Retail PT Personal Designer ( Framer)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail PT Personal Designer (Framer)

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-30

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on driving sales and customer engagement through expert custom framing solutions and exceptional in-store service.

• Responsibilities include building strong customer relationships, executing sales strategies, and maintaining visual merchandising standards within the framing department and store.

• The position requires proficiency in operating specialized framing equipment and a commitment to upholding operational procedures and safety protocols.

• Successful candidates will contribute to overall store performance by assisting with inventory management, stock replenishment, and omni-channel processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Personal Designer" might suggest a purely creative role, the inclusion of "Framer" and responsibilities like "adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)," "operate cash register and execute cash handling," and "participate in the truck un-load and stocking processes" clearly place this within a retail operations and sales support framework, emphasizing the blend of customer interaction, sales, and operational execution. The "0-2 Years" experience level indicates an entry-level or early-career opportunity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales: Build and nurture customer relationships by actively engaging them, understanding their needs, and presenting tailored custom framing solutions that drive sales.

• Framing Expertise: Accurately complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and within established production timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Visual Merchandising & Operations: Maintain the ready-made frame department, SISO (Sales In, Stock Out), and directed replenishment areas to ensure a visually appealing, well-organized, and in-stock environment.

• In-Store Service: Provide friendly and attentive customer service, assist shoppers in locating products, and offer solutions to enhance their shopping experience.

• Operational Compliance: Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, requirements, and safety standards.

• Inventory & Stocking: Participate actively in truck un-loads and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and completion within budget.

• Point of Sale (POS) Operations: Accurately operate the cash register, execute cash handling procedures to company standards, and process customer transactions efficiently.

• Omni-Channel Support: Assist with and support omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.

• Team Collaboration: Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, promoting a collaborative environment and contributing to the organization's vision and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct customer sales (framing solutions) and essential retail operations tasks. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" suggests a structured approach to customer interaction and solution selling within the framing context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Further education or certifications in design or visual arts may be beneficial but not explicitly required.

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

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using computer systems for order entry, inventory lookups, and POS transactions.

• Basic Measuring Skills: Accurate measurement capabilities for custom framing projects.

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, build rapport, and provide helpful, friendly assistance.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for understanding customer needs and recommending suitable framing solutions to drive sales.

• Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and effectively operate framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Adherence to Procedures: Strong ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.

• Teamwork: Capacity to collaborate effectively with team members and contribute to a positive work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience working in a retail store setting.

• Sales Experience: Proven track record of selling products and/or services to customers.

• Visual Merchandising: Understanding of visual merchandising principles to maintain department appearance.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with basic inventory control and stocking procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level suggests that while retail or sales experience is preferred, the core requirements are focused on fundamental skills like basic computer literacy, accurate measuring, and the ability to learn and operate specific equipment. The emphasis on "basic" skills implies a strong training program will be in place.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant experiences in customer service, sales, or any creative projects involving design or custom work during the application or interview process.

• Examples of successful customer interactions, problem-solving scenarios, or instances where creative solutions were provided would be beneficial. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated ability to follow and execute established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sales, production, and store operations.

• Understanding of workflow for custom framing orders, from initial customer consultation through to final product completion and fulfillment.

• Familiarity with processes related to inventory management, stock replenishment, and point-of-sale transactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail position, a formal "process and systems portfolio" is not standard. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to learn and adhere to existing processes and SOPs. If candidates have examples of process improvement or project management from other contexts (e.g., school projects, volunteer work), they could be relevant to discuss.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for part-time retail positions with custom service elements in Austin, Texas, and an experience level of 0-2 years, the estimated hourly wage is likely between $13.00 - $17.00 per hour. This is a conservative estimate and actual compensation may vary based on specific qualifications, performance, and company-wide pay scales.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with Employer Match: Retirement savings plan with company contributions.

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

• Medical Coverage: Health insurance options available.

• Dental Coverage: Dental insurance options available.

• Vision Coverage: Vision insurance options available.

• Telemedicine Services: Access to remote medical consultations.

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

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education.

• Adoption Assistance: Financial support for adopting a child.

• Voluntary Insurance Options: Additional insurance plans available.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While the exact number of hours may vary, it typically aligns with standard retail operations, potentially including nights, weekends, and early mornings. The role description mentions "40" in the ai_working_hours field, which is unusual for a "PT" (part-time) role and might indicate the maximum hours or a general company standard that is then adjusted for part-time status. It's advisable to clarify the expected weekly hours during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical part-time retail roles in Austin, TX, considering the skills required and the 0-2 year experience level. The extensive list of benefits provided in the ai_benefits field is a significant draw for this role, offering comprehensive support beyond standard hourly wages.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading specialty retailer of arts, crafts, and decorative home products in North America.

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a structured corporate environment with established processes and potential for internal mobility.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-established brand presence and operational expertise in the retail sector.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: The primary team will be the store associates, including fellow sales associates, a framing specialist (if applicable), and supervisory staff (e.g., Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager).

• Reporting Structure: This role likely reports directly to a Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager, with day-to-day guidance from a lead associate or department supervisor.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaboration occurs primarily within the store, with interactions with other sales associates for general customer assistance, inventory tasks, and operational support. Interactions with corporate teams would be indirect, through adherence to company-wide policies and procedures.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing solutions ("Elevated ABC Deliver").

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent execution of tasks from sales to stocking.

• Data-Driven (Store Level): While not deeply analytical, performance is tracked through sales metrics, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is rooted in fostering creativity and celebration. For operations professionals, this translates to a focus on customer experience, efficient store management, and adherence to established retail best practices within a large, established organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to early-career stage within retail operations. It serves as a foundational position for understanding customer service, sales processes, and store-level operational execution.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to store management (Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager), with daily tasks potentially overseen by a lead associate or department supervisor.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and overall customer satisfaction by providing a positive shopping experience. Efficient execution of operational tasks (stocking, merchandising) contributes to store profitability and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialist/Lead: Potential progression to a more specialized framing role with increased responsibility and potentially higher hourly pay.

• Key Holder/Shift Supervisor: Opportunities to gain leadership experience by becoming a key holder or supervising shifts, involving more responsibility for store operations and team oversight.

• Assistant Store Manager: A significant step up, leading to broader management responsibilities for store operations, staff, and performance.

• Cross-Departmental Roles: Experience gained in framing and sales can be leveraged for roles in other store departments or specialized areas.

• Corporate Roles: While less direct, a strong performance and understanding of retail operations can open doors to corporate opportunities in areas like Merchandising, Operations Management, or Training, though this typically requires additional experience or education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined within the retail store hierarchy. For individuals interested in operations, focusing on mastering sales processes, operational efficiency, and team leadership within the store environment will be key to advancing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. This role operates within a customer-facing environment.

Office Location(s): The specific store location is Austin-3201 Bee Caves Rd Ste 112, Austin, Texas. This is a physical retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Zone: Primarily involves direct interaction with customers on the sales floor and within the custom framing area.

• Production Area: The frame shop includes specialized equipment like a glass cutter and heat press, requiring a focus on safety and precision.

• Stock Room: May involve time in stock rooms, which might not always be climate-controlled, for receiving and stocking merchandise.

• Tools & Technology: Access to POS systems, basic computer terminals, and specialized framing machinery.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, to meet store operating hours and customer demand. This is typical for part-time retail positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric, demanding adaptability and a willingness to engage with diverse customer needs. The frame shop environment presents unique operational considerations related to equipment usage and safety protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the application and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: Candidates will likely participate in one or more in-person interviews at the store. This may involve meeting with the Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager.

• Situational & Behavioral Questions: Expect questions related to customer service scenarios, handling difficult customers, teamwork, and problem-solving.

• Skills Assessment: Practical demonstration or discussion of basic measuring skills and understanding of framing equipment operation may occur.

• Cultural Fit: Assessment of how well the candidate aligns with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

• Onboarding: If selected, the process will include onboarding and training on specific company procedures, framing techniques, and POS systems.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a formal portfolio is not expected. Instead, prepare to discuss specific examples from past experiences (retail, customer service, creative projects) that demonstrate:
  • Customer Interaction: How you've built rapport, solved customer issues, or gone the extra mile.
  • Problem-Solving: Instances where you encountered a challenge and how you resolved it.
  • Sales Aptitude: Any experience where you successfully recommended products or services.
  • Attention to Detail: Examples of tasks requiring precision and accuracy.
  • Teamwork: How you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions such as:

  • "A customer wants a frame for a valuable piece of art but is unsure about the options. How would you assist them?"

  • "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult customer. What was the outcome?"

  • "How would you prioritize tasks if you had multiple customers waiting and an order to complete?"

  • "What does good customer service mean to you in a retail setting?"

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will be heavily focused on practical skills, customer service aptitude, and cultural fit rather than a formal operations portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• POS System: Used for all customer transactions, including sales, returns, and inventory lookups. Proficiency in cash handling and basic system navigation is essential.

• Framing Equipment: Specialized machinery for cutting mats, frames, and assembling custom framing orders. Includes items like glass cutters, mat cutters, and potentially heat presses.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• While this role is not directly involved in data analysis, performance is tracked through:
  • Sales Reports: Daily/weekly sales figures generated by the POS system.
  • Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels and completing replenishment tasks.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Basic customer data may be captured through the POS system for order history and loyalty programs. The focus is on direct customer interaction rather than extensive CRM database management.

• Automation: Limited automation at this level, primarily within the POS system for transaction processing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on direct operational tools: Point of Sale systems for transactions and basic inventory, and specialized framing equipment for production. The emphasis is on user operation rather than system administration or advanced analytics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the customer experience and satisfaction is paramount, especially in the custom framing service.

• Creativity & Passion: Encouraging a creative mindset and passion for arts and crafts is central to Michaels' brand.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together effectively to support store operations and customer needs.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards and treating all individuals with respect.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for accuracy and quality in all tasks, from sales to production.

Collaboration Style:

• In-Store Synergy: A collaborative environment where team members support each other to manage customer flow, complete operational tasks, and ensure the store runs smoothly.

• Feedback Loop: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team effectiveness.

• Shared Responsibility: Team members share responsibility for maintaining store standards, achieving sales goals, and ensuring a positive customer environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes creativity, customer service, and teamwork. For operations, this means executing tasks efficiently while maintaining a positive and supportive environment for both colleagues and customers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Effectively managing customer interactions, order fulfillment, and general store operational tasks simultaneously.

• Learning Specialized Skills: Mastering the technical skills required for custom framing, including precise measuring and equipment operation.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and expectations for custom framing projects, which can vary significantly.

• Physical Demands: The role involves prolonged standing, lifting, and repetitive motions, which can be physically demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Certification/Training: Opportunities to develop expertise in custom framing techniques and design principles.

• Sales Training: Development of skills in consultative selling and upselling custom framing solutions.

• Operational Proficiency: Gaining hands-on experience with retail POS systems, inventory management, and store operational procedures.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within the store structure, from entry-level associate to supervisory or management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop specialized craft skills and customer-facing sales abilities within a structured retail environment, with clear avenues for career progression within Michaels.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you ensure that custom framing orders are completed accurately and on time while also managing walk-in customers?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and process adherence).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to work with a colleague to solve a customer's problem. What was your role?" (Highlight teamwork, communication, and customer advocacy).

• Problem-Solving: "A customer is unhappy with the framing choice for their artwork. How would you handle this situation to find a satisfactory resolution?" (Demonstrate empathy, solution-oriented thinking, and adherence to company policy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Michaels, specifically in the framing department?" (Showcase an understanding of the brand and the role's creative/service aspects).

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Emphasize collaboration, respect, and helpfulness).

• "How do you ensure attention to detail in your work, especially when dealing with custom orders?" (Connect to accuracy in measuring, production, and POS transactions). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to verbally present:

  • Key Achievements: Briefly describe 1-2 instances where you excelled in customer service, sales, or a detail-oriented task.
  • Relevant Skills: Articulate how your basic computer, measuring, and interpersonal skills align with the job requirements.
  • Motivation: Clearly state why you are a good fit for this specific role and for Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service skills, a willingness to learn, attention to detail, and an understanding of basic retail operations within a creative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any customer service, sales, retail, or creative/design-related experiences. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of 50 customers per shift," "Contributed to a 10% increase in framing sales through upselling efforts").

• Portfolio Preparation (Verbal): Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work or personal projects that showcase your customer interaction skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and any experience with custom work or design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings, particularly their custom framing services. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail and customer service interview questions, focusing on using the STAR method to illustrate your experiences. Be ready to discuss your understanding of framing and customer engagement.

⚠️ 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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