus creates a dynamic and engaging workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Roles: Effectively managing both specialized custom framing duties and general retail responsibilities (customer service, stocking, cashiering) in a part-time capacity.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and design preferences for custom framing, some of which may be complex or require significant creative input.

• Pace of Retail: Working in a fast-paced retail environment, especially during peak seasons, while maintaining quality and accuracy in framing.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items, and using ladders, which can be physically demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn advanced framing techniques, material knowledge, and design principles through on-the-job training and potentially specialized workshops.

• Retail Operations Proficiency: Development of skills in sales, merchandising, inventory management, and POS operations.

• Customer Service Mastery: Honing consultative sales techniques and customer relationship-building skills.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles within Michaels, such as Framing Department Manager or Store Manager, or explore opportunities in other creative retail sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a good opportunity for individuals seeking to develop specialized craft skills within a retail setting. The challenges are typical of a hands-on retail position, with growth potential tied to mastering both the craft and broader operational responsibilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs." (Focus on your approach to understanding needs, offering options, and ensuring satisfaction, drawing from retail or service experience.)

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their custom framing design?" (Emphasize your consultative process: asking clarifying questions, presenting options, explaining benefits of different materials, and guiding them towards a decision.)

• "Imagine a customer needs a frame for a very valuable or sentimental item. What steps would you take to ensure their confidence and deliver a high-quality product?" (Focus on your attention to detail, communication, careful handling, and commitment to quality craftsmanship.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple customers waiting and framing orders to complete?" (Demonstrate your ability to manage time, communicate with customers about wait times, and efficiently switch between tasks.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and specifically in the framing role?" (Connect your passion for creativity, art, or crafting with the company's mission and the specifics of the job.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and creative work environment?" (Highlight your teamwork, positive attitude, and willingness to share ideas or help others.)

• "What does excellent customer service mean to you in a retail setting?" (Focus on building relationships, solving problems, and creating memorable experiences.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: For each framed item in your portfolio, tell a brief story about the customer's need, your design process, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Skills: Clearly articulate the specific skills demonstrated by each project (e.g., complex matting, unique material choices, framing of unusual objects).

• Professionalism: Present your portfolio cleanly and professionally, whether digital or physical. Be prepared to walk through it confidently and answer questions about your work.

• Showcase Versatility: If possible, include examples that showcase a range of styles and framing applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in the creative aspects of the role. Be ready to articulate your problem-solving approach and how you would contribute to the team and company culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Michaels careers portal linked above.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any experience in customer service, sales, visual merchandising, or handling tools and equipment. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best framing work (if applicable) or customer service/sales achievements. Include high-quality visuals and brief descriptions of your process and results.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common retail and customer service interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and enthusiasm for Michaels and the framing role.

• Research Michaels: Understand the company's mission, values, and product offerings. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.