PT Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PT Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on delivering exceptional customer service within a retail environment, acting as a primary point of contact for shoppers.

• Responsibilities include direct sales support, assisting customers with product location, and ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

• The position involves hands-on execution of store operational tasks, including merchandise stocking, recovery, and fulfillment of omni-channel orders.

• A key component of this role is specialized training and execution within the Custom Framing department, encompassing both sales and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "PT Framer" suggests a primary focus on custom framing, the detailed responsibilities indicate a broader retail associate role with framing as a specialized function. The "Part time" employment type and "Entry Level" experience suggest this is an introductory role within the store operations and customer-facing teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers to understand their needs, guide them to relevant products, and offer solutions to enhance their shopping experience.

• Execute fast and friendly checkout procedures, including accurate cash handling and adherence to financial transaction standards.

• Proactively promote customer loyalty programs, such as Rewards and Private Label Credit Cards, and facilitate enrollment processes.

• Educate customers on the value of providing feedback through the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey.

• Support and process omni-channel initiatives, including Buy Online Pickup in Store (BOPIS) and Ship From Store (SFS) orders.

• Participate actively in the receiving process for truck deliveries, including unloading, stocking, and adhering to Planogram (POG) execution.

• Maintain high standards of merchandise recovery and store presentation, including processing returns and ensuring a well-organized sales floor.

• Conduct Store In Stock Optimization (SISO) and assist with promotional display (AD set) setups as directed.

• Contribute to loss prevention and safety initiatives to ensure a secure and compliant work environment.

• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies to ensure legal compliance and operational integrity.

• Foster a positive and respectful work environment by interacting constructively with team members and customers, embodying company values and serving as a role model.

• Receive comprehensive cross-training in Custom Framing, covering both sales consultation and production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct customer interaction, operational execution, and specialized skill development in custom framing. The inclusion of omni-channel processes and inventory optimization highlights the evolving nature of retail operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for retail positions. The role's practical nature suggests that on-the-job training will be a primary learning method.

Experience:

• Retail and/or customer service experience is preferred, indicating a need for candidates who can engage effectively with the public.

• Prior experience in a fast-paced environment is beneficial for managing multiple tasks and customer interactions.

• Experience with custom framing or a similar craft/production role would be advantageous but is not explicitly required. Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to provide friendly, helpful, and solution-oriented support to customers.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accurate and efficient management of financial transactions, including cash, credit, and loyalty program redemptions.

• Merchandising & Recovery: Skills in maintaining store appearance, organizing products, and executing planograms.

• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal communication for customer engagement and team collaboration.

• Adaptability: Willingness to be cross-trained and perform various duties as assigned, including custom framing.

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

• Teamwork: Collaborative approach to working with colleagues and contributing to store goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Omni-channel Fulfillment: Familiarity with BOPIS and SFS processes.

• Inventory Management Basics: Understanding of stocking and recovery principles.

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Prior experience or aptitude for custom framing sales or production.

• Sales Acumen: Ability to engage customers and promote loyalty programs and credit card enrollments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Entry Level" designation suggests that extensive prior experience is not mandatory. However, strong customer service aptitude and a willingness to learn are critical. The cross-training in custom framing indicates an opportunity for skill development within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates demonstrating past projects or responsibilities that showcase relevant skills will have an advantage.

• Examples could include:

  • Documentation of customer service improvements or initiatives in previous roles.

  • Visual examples of merchandising displays or store organization efforts.

  • Case studies of how a specific customer issue was resolved.

  • Examples of learning and applying new skills quickly. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all tasks.

• While not required to create documentation, understanding and adherence to process workflows for:

  • Customer checkout and transaction processing.

  • Omni-channel order fulfillment (BOPIS/SFS).

  • Merchandise receiving, stocking, and recovery.

  • Custom framing sales consultation and production steps.

  • Loss prevention and safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail position, a formal portfolio is less common. The emphasis will be on the candidate's ability to articulate their experience and skills during the interview, particularly how they've handled customer service and operational tasks in previous roles. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning new processes will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.82 - $19.70 per hour. This range is based on the provided data and reflects entry-level to potentially slightly experienced retail associate pay in the Boulder, Colorado area for a company like Michaels.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
  • Telemedicine services for convenient healthcare access.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Financial Security:

  • 401(k) plan with employer match.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs.

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance for continuing education.
  • Adoption assistance to support new families.

• Other Perks:

  • Voluntary insurance options for additional coverage.

  • Significant employee discounts on Michaels products.

  • Access to partner discount programs. Working Hours: This is a Part-time position. The total expected working hours are up to 40 hours per week, but as a part-time role, the actual hours may vary and will likely be less than full-time, depending on store needs and scheduling. The job description notes that work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the role and location. The benefits package is comprehensive for a retail environment, offering a good mix of health, financial, and developmental support. The part-time nature implies flexibility but also a need for availability during peak retail hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts and Crafts, Home Decor, Framing). Michaels operates as a leading specialty retailer in North America, catering to DIY enthusiasts, crafters, and individuals seeking personalized framing services. This industry context implies a focus on creativity, customer inspiration, and product knowledge.

Company Size: The Michaels Companies, Inc. operates over 1,300 stores in North America. This indicates a large, established retail organization with structured operations and a significant employee base. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for standardized processes but also the potential for bureaucracy.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history suggests a stable company with established operational frameworks and a deep understanding of the retail market.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: This role is part of a store team, likely including a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager(s), Team Leads, and fellow Team Members (associates).

• Departmental Focus: While cross-trained, the role has a specific focus on customer service, general store operations, and specialized Custom Framing production and sales.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Team members collaborate across various store functions, from sales floor engagement to stockroom operations and omni-channel order fulfillment. Collaboration with the Custom Framing department is also essential.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on delivering friendly customer service, providing solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency, compliance, and efficiency in all tasks.

• Data Utilization: Use of customer feedback (VOC surveys) and sales data (Rewards program) to inform customer engagement and business improvements.

• Inventory Management: Focus on in-stock levels and efficient merchandise handling through stocking and recovery processes.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "fuel the joy of creativity and celebration" suggests a culture that values creativity, community, and customer satisfaction. The large store footprint implies a need for scalable operational processes and a structured approach to team management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as "PT Framer," indicating an entry-level, part-time role within the retail operations and customer service framework. It serves as a foundational position for individuals starting their careers in retail or seeking to develop skills in customer engagement, store operations, and specialized areas like custom framing.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager, who oversee daily store operations and team performance. Direct supervision would come from a designated lead within the framing department or the general store management.

Operations Impact: As a PT Framer, the direct impact on revenue operations is through driving sales through excellent customer service, promoting loyalty programs, and accurately fulfilling orders. In the Custom Framing department, the role contributes to higher-value sales and specialized service offerings. Efficient store operations, including stocking and recovery, also indirectly support sales by ensuring product availability and an appealing shopping environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become proficient in Custom Framing sales and production, potentially leading to roles with greater responsibility in that department.

• Retail Operations Advancement: Progression to roles like Key Holder, Assistant Store Manager, or Store Manager by demonstrating leadership, operational excellence, and strong customer service skills.

• Cross-Functional Training: Potential to gain experience in other store departments or specialized functions within Michaels.

• Continuous Learning: Access to company training programs, including tuition assistance, for further education and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level part-time role, the primary growth path is within the store's operational hierarchy or specialization within departments like Custom Framing. Demonstrating reliability, a strong work ethic, and a proactive approach to learning are crucial for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. This involves working directly with customers in a sales floor environment, as well as in stock rooms and the specialized Custom Framing area.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Boulder-1830 30th St, Bldg E, Boulder, Colorado. This is a retail store location, easily accessible to the local community.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: The primary workspace is the retail sales floor, requiring constant engagement with customers.

• Production Area: The Custom Framing shop is a specialized workspace that may involve tools like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring careful adherence to safety protocols.

• Stockroom: Access to stockrooms for receiving and stocking merchandise, which may or may not be climate-controlled.

• Climate Control: Public areas are climate-controlled, but stockrooms may vary. Some outdoor work might be required for tasks like retrieving carts or during truck unloading.

• Team Collaboration: The environment fosters regular interaction and collaboration with other team members and supervisors.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position. The schedule is variable and will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the demands of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling is generally expected from part-time associates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, requiring associates to be comfortable in a public-facing role with varied tasks. The physical demands and the specialized nature of the framing area are key considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess basic qualifications, including age (16+), availability, and any stated retail/customer service experience.

• In-Person Interview: Typically conducted by the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. This will likely involve behavioral questions to assess customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and alignment with company values.

• Skills Assessment: Discussion of experience related to customer service, cash handling, and potentially any exposure to crafting or framing. For this role, specific demonstration of framing skills may not be required initially but aptitude and willingness to learn are key.

• Store Walkthrough/Observation: Candidates may be asked to walk the store, demonstrating product awareness and customer engagement, or observe operational tasks.

• Offer Extension: Based on the interview and assessment, an offer may be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this entry-level role, a formal portfolio is not expected. Instead, focus on preparing to discuss your experiences:
  • Customer Service Examples: Be ready to share specific instances where you provided excellent customer service, resolved a customer issue, or went above and beyond.
  • Operational Contributions: Describe situations where you contributed to store organization, stocking, or recovery efforts.
  • Learning Agility: Highlight instances where you quickly learned new skills or adapted to new processes.
  • Teamwork Scenarios: Prepare examples of successful collaboration with colleagues.
  • Custom Framing Interest: Express genuine interest in learning custom framing and discuss any related hobbies or experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for questions like: "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer," or "Describe a time you had to work effectively as part of a team."

• Situational Questions: Be ready to answer hypothetical scenarios, such as: "What would you do if a customer couldn't find an item?" or "How would you handle a customer who is upset about a return policy?"

• Company Values Alignment: Understand Michaels' mission and values (creativity, customer focus, teamwork) and be prepared to articulate how your own values align.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be straightforward, focusing on core retail competencies and cultural fit. Candidates should emphasize their customer-centric approach and eagerness to learn specialized skills like custom framing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Proficiency in using a retail POS system for transactions, returns, and customer lookups is essential. This includes cash handling, credit card processing, and loyalty program integration.

• Custom Framing Software: For custom framing sales, candidates will learn to use specialized software for design, quoting, and order entry.

• Inventory Management Systems: Familiarity with systems used for tracking stock levels, processing incoming shipments, and managing merchandise returns.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Customer Feedback Platforms: Understanding how to access and interpret customer feedback from VOC surveys.

• Sales Reporting Tools: While not directly responsible for generating reports, an awareness of how sales data (e.g., from loyalty programs) is used is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Primarily through the Rewards Program and potentially integrated into the POS system, managing customer information and preferences.

• Omni-channel Fulfillment Tools: Systems supporting BOPIS and SFS, which likely involve order management and inventory allocation interfaces.

• Internal Communication Tools: Company-specific platforms for team communication, task management, and policy updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is typical for a large retail organization, with a focus on POS systems, inventory management, and customer engagement tools. Specific training will be provided for specialized software like custom framing design tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: Encouraging a spirit of innovation and artistic expression in products and customer solutions.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through friendly service, helpfulness, and problem-solving.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where team members support each other to achieve store goals.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all transactions, operations, and interactions.

• Efficiency: Striving for smooth operational processes and timely execution of tasks.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Associates are expected to collaborate across different store functions, from customer service to stockroom and framing.

• Supportive: A culture of mutual support, where team members assist each other to ensure customer needs are met and operational targets are achieved.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue and feedback to improve processes and customer experiences.

• Learning-Oriented: A willingness to share knowledge and learn from one another, particularly in specialized areas like custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture that blends creativity with operational efficiency and strong customer service. Team members are expected to be both independent problem-solvers and collaborative team players.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Retail: Managing multiple customer demands, operational tasks, and potential high-traffic periods simultaneously.

• Learning Curve: Mastering the specifics of custom framing, including design principles, material knowledge, and production techniques, in addition to core retail duties.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and performing repetitive motions, which can be physically taxing.

• Customer Conflict: Handling customer complaints or difficult situations with professionalism and de-escalation skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Develop in-depth knowledge and practical skills in custom framing, a valuable niche in the retail market.

• Retail Operations Proficiency: Gain comprehensive experience in various aspects of store operations, from sales to inventory management.

• Customer Service Mastery: Hone advanced customer interaction and problem-solving skills.

• Formal Training: Access to company-provided training, including potential tuition assistance for further education, supporting long-term career growth.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into leadership roles within the store or specialize further within the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a retail environment but are amplified by the specialized framing component. The growth opportunities are significant for an entry-level position, offering pathways to both operational leadership and skilled craft specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to handle a challenging customer. What was the situation, and how did you resolve it?" Focus on empathy, problem-solving, and adherence to policy.

• Teamwork Examples: "Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. What was your role?" Highlight collaboration, communication, and shared success.

• Operational Understanding: "What do you understand about our custom framing services? What interests you about it?" Show you've researched the company and express genuine enthusiasm for learning the craft.

• Adaptability: "How do you handle learning new tasks or processes?" Prepare examples of quick learning and adaptability.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?" Connect your answer to the company's mission of creativity and customer experience.

• "What do you know about Michaels Stores?" Demonstrate you've researched the company's products, services, and market position.

• "How do you align with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork?" Provide specific examples from your past experiences. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Storytelling: Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare compelling verbal narratives for your experiences.

• Highlight Key Skills: Focus on articulating your customer service, problem-solving, and any relevant operational or creative skills.

• Express Enthusiasm for Framing: Clearly communicate your interest in learning and contributing to the Custom Framing department.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be ready to walk through a specific example of how you solved a customer issue or improved a process in a previous role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strong customer service skills, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of Michaels' brand and values. Emphasizing interest in custom framing is a key differentiator.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service experience, any retail or operational responsibilities, and any creative or hands-on skills. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Handled X transactions per shift," "Assisted Y customers daily").

• Portfolio Preparation (Verbal): Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving. Be ready to verbally articulate your interest and aptitude for custom framing.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, product offerings (especially custom framing), and current promotions. Understand the role of a PT Framer within the store context.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your skills and experiences clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss your availability and enthusiasm for working evenings, weekends, and early mornings.

⚠️ 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.

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