Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Part time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Associate

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Customer-Centric Sales & Design: Focus on building strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations to create memorable custom framing solutions for art and memorabilia.

• Operational Excellence: Maintain high standards for store presentation, including ready-made frame departments, SISO (Shop In Shop Out) displays, and directed replenishment to ensure a visually appealing and well-stocked shopping environment.

• Production & Quality Assurance: Execute custom framing orders with a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and timely delivery, adhering strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Cross-Functional Support: Actively participate in various store operational tasks, including truck unloading, stocking, Omni-channel processes, and cash handling, to ensure seamless store functioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Framer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a hybrid role blending specialized framing sales and production with general retail associate duties. The emphasis on customer relationships and sales results suggests this role is crucial for driving revenue within the custom framing department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Design Consultation:

  • Proactively greet and acknowledge customers, building rapport and understanding their needs for custom framing solutions.
  • Utilize elevated design consultation techniques (Elevated ABC Deliver) to guide customers through framing options, materials, and styles, creating a personalized and inspiring experience.
  • Act as a trusted advisor, translating customer vision into high-quality, aesthetically pleasing framing designs that meet their artistic and budgetary requirements.

• Sales & Revenue Generation:

  • Drive sales performance within the custom framing department by effectively communicating product value, upselling complementary items, and closing sales opportunities.
  • Meet and exceed personal sales and production targets established for the framing department.
  • Operate the cash register and execute cash handling procedures with accuracy and adherence to company standards.

• Production & Quality Control:

  • Precisely measure, cut, and assemble custom framing orders according to detailed specifications and quality standards.
  • Operate framing equipment, including glass cutters and potentially heat presses, safely and efficiently to produce high-quality finished products.
  • Ensure all framing orders are completed on time and meet the company's stringent quality benchmarks.

• Store Operations & Merchandising:

  • Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, ensuring it is well-organized, appealing, and fully stocked.
  • Execute directed replenishment strategies to ensure product availability and maintain optimal inventory levels across assigned areas.
  • Assist with the truck un-load and stocking processes, adhering to established truck standards and timelines to ensure efficient inventory management.
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and clutter-free environment throughout the store and frame shop.

• Omni-Channel & General Support:

  • Support and execute various Omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across online and in-store touchpoints.

  • Assist customers in locating products and provide solutions that enhance their shopping experience.

  • Participate in shrink and safety programs, adhering to all company policies and procedures to minimize loss and ensure a secure workplace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: deep expertise in custom framing sales and production, coupled with the general duties of a retail associate. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales methodology that candidates should be prepared to discuss.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Post-secondary education or certifications in design, art, or business are beneficial but not mandatory.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing retail environment.

• Demonstrated experience in sales, product consultation, or a creative/design-related field is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, build rapport, and provide exceptional service that drives satisfaction and loyalty.

• Basic Computer Proficiency: Comfort with using computers for point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, and basic digital tasks.

• Measuring & Spatial Reasoning: Accurate basic measuring skills essential for custom framing order specifications.

• Operational Aptitude: Ability to learn and operate framing equipment, including glass cutters, safely and effectively.

• Sales Acumen: Aptitude for understanding customer needs and presenting solutions that lead to sales.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication for customer interactions and team collaboration.

• Adherence to Standards: Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies diligently.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven track record in retail sales, particularly in a specialized department like custom framing or home decor.

• Design Consultation Experience: Experience in guiding customers through design choices, material selection, and aesthetic considerations.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Familiarity or experience with a wider range of framing equipment beyond basic glass cutting.

• Inventory Management: Basic understanding of inventory control, stocking, and merchandising principles.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve customer issues or production challenges effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that while prior retail experience is preferred, the company is willing to train candidates with strong foundational skills in customer service, basic technical aptitude, and a willingness to learn the specifics of custom framing.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Success Stories: Provide examples of how you successfully met or exceeded sales targets, ideally in a retail or consultative sales environment. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "increased sales in X category by Y%").

• Customer Service Case Studies: Illustrate instances where you went above and beyond to resolve a customer issue or create a memorable customer experience. Detail the situation, your actions, and the positive outcome.

• Design/Production Examples (Optional but Recommended): If you have any personal projects or past work showcasing design sensibility or production skills (even non-professional), consider including them to demonstrate aptitude. This could include sketches, mood boards, or photos of completed projects.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Think about how you might improve a specific aspect of the framing process or customer experience. Even hypothetical suggestions demonstrate critical thinking relevant to operations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Adherence: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of following established workflows (SOPs) for consistency and quality in custom framing production.

• Order Management: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage multiple framing orders simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and customer expectations.

• Quality Control Mindset: Highlight your commitment to quality by describing how you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss relevant experiences and demonstrate their understanding of sales, customer service, and operational processes through their resume and interview responses. Conceptualizing how they would approach the framing process and customer interaction is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.85 - $20.75 CAD per hour.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid time off for rest and personal needs.

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

• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, valuable for personal creative projects.

• Potential for Growth: Opportunities for advancement within the retail and operations structure.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While the standard full-time workweek is 40 hours, actual hours will vary based on business needs and scheduling. The role requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings to accommodate customer traffic and store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for part-time retail roles in Canada, particularly for positions involving specialized skills like custom framing. The benefits package is robust for part-time employment, offering significant value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in North America, providing a wide range of supplies for crafting, decorating, and creative projects.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a large, established retail operation with significant market presence.

Founded: 1973. With decades of experience, Michaels has a well-established brand identity and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Store-Level Operations: This role is part of a local store team, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager. The immediate team would include fellow associates and potentially department specialists.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Associates will collaborate with colleagues across various store functions, including sales, stocking, customer service, and potentially e-commerce fulfillment.

• Specialized Department: The framing department operates as a specialized unit within the store, requiring close collaboration among framers and sales associates to ensure seamless customer experience from consultation to production.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building customer relationships and providing solutions that fuel creativity and celebration.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): A strong reliance on defined SOPs ensures consistency in processes, quality, and compliance across all stores.

• Data-Driven Merchandising: While not explicitly detailed for this role, Michaels likely uses sales data and customer insights to inform merchandising decisions, including the presentation of ready-made frames and stock levels.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels fosters a culture centered around creativity and community. For an operations role like this, it means balancing adherence to established procedures with a genuine passion for helping customers bring their creative visions to life.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry Level / Associate. This role is designed for individuals starting their careers or transitioning into a retail operations environment. It provides foundational experience in sales, customer service, and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Store Manager or Assistant Manager, with direct supervision likely from a Framing Manager or lead associate if one exists within the store structure.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and contributes to overall store operational efficiency by maintaining merchandising standards and assisting with core store tasks. A positive customer experience in framing can lead to repeat business and increased customer lifetime value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialist Progression: Potential to advance to a Lead Framer or Framing Department Manager role, taking on more responsibility for sales targets, team training, and inventory management within the department.

• Retail Management Track: Opportunity to move into broader retail management roles, such as Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, by demonstrating leadership, operational proficiency, and sales acumen across all store functions.

• Cross-Departmental Skills: Developing skills in merchandising, inventory, and customer service can open doors to specialized roles in other areas of the retail operation or corporate functions.

• Continuous Learning: Michaels provides training on framing techniques, sales methodologies, and operational best practices, supporting ongoing skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential here is significant for an entry-level position. Michaels offers a clear path for individuals to develop specialized skills in framing or to broaden their retail management expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves interaction with a diverse clientele.

Office Location(s): Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The specific store is located at 349 Main St Bldg A-1.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Areas: Primarily involves working on the sales floor, assisting customers, and maintaining displays in climate-controlled public areas.

• Frame Shop: A dedicated area for custom framing production, which may have specific environmental considerations (e.g., ventilation, tools). It contains specialized equipment like glass cutters and potentially heat presses.

• Stock Rooms: Some stock rooms may not be climate controlled, requiring adaptability.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Encourages interaction with colleagues and customers, fostering a team-oriented and service-driven environment.

Work Schedule: Part-time with flexible scheduling. Must be available to work nights, weekends, and early mornings to meet operational demands and customer service needs. The role requires standing for long periods and involves physical tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail store, requiring adaptability and a positive attitude. The frame shop itself is a specialized workspace where precision and safety are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume review to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves a conversation with the Store Manager or Assistant Manager. Expect questions about customer service philosophy, problem-solving abilities, retail experience, and understanding of the Framer role.

• Skills Assessment: May include a practical demonstration of basic measuring skills or a discussion about how you would handle a specific framing consultation scenario.

• Team Interaction: Potential for meeting other team members to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential.

• Offer & Onboarding: Successful candidates will receive an offer and undergo standard onboarding procedures.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Highlight customer service achievements, any sales success, experience with tools or technical tasks, and examples of following procedures. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare to answer questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate how you've handled past situations related to customer service, sales, teamwork, and problem-solving.

• Framing Knowledge: While not expected to be an expert, show enthusiasm for learning about custom framing and express an understanding of its value to customers.

• Company Alignment: Research Michaels' mission and values ("fuel the joy of creativity and celebration") and articulate how your approach aligns with these.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be ready to role-play a customer interaction where you need to understand their needs and propose a framing solution.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a situation like a customer complaint, a production delay, or an inventory discrepancy.

• Sales Pitch: Practice articulating the value proposition of custom framing and how it enhances the customer's artwork or memorabilia.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the focus will be on potential, attitude, and foundational skills rather than a formal portfolio. Demonstrating enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a strong customer-centric mindset will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially accessing inventory data.

• Custom Framing Software/Quoting Tool: Likely a proprietary system used to design frames, calculate costs, and generate order details.

• Basic Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing jigs for accurate measurements.

• Framing Equipment: Glass cutters, mat cutters, framing tools (e.g., underpinner, staple gun), potentially heat presses for specific applications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Inventory Management System: For tracking stock levels of frames, mats, glass, and hardware.

• Sales Reporting Tools: Used by management to track department sales performance, individual sales targets, and promotional effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Database: To store customer information, framing preferences, and past order history for personalized service and repeat business.

• POS System Integration: Seamless integration between POS and CRM/ordering systems to ensure data accuracy and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a POS system and basic computer skills are essential. The company will provide training on their specific framing software and equipment. The ability to quickly learn new software and tools is a valuable asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value is fostering creativity and celebrating artistic expression, which extends to the framing department's role in preserving and enhancing customer artwork.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service to build lasting relationships and drive satisfaction.

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

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, maintaining high standards of quality, and taking responsibility for one's actions and contributions.

• Efficiency & Process Adherence: Following established SOPs to ensure consistent quality, safety, and operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Service-Oriented: Team members are expected to support each other in providing excellent customer service across all departments.

• Process-Driven: Collaboration often involves adhering to shared operational processes, such as truck unloading, stocking, and maintaining store standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, especially within specialized departments like framing, to enhance collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a positive, creative, and supportive work environment. Team members are expected to be enthusiastic, helpful, and committed to both customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to engage customers for design consultations while also completing framing orders accurately and on time.

• Handling Diverse Customer Needs: Meeting the unique creative visions and budgetary constraints of a wide range of customers.

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

• Adapting to Retail Pace: Thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced retail environment with fluctuating customer traffic and operational demands.

• Continuous Learning: Staying updated on new framing techniques, materials, and design trends to provide the best customer solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

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

• Sales Training: Development in consultative selling, upselling, and customer relationship management.

• Operational Skill Development: Gaining experience in inventory management, visual merchandising, and POS system operations.

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways to supervisory or management roles within the store structure.

• Cross-Training: Opportunities to learn about other departments within Michaels to gain a broader understanding of retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in retail operations. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing, production-oriented role, and the company provides ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs, even if it wasn't the most obvious one." (Assesses customer-centric problem-solving and consultation skills)

• "How would you approach a customer who is unsure about their framing design choices?" (Evaluates consultation approach and ability to guide customers)

• "Imagine a customer needs a frame for a valuable piece of art. What steps would you take to ensure their satisfaction and the artwork's safety?" (Tests understanding of quality, care, and customer trust)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple customer requests and framing orders to complete simultaneously?" (Assesses time management and organizational skills in a busy environment) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Michaels and specifically the Framer role?" (Gauges genuine interest and alignment with the company's mission)

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Explores collaboration and interpersonal skills)

• "Michaels' purpose is to 'fuel the joy of creativity and celebration.' How do you see yourself embodying this in your role?" (Tests understanding of company values and ability to connect them to job duties) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting specific experiences that demonstrate relevant skills in customer service, sales, technical aptitude, or operational tasks.

• Scenario-Based Responses: Instead of a formal portfolio, use specific examples from your past experiences to answer behavioral and situational questions. Focus on clear, concise narratives using the STAR method.

• Enthusiasm for Creativity: Express your passion for art, design, or creative projects, and how that translates into a desire to help customers with their framing needs.

• Learning Agility: Emphasize your eagerness to learn new skills, operate new equipment, and adhere to company processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus on behavioral and situational questions to assess your fit for the role and the company culture. Demonstrating a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine interest in helping customers be creative will be crucial.

📌 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 customer service experience, any sales achievements, technical aptitude (even basic computer/measuring skills), and examples of following procedures. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Practice answering common interview questions using the STAR method, focusing on situations related to customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and product offerings. Understand their position in the arts and crafts retail market.

• Practice Your "Why": Be ready to articulate clearly why you are interested in this specific Framer role at Michaels and how your skills and aspirations align with the company.

⚠️ 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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