Full Time Custom Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Full Time Custom Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Management

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coach a team of custom framers, fostering strong customer relationships and driving sales through expert art framing solutions.

• Oversee daily operations within the framing department, ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies to maintain high standards of quality and compliance.

• Manage sales performance and production workload for the framing team, focusing on achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and optimizing workflow efficiency.

• Play a key role in talent development by assisting with interviewing, onboarding, coaching, and performance management of team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the retail operations sector, specifically focusing on an in-store custom framing department. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role in the B2B SaaS sense, it heavily involves sales leadership, operational execution, team management, and customer relationship building, all critical components of a successful Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy within a retail context. The emphasis on driving sales, managing team performance, and ensuring operational excellence aligns with core GTM principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Coaching: Lead and develop a team of framers, providing ongoing coaching on selling behaviors, customer interaction, and framing techniques to enhance team performance and customer satisfaction.

• Sales & Customer Engagement: Drive custom framing sales by actively assisting customers in identifying and creating ideal framing solutions for their artwork, ensuring a memorable and positive customer experience.

• Operational Management: Oversee and manage adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs, ensuring compliance with laws and requirements. Hold the team accountable for store conditions and operational results.

• Workload & Production Planning: Review sales and production workload, developing plans for sales floor time and effective networking to meet customer demands and deadlines.

• Inventory & Shrink Control: Manage and execute inventory management processes, including shrink and safety programs, to minimize loss and maintain a secure work environment.

• Manager on Duty (MOD): Serve as the Manager on Duty, responsible for overseeing store operations, staff, and customer service in the absence of the Store Manager.

• Talent Development: Participate in interviewing, onboarding, coaching, and performance management activities for new and existing team members, supporting talent development initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with other Managers on Duty and team members daily to communicate expectations for framing and other store operations, ensuring seamless team execution.

• Omni-channel Support: Assist with Omni-channel processes, ensuring a cohesive customer experience across all sales channels.

• Stocking & Logistics: Participate in truck un-loads and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales leadership, operational oversight, and team management. The emphasis on "leading and coaching a team of framers" and "driving custom framing sales" indicates a significant focus on revenue generation through a specialized service offering. Managing "SOPs," "shrink and safety programs," and "inventory management" are core operational duties. This role requires a leader who can balance customer-facing sales activities with behind-the-scenes operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific educational requirements are listed, but a strong understanding of retail operations and sales principles is expected.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in a relevant role.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for operational tasks and communication.

• Ability to lead and coach a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal and motivational skills.

• Proficient in driving sales and achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Knowledge of inventory management processes and shrink reduction strategies.

• Understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ability to ensure team compliance.

• Strong customer service and relationship-building abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous custom framing experience.

• Retail management experience, including operations oversight.

• Experience leading a sales team and managing sales performance.

• Familiarity with Omni-channel retail processes.

• Knowledge of glass cutting and heat press operation (specific to the frame shop environment).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Basic computer skills" requirement is a baseline. The preferred skills, particularly "Previous custom framing experience" and "Retail management experience," are critical for success in this role. For operations professionals, translating their experience in managing processes, teams, and sales targets to this retail context will be key. The physical requirements are also a significant factor to consider.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Documentation: Showcase examples of how you have driven sales growth, met or exceeded sales targets, and implemented strategies to increase revenue in previous roles. Quantify achievements with metrics.

• Team Leadership & Development Case Studies: Present case studies detailing your approach to coaching, motivating, and developing teams. Include examples of performance improvement initiatives you led and their outcomes.

• Operational Efficiency Examples: Provide examples of how you have managed inventory, improved operational processes (e.g., workflow optimization in a production environment), or reduced waste/shrinkage.

• Customer Relationship Management: Illustrate your ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships, with specific examples of how you've enhanced customer satisfaction or loyalty in a retail setting.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping out and optimizing operational workflows, particularly in a production or service-oriented environment like custom framing.

• SOP Implementation & Compliance: Provide evidence of your ability to implement and ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, maintaining consistent quality and compliance.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Show examples of how you track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for sales and operations, using data to drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional "operations portfolio" might focus on CRM, ERP, or marketing automation tools, for this role, the portfolio should emphasize tangible results in sales leadership, team management, and operational execution within a retail or service environment. Quantifiable achievements are paramount. The "process documentation" aspect should focus on how you manage and improve the day-to-day operations of a framing department.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.50 - $23.00 per hour. This range reflects the stated base pay for the position in the US market. It is competitive for a full-time retail leadership role with custom framing responsibilities in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, considering the experience level and the specific skill set required.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Tuition Assistance

• Generous Employee Discounts

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, as required by retail operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time retail position and offer significant value, particularly PTO, tuition assistance, and employee discounts. The working hours are typical for retail management, requiring flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts & Crafts Retail / Specialty Retail. Michaels is a leading retailer in the arts, crafts, and custom framing market, serving a broad customer base with creative needs.

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally, with a significant retail footprint across North America). This implies established operational structures, training programs, and corporate support systems.

Founded: 1973. Michaels has a long history and established presence in the retail landscape, indicating stability and a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: This role leads a specific department (Custom Framing) within a retail store.

• Reporting: The Custom Framer will likely report to the Store Manager and will manage a team of framers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Will collaborate closely with the Store Manager, other department leads (if applicable), and the broader store team to ensure smooth overall store operations and customer experience.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships and providing solutions that meet customer needs.

• Sales-Driven Operations: Focus on achieving sales KPIs and driving revenue through specialized services like custom framing.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent quality and operational efficiency.

• Team Development: Commitment to coaching and developing team members for improved performance and career growth.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates in a high-volume, customer-facing retail environment. The culture likely emphasizes creativity, customer service, and operational efficiency. For operations professionals, understanding this dynamic is crucial, as their skills in process improvement and team management will be applied in a tangible, customer-facing context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a leadership role within a specific retail department, often considered a "Key Holder" or "Department Lead" position. It involves direct people management and accountability for a specific business function (custom framing sales and production).

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Store Manager, with responsibility for a team of Custom Framers. This structure offers direct mentorship from store leadership and hands-on management experience.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and influences customer loyalty through the quality of service and product. Efficient operations in the frame shop directly contribute to profitability and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Store Management Path: Potential to advance into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles within Michaels, overseeing the entire store operation.

• Specialization & Senior Roles: Opportunity to become a senior framer, trainer, or supervisor within larger or specialized Michaels locations, focusing on advanced framing techniques or operational best practices.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gaining experience in various store departments can prepare for broader retail management roles.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in custom framing techniques, sales strategies, and retail management best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals with a background in revenue or sales operations, this role offers a transition into direct operational leadership within a large retail organization. The growth path can lead to broader retail management responsibilities, leveraging their existing analytical and strategic skills in a new, hands-on environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: In-store retail environment. The primary workspace will be within a Michaels store, including the public retail floor and a dedicated custom framing shop area.

Office Location(s): Chicago-2490 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL. This is a specific, high-traffic retail location.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction: High level of direct interaction with customers on the sales floor and within the framing consultation area.

• Production Area: The frame shop involves working with tools like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring attention to safety protocols.

• Team Collaboration: Regular interaction with the store team, including the Store Manager and other department associates, for operational alignment and support.

• Tools & Technology: Basic computer systems for point-of-sale (POS), inventory, and communication; specialized framing tools and equipment.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment (approximately 40 hours/week). This role requires flexibility, including working nights, weekends, and early mornings to meet the demands of a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-focused. Operations professionals accustomed to more controlled office settings will need to adapt to the fast-paced, public-facing nature of retail. The mention of specific tools like "glass cutter and heat press" highlights the hands-on aspect of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application and resume, followed by a brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Store Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially including a tour of the store and framing area, with the Store Manager and possibly another member of the leadership team. This stage will assess leadership potential, customer service skills, and understanding of retail operations.

• Skills Assessment/Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions designed to gauge your approach to team leadership, sales strategies, problem-solving (e.g., handling a difficult customer, managing a production backlog), and operational management.

• Portfolio/Experience Discussion: If you have a portfolio, be prepared to discuss relevant projects, sales achievements, team management initiatives, and operational improvements. Focus on quantifiable results.

• Manager on Duty (MOD) Simulation: You may be asked to role-play or discuss how you would handle specific MOD responsibilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Quantifiable Results: For sales, highlight percentage increases in revenue, average transaction value, or conversion rates. For operations, use metrics related to efficiency, inventory accuracy, or waste reduction.

• Showcase Leadership Impact: Detail how you coached or developed team members, leading to improved performance or reduced turnover.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present specific challenges you faced (e.g., production delays, customer complaints) and the steps you took to resolve them, along with the outcomes.

• Tailor to Retail Operations: Frame your experience in terms of managing people, processes, and profitability within a retail or service context. Highlight any experience with SOPs, inventory, or customer service.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would handle various customer interactions, from assisting with complex framing needs to resolving complaints.

• Team Management Dilemmas: Be ready to discuss how you would motivate a team, address underperformance, or resolve conflicts among team members.

• Operational Problem-Solving: Think about how you would manage a rush of orders, ensure quality control in the frame shop, or handle inventory discrepancies.

• Sales Strategy Discussion: Be prepared to talk about how you would drive sales for custom framing services and meet daily/weekly/monthly targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely be more focused on practical retail management and sales skills than on complex GTM operations strategy. Candidates should emphasize their ability to lead teams, drive sales, and manage day-to-day retail operations effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially tracking sales performance.

• Inventory Management Software: To track stock levels of framing materials, finished goods, and supplies.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in email, word processing (for reports/communication), and potentially spreadsheet software for basic data tracking.

• Specialized Framing Equipment: Glass cutter, mat cutter, mounting presses, framing tools, and potentially design software for visualization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reports: Generated from POS systems to track daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance, often broken down by department or product.

• KPI Dashboards: Internal Michaels systems likely provide dashboards for key metrics such as sales volume, average transaction value, production turnaround times, and customer satisfaction scores.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Databases (within POS/CRM): To store customer information, order history, and preferences for repeat business and personalized service.

• Order Management Systems: To track custom framing orders from inception through completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for retail, with a focus on POS, inventory, and operational management tools. The key difference from typical RevOps roles is the inclusion of specialized production equipment and the direct application of these tools to a physical product and service.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value of Michaels, encouraging employees to be passionate about arts, crafts, and creative expression, which translates to customer engagement and product quality.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction by providing excellent service, expert advice, and high-quality custom framing solutions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve store goals and provide a seamless customer experience.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding company standards, ethical practices, and taking ownership of responsibilities in sales, operations, and team management.

• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing the need for speed in a retail environment with a commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional within Store: Collaboration is essential between departments and leadership to ensure smooth store operations, effective customer service, and consistent brand experience.

• Direct Team Coaching: The role involves a collaborative coaching style, empowering framers to improve their skills and sales performance.

• Feedback Loops: Encouraging open communication and feedback between team members and management to drive continuous improvement in processes and customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is likely vibrant and centered around creativity and customer satisfaction. For operations professionals, understanding how these values translate into daily work, decision-making, and team interactions is crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Managing both the sales consultation process and the actual production workload for custom framing can be demanding, requiring effective time management and prioritization.

• Meeting Customer Expectations: Custom framing is a high-touch service; meeting diverse customer expectations for artistic vision, budget, and turnaround time can be complex.

• Team Motivation & Performance: Keeping a team motivated and performing consistently in a retail environment, especially during peak seasons or challenging periods, requires strong leadership.

• Adapting to Retail Trends: Staying current with framing trends, art styles, and customer preferences while managing operational efficiency.

• Physical Demands: The role involves significant physical activity, which may be a challenge for some.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn and master new framing methods, materials, and design principles.

• Retail Management Skills: Developing expertise in store operations, sales leadership, inventory control, and financial management.

• Customer Service Excellence: Enhancing skills in consultative selling and customer relationship management.

• Leadership Development: Pathways to advance into higher leadership roles within Michaels, such as Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a retail leadership role with a specialized service component. The growth opportunities offer clear paths for career advancement within Michaels, leveraging operational and leadership skills gained in this position.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Leadership & Coaching: "Describe a time you successfully coached an underperforming team member. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" "How would you motivate your framing team to consistently meet sales targets and maintain high-quality production?"

• Sales & Customer Service: "Walk me through how you would consult with a customer who has a valuable piece of art and is unsure about framing options." "Describe a challenging customer interaction you handled, and how you resolved it to their satisfaction."

• Operations & Problem-Solving: "How would you manage a sudden increase in custom framing orders while ensuring timely delivery?" "What steps would you take to reduce inventory discrepancies in the frame shop?" "How do you ensure adherence to SOPs within your team?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Michaels and specifically in custom framing?"

• "How do you align with Michaels' values of creativity, customer focus, and teamwork?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: For any past achievements (sales increases, efficiency improvements, team performance metrics), have clear numbers ready.

• Tell a Story: For case studies (e.g., a challenging project, a successful team initiative), structure your explanation with a clear beginning (situation), middle (action), and end (result).

• Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight how your experience in previous operations, sales, or management roles has prepared you for the specific demands of this Custom Framer position. Emphasize leadership, process management, and customer engagement.

• Be Prepared for a Practical Demonstration: You might be asked to demonstrate basic framing knowledge or how you would approach a customer consultation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing practical leadership, sales acumen, and operational problem-solving skills relevant to a retail environment. Emphasize quantifiable achievements and a customer-centric approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Michaels Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in team leadership, sales management, customer service, and any operational responsibilities (inventory, process adherence, quality control). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of sales achievements, team development initiatives, and operational improvements. Focus on quantifiable results and case studies relevant to a retail or service-oriented environment.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions related to leadership, sales, customer service, and operational problem-solving, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Research Michaels: Understand the company's mission, values, products, and the role of custom framing within their business strategy. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and this specific role.

⚠️ 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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