Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Midlothian-11647 Midlothian Tpke, Ste A, Midlothian, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to the custom framing department, focusing on creating memorable framing solutions and building strong customer relationships.

• It involves direct customer interaction to understand needs, provide expert advice, and drive sales of custom framing services and related products.

• The position requires adherence to operational standards, including sales targets, production quality, and maintaining an organized and safe retail environment.

• This role also encompasses supporting store operations, including merchandising, inventory management, and assisting team members, with opportunities to act in a lead capacity in the absence of a manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Framer," has significant operational and sales components within a retail environment. It requires not only technical framing skills but also customer engagement, sales acumen, and general retail operational support. The "operations" aspect here is primarily focused on the efficient and effective functioning of the framing department and its contribution to overall store performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Actively engage with customers to understand their framing needs and preferences, leveraging the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to build rapport and trust.
  • Provide expert consultation on framing solutions, materials, and design options to create custom framing orders that meet customer expectations.
  • Drive sales performance by promoting custom framing services, upselling complementary products, and enrolling customers in the store's rewards program.
  • Educate customers on the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey to gather feedback and drive continuous improvement.

• Production & Quality Assurance:

  • Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and within established production timelines, ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Operate framing equipment, including specialized machinery and tools like glass cutters and heat presses, safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, ensuring it is well-merchandised, organized, and stocked.

• Store Operations & Support:

  • Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment for both customers and team members.
  • Support stockroom operations, including participating in truck un-loads and stocking processes to ensure adherence to truck standards and efficient replenishment.
  • Perform cashier duties accurately and efficiently, adhering to all cash handling standards and procedures.
  • Assist with Omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across online and in-store channels.

• Team Collaboration & Leadership:

  • Act as a resource for other team members, providing assistance and training on framing processes, sales techniques, and customer service standards.

  • Take on a lead capacity in the absence of the Framing Manager, overseeing daily operations and supporting KPI achievement.

  • Foster a positive and respectful work environment, embodying the company's values and serving as a role model for colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of specialized framing skills, customer-facing sales, and general retail operations. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer interaction and sales, while "KPI achievement" points to a performance-driven environment. The opportunity to act as a lead indicates a growth path within the department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific educational degree is mandated, suggesting a focus on practical skills and experience. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a preference for retail environments.

• Demonstrated experience in sales or service-oriented roles is beneficial. Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to navigate point-of-sale systems, basic software applications, and potentially inventory management tools.

• Measuring Skills: Proficiency in accurate measurement for custom framing projects, ensuring precise cuts and fits.

• Equipment Operation: Competency in operating framing equipment, including specialized tools like glass cutters and heat presses.

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, understand their needs, build rapport, and provide solutions that lead to sales and satisfaction.

• Sales Acumen: Capability to effectively present products and services, upsell, and drive revenue through persuasive selling techniques.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accuracy and adherence to standards in processing transactions and managing cash.

• Merchandising & Organization: Skill in maintaining visually appealing and well-stocked retail displays, particularly within the framing department.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Sales Experience: Proven track record of selling products or services, demonstrating the ability to meet sales targets.

• Custom Framing Knowledge: Familiarity with different framing materials, techniques, and design principles is advantageous.

• Team Training/Mentorship: Experience in assisting or training colleagues on operational procedures or product knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical skills and on-the-job trainability rather than formal education. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests this role is suitable for entry-level candidates or those looking to transition into a specialized retail role with opportunities for skill development in sales and operational execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Process Demonstration: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to customer engagement, needs assessment, and closing sales in a retail context. This can be demonstrated through behavioral interview questions and examples.

• Quality & Efficiency Examples: Be ready to articulate how you ensure quality in your work, especially when dealing with custom orders and intricate processes like framing. Examples of how you've managed time effectively to meet deadlines are crucial.

• System Familiarity: While specific systems aren't listed, demonstrate an understanding of how POS systems, inventory tracking, and basic computer applications contribute to efficient retail operations.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Prepare to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to customer issues, production challenges, or operational bottlenecks, and how you would apply process thinking to resolve them.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Candidates are expected to understand and follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing, sales, and general store operations.

• Adaptability to New Processes: The role involves adapting to new selling methodologies like "Elevated ABC Deliver" and supporting Omni-channel processes, indicating a need for flexibility and willingness to learn new workflows.

• Performance Measurement: Be prepared to discuss how you contribute to achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within the framing department and store, demonstrating an understanding of metrics-driven operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since this is a retail operational role, a traditional "process and systems portfolio" is less common than for high-level operations strategists. However, candidates should prepare to showcase their understanding of sales processes, operational efficiency, and adherence to company procedures through their resume and interview responses. Demonstrating an ability to learn and adapt to new systems and sales methodologies is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The total base pay range for this position is $13.25 - $15.60 per hour. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Telemedicine services
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care

• Financial Security & Future Planning:

  • 401(k) plan with employer match
  • Voluntary insurance options

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance for continued education
  • Adoption assistance

• Employee Perks:

  • Commuter benefits

  • Employee discounts on Michaels products

  • Access to partner discount programs Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position.

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the demands of a retail environment.

• The role may be eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with state and local laws.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range aligns with entry-level retail positions in the United States. The benefits package is comprehensive for a retail role, offering a good mix of health, financial, and development support. The working hours are typical for retail, requiring flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, operating over 1,300 stores.

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally, based on typical Michaels corporate structure). This scale implies established operational frameworks and processes.

Founded: 1973, headquartered in Irving, Texas. This long history suggests stability and a well-defined corporate identity.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: This role is part of the store's operational team, specifically within the Custom Framing department.

• Hierarchy: The Framer reports to a Framing Manager and works alongside other Team Members, potentially including specialized roles depending on store size.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on framing, the role requires collaboration with other store associates for general customer service, stocking, and operational tasks, fostering a team-oriented environment.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on building customer relationships and providing memorable experiences ("Elevated ABC Deliver").

• Process Adherence: Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of the job, from sales to production to safety.

• Performance Orientation: Focus on achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to sales, production, and customer satisfaction.

• Data Utilization: Encouragement of customer feedback through VOC surveys to inform improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates as a large, established retail chain. The culture likely emphasizes customer service, operational efficiency, and adherence to company-wide standards. The framing department functions as a specialized service hub within the broader store environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Associate. This role is foundational, focusing on executing established processes and developing core customer service and sales skills within a specific operational department.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Framing Manager. May take on lead responsibilities in their absence, providing a stepping stone to supervisory roles.

Operations Impact: Directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer loyalty. Contributes to overall store operational efficiency by maintaining departments, assisting with stock, and providing excellent customer service.

Growth Opportunities:

• Within Framing: Potential to advance to Framing Manager, overseeing the department's sales, production, and team.

• Broader Retail Management: With proven performance and leadership potential, opportunities may exist to move into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles within Michaels.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in custom framing design, sales techniques, and retail operations management.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gaining exposure to other store functions can broaden skill sets for future roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a strong entry point into specialized retail operations. The clear reporting structure and potential for lead responsibilities offer a defined path for growth within the framing department or broader retail management, emphasizing practical skill development and performance-based advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the dedicated Custom Framing shop area.

Office Location(s): Midlothian-11647 Midlothian Tpke, Ste A, Midlothian, United States. This is a specific retail store location.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Hub: The environment is highly interactive, centered around serving customers on the sales floor and within the framing area.

• Specialized Tools: The framing shop is equipped with specialized tools and machinery, including a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• Team Collaboration: The workspace encourages collaboration with fellow team members to ensure smooth store operations, customer assistance, and efficient workflow.

• Climate Control: While public areas are climate-controlled, some stock rooms may not be, and outdoor work may be required for tasks like retrieving carts or unloading trucks.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time position requiring flexibility.

• Work hours encompass nights, weekends, and early mornings.

• The schedule is designed to ensure adequate staffing during peak retail hours and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric, typical of a busy retail store. It requires adaptability to varying tasks, from direct customer sales and framing production to general store maintenance and support, often in a fast-paced setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the application and resume, focusing on relevant retail or customer service experience.

• In-Person Interview: Typically conducted by the Framing Manager or Store Manager. This will likely include:

  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and team collaboration through past experiences.
  • Situational Questions: Presenting hypothetical scenarios related to customer interactions, sales challenges, or operational issues to gauge decision-making.
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion or demonstration of basic measuring skills and understanding of framing equipment operation.
  • Company Culture Fit: Evaluating alignment with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork.

• Potential Second Interview: May involve meeting with a higher-level store manager or HR representative.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume as Portfolio: For this role, the resume serves as the primary "portfolio." Ensure it clearly highlights:

  • Quantifiable achievements in customer service and sales (e.g., "increased sales by X%", "achieved Y% customer satisfaction").
  • Specific examples of handling customer inquiries and resolving issues.
  • Experience with relevant tools or equipment, even if basic.
  • Any instances of training or assisting team members.

• Prepare Examples: Be ready to verbally "walk through" examples of how you've handled common retail scenarios, such as:

  • Assisting a customer with a complex product selection.
  • Resolving a customer complaint effectively.
  • Managing multiple tasks simultaneously during a busy period.
  • Ensuring accuracy in transactions and inventory.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show passion for art, creativity, and helping customers find the right framing solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Challenges: Be prepared for questions like:

  • "A customer is unsure about which frame to choose for a valuable piece of art. How would you help them decide?"
  • "You notice a display that is disorganized. What steps would you take?"
  • "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with the quality of a framed item?"

• Process Adherence: Emphasize your understanding of following instructions and SOPs, especially regarding safety and quality.

• Sales Goal Focus: Be ready to discuss how you would approach meeting daily or weekly sales targets for the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for this role will focus on practical skills, customer interaction experience, and alignment with retail operational standards rather than a formal portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience and problem-solving approach through behavioral and situational questions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Specialized machinery and tools for cutting, assembling, and finishing frames. This includes:

  • Glass Cutter: For precise cutting of glass or acrylic.
  • Heat Press: Used for various framing applications, potentially for mounting or sealing.
  • Mat Cutters: Equipment for cutting mats to size and shape.
  • Assembly Tools: Staplers, jointers, and other tools for constructing frames.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing customer transactions, managing sales, and potentially tracking inventory.

• Basic Computer Skills: Familiarity with computer interfaces for accessing information, training modules, and potentially internal communication systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• VOC Survey Tools: While not directly operated, understanding the purpose and importance of customer feedback gathered through Voice of Customer surveys is required.

• KPI Tracking: Awareness of key performance indicators relevant to framing sales, production, and customer satisfaction, which are likely monitored by management.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Aspects: Building customer relationships is a core function, though specific CRM software might be managed at a higher level.

• Rewards Program Enrollment: Utilizing store systems to enroll customers in loyalty programs.

• Omni Channel Support: Assisting with processes that bridge online and in-store customer experiences, indicating some integration between systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily hands-on with specialized framing equipment and standard retail systems like POS. The emphasis is on the practical application of these tools to drive sales and ensure quality production, rather than deep technical expertise in software development or advanced analytics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Michaels fosters a culture that celebrates creativity and inspires customers and team members alike to explore their artistic potential.

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service, building relationships, and ensuring customer satisfaction is paramount.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on working together effectively to achieve store goals, support colleagues, and create a positive work environment.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards, treating everyone with respect, and maintaining a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

• Efficiency & Quality: Driving operational excellence through adherence to SOPs, maintaining high-quality standards in products and services, and optimizing workflows.

Collaboration Style:

• Service-Oriented: Team members collaborate to ensure customers receive seamless service across different store areas.

• Supportive: Associates are encouraged to assist each other, share knowledge, and step in where needed, especially in fulfilling operational demands.

• Process-Driven: Collaboration often involves working within established procedures and guidelines to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to feedback, particularly through VOC surveys, to continuously improve both individual performance and team operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels is built around creativity, customer engagement, and a collaborative team environment. For a Framer, this means being part of a team dedicated to helping customers bring their creative visions to life, while also contributing to the smooth day-to-day operations of the store.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling customer service, custom framing consultations, production tasks, and general store duties simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving sales goals for custom framing, which can be influenced by customer traffic and seasonal demand.

• Technical Skill Development: Mastering the operation of specialized framing equipment and techniques to ensure high-quality output.

• Customer Conflict Resolution: Effectively handling customer concerns or dissatisfaction with products or services.

• Maintaining Standards: Adhering strictly to SOPs for safety, quality, and customer service, even during busy periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Deepen knowledge of matting, framing techniques, materials, and design principles through on-the-job training and potentially advanced workshops.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhance consultative selling abilities, customer relationship management, and conflict resolution skills.

• Operational Efficiency: Learn best practices for time management, inventory control, and process optimization within a retail setting.

• Leadership Potential: Develop leadership capabilities through opportunities to act as a lead, train new team members, and understand store management functions.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress into roles like Framing Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or other positions within the Michaels organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop highly specialized skills in custom framing and sales, alongside broader retail operational competencies. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing retail role, with clear pathways for skill enhancement and career progression within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer. What was the outcome?" "How would you handle a customer who is indecisive about their framing choices?"

• Sales Approach: "What motivates you to meet sales goals?" "How would you approach selling a premium framing package versus a standard one?" "How do you build rapport with a new customer?"

• Problem-Solving & Process: "Imagine a key piece of framing equipment is malfunctioning. What are your immediate steps?" "How do you ensure accuracy when taking measurements for a custom order?"

• Teamwork & Leadership: "Describe a time you assisted a colleague. How did you contribute to the team's success?" "If you were acting as lead, how would you delegate tasks during a busy shift?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Michaels Values: "What does creativity mean to you?" "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?" "How do you embody customer focus in your work?"

• Work Environment: "What are your expectations for a work environment?" "How do you handle working under pressure?"

• Operational Understanding: "What does adherence to Standard Operating Procedures mean to you?" "How do you contribute to a safe and clean store environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume as Your Guide: Use your resume to highlight relevant experiences. Be prepared to elaborate on:

  • Specific examples of customer interactions and sales achievements.
  • Your experience with tools or equipment (even if basic).
  • Instances where you've demonstrated initiative or problem-solving.

• Verbal "Case Studies": Instead of a formal portfolio, prepare to discuss your approach to common situations:

  • Sales Consultation: Walk through how you'd guide a customer from initial inquiry to a finalized framing order.
  • Problem Resolution: Detail how you'd handle a customer complaint about framing quality or a missed deadline.
  • Operational Task: Explain how you'd ensure a department is well-maintained and stocked.

• Showcase Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in art, design, and helping customers, aligning with Michaels' brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong customer service, sales potential, process adherence, and a collaborative spirit. Candidates should be ready to provide specific examples from their experience to illustrate their capabilities, as a formal portfolio is not expected.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Framer position:

• Submit your application: Complete and submit the online application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers portal.

• Tailor your resume:

  • Highlight any customer service, sales, or retail experience prominently.
  • Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Assisted an average of X customers per hour," "Contributed to Y% increase in framing sales").
  • Include any experience with tools, measuring, or operational tasks, even if from unrelated fields.
  • Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "merchandising," and "equipment operation."

• Prepare for the interview:

  • Review the company's values and mission.
  • Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to customer service, sales, and problem-solving.
  • Be ready to discuss your understanding of operational processes and attention to detail.
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture.

• Research Michaels: Understand the company's brand, products, and customer base. Familiarize yourself with the framing services offered and the overall retail environment.

⚠️ 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.