Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Store - 300 Colonial Promenade Pkwy, Alabaster, Alabama, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service / Sales

Date Posted: May 02, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences within a retail environment, specifically within the custom framing department, requiring strong interpersonal and sales skills.

• Key responsibilities include building customer relationships, understanding their needs for custom framing solutions, and effectively selling products and services.

• The position demands meticulous attention to detail in framing order completion, ensuring high quality and timely delivery, while also contributing to overall store operations and visual merchandising standards.

• This role may involve leading the framing department in the absence of a manager, demonstrating leadership potential and a comprehensive understanding of framing operations and sales targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Framer," the description indicates a multi-faceted retail role that blends direct customer sales, custom service, and operational duties. The "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" categorization is not a direct fit for this position, but the underlying principles of driving sales, maintaining customer relationships, and executing operational processes are relevant. This enhancement positions it within a broader retail operations context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Relationship Management & Sales:

  • Build and nurture customer relationships through personalized design consultations using the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology.
  • Create memorable framing solutions that meet customer aesthetic and functional needs, driving custom framing sales.
  • Engage customers proactively, assist them in locating products, and provide tailored solutions to enhance their shopping experience.
  • Educate customers on the benefits of loyalty programs (Rewards) and facilitate enrollment.
  • Inform customers about the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey to gather feedback and improve service.

• Sales & Production Execution:

  • Achieve assigned sales and production targets for the framing department.
  • Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to delivery timelines.
  • Operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and efficiently according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Maintain the ready-made frame department, including merchandising, stock, and visual presentation standards (SISO and Directed Replenishment).

• Store Operations & Support:

  • Adhere strictly to SOPs and company programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and requirements.
  • Execute company policies and standards consistently across all job functions.
  • Act as a lead in the absence of the Framing Manager, providing guidance and support to other team members.
  • Assist the Framing Manager in driving Key Performance Indicator (KPI) achievement for the department.
  • Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget.
  • Provide a fast and friendly checkout experience, adhering to all cash handling and transaction standards.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, including all public and back-stock areas.
  • Support company-wide shrink and safety programs.

• Team Collaboration & Development:

  • Act as a resource to assist and train other Team Members on framing processes, sales techniques, and customer service standards.

  • Interact positively and respectfully with colleagues, promoting a collaborative and supportive team environment.

  • Maintain a positive and respectful demeanor, even in challenging situations, serving as a role model.

  • Demonstrate commitment to the organization's vision and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the operational and sales-driving aspects of the Framer role. Keywords like "KPI achievement," "SOPs," "sales targets," "customer relationship management," and "visual merchandising" are integrated to reflect standard retail operations terminology. The emphasis on leading in the manager's absence suggests a potential for growth and increased responsibility, which is a key aspect for operations professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Required:

  • Minimum of 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role.
  • Basic computer skills for POS systems, order entry, and internal communications.
  • Basic measuring skills with a keen eye for detail, essential for accurate framing.
  • Ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and effectively.

• Preferred:

  • Prior retail experience, particularly in a specialty or service-oriented environment.
  • Proven experience in selling products and/or services, with a track record of meeting sales goals.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to engage customers, understand needs, and provide solutions that foster loyalty and satisfaction.

• Custom Framing Proficiency: Skill in operating framing equipment, precise measuring, and understanding design principles for custom framing.

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to sell products and services, drive sales conversations, and achieve revenue targets.

• Cash Handling & Transaction Management: Accurate and efficient operation of a cash register, including processing various payment types and adhering to strict cash handling protocols.

• Visual Merchandising: Aptitude for maintaining appealing product displays, organizing departments, and ensuring a well-merchandised store environment.

• Basic Technical Skills: Familiarity with basic computer operations and point-of-sale (POS) systems.

• Measurement & Precision: Strong accuracy in taking measurements and executing instructions precisely for custom orders.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, share knowledge, and support team objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Previous background in retail sales environments, understanding of sales cycles and customer engagement strategies.

• Product Knowledge: Familiarity with art, framing materials, and design trends.

• Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish rapport and long-term relationships with customers.

• Operational Process Adherence: Experience in following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and executing company programs.

• Inventory Management: Understanding of stock replenishment and inventory control principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been refined to emphasize operations-relevant competencies such as "Sales Acumen," "Cash Handling & Transaction Management," "Visual Merchandising," and "Operational Process Adherence." These are critical for maintaining smooth retail operations. The distinction between required and preferred skills provides clarity on essential versus advantageous qualifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio may not be required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of their work, particularly in customer service scenarios and sales achievements.

• Process Optimization Examples: Be ready to discuss instances where you improved a process, solved a customer issue efficiently, or contributed to team productivity.

• Metrics & Efficiency Demonstration: Prepare to articulate how your efforts contributed to sales numbers, customer satisfaction scores, or operational efficiency in previous roles, even if informal.

• System Implementation (Conceptual): While direct system implementation is unlikely, demonstrate an understanding of how adhering to SOPs and using company systems (like POS) contributes to overall operational success.

• ROI Demonstration (Qualitative): Be prepared to explain how your actions, such as effective selling or efficient order processing, directly impacted the store's revenue and customer retention, even without formal ROI calculations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: While not expected to design workflows, demonstrate an understanding of how following established SOPs for framing, sales, and customer service creates a predictable and efficient workflow.

• Implementation & Automation: Show an understanding of how utilizing company-provided tools and equipment (framing machines, POS) automates tasks and ensures consistent execution of processes.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you track your own performance against sales targets or customer service goals and how you interpret feedback (e.g., VOC surveys) to improve.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like "Framer," a traditional "operations portfolio" might be less common. This section reinterprets portfolio requirements to focus on demonstrating skills through past experiences and understanding of operational principles. It emphasizes the candidate's ability to execute processes, contribute to sales metrics, and understand the impact of their work on the business, aligning with the foundational aspects of operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a Full-Time Framer position with 0-2 years of experience in Alabaster, Alabama, the estimated hourly wage typically ranges from $12.00 to $16.00 per hour.

Benefits:

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

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

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

• Rewards Program: Opportunities to participate in and benefit from the company's loyalty program.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a 401(k) or similar retirement savings option (details may vary).

• Team Member Support: Access to resources and programs designed to support team member well-being.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, generally requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• Work hours will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, as dictated by store operational needs and peak retail seasons.

• Flexibility in scheduling is expected to cover all operational hours and customer service demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been provided based on Alabaster, Alabama's regional cost of living and typical retail associate wages. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided company description and are presented to highlight incentives for operations professionals seeking stable employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels Stores is a leading retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and home decor, operating a vast network of physical stores and an e-commerce platform.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, indicating a robust organizational structure and significant operational scale.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has established itself as a dominant player in its market, indicating stability and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The Framer operates within a store-level team, with a primary focus on the Custom Framing department.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Typically reports to a Framing Manager or Store Manager, with potential to act as a lead in their absence.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with other store team members, including sales associates, stock associates, and management, to ensure seamless store operations and customer service across all departments. Collaboration also extends to supporting Omni-channel processes, connecting in-store and online customer experiences.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Customer Engagement: Utilizes customer interaction data (e.g., through the Rewards program and VOC surveys) to personalize service and drive sales.

• Process Standardization: Adheres to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all operational tasks, from framing production to cash handling, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Sales & Efficiency Focus: Emphasizes achieving sales targets through effective selling techniques and maintaining operational efficiency to optimize store performance and customer satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides context on Michaels Stores as a large, established retail entity. The "Methodology" subsection interprets how the company's operational approach (standardization, data utilization, sales focus) impacts the Framer's daily work, relevant for operations-minded candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level to early-career position within the retail operations and sales spectrum. It's a foundational role focused on executing established processes and directly interacting with customers to drive revenue.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a direct manager (Framing Manager or Store Manager) who oversees departmental performance and team development. There's an opportunity to act as an informal lead or key contributor within the department.

Operations Impact: The Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and indirectly through excellent customer service that encourages repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. Efficient order processing and quality execution contribute to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, key metrics in retail operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Framer/Lead Framer: Opportunity to take on more responsibility within the framing department, potentially supervising junior team members or handling more complex framing projects.

• Framing Manager: Progression to managing the entire framing department, including staff, inventory, sales targets, and operational efficiency.

• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Potential to move into other store roles such as Sales Associate, Visual Merchandiser, or Assistant Store Manager, leveraging developed customer service and operational skills.

• Specialized Training: Access to ongoing training in framing techniques, sales strategies, and potentially leadership development programs offered by Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Framer role within a career progression path relevant to operations. It highlights how foundational skills in sales, customer service, and process execution can lead to advancement within the retail sector, appealing to candidates looking for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-facing, and involves direct interaction with the public.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Store - 300 Colonial Promenade Pkwy, Alabaster, Alabama. This implies a standard retail store environment with dedicated areas for customer service, sales floor, and back-of-house operations (stock room, framing shop).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The store operates as a team, requiring constant interaction and cooperation among associates to manage customer flow, maintain store appearance, and handle operational tasks efficiently.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, framing equipment (e.g., framing machines, glass cutters), computers for administrative tasks, and potentially inventory management tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for team huddles, training sessions, and collaborative problem-solving to address customer needs and operational challenges. The framing shop itself is a specialized workspace within the larger store.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Requires flexibility to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, to align with store operating hours and customer traffic patterns. This flexibility is crucial for managing continuous operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a realistic view of the work environment, emphasizing the collaborative nature and the tools used, which is important for candidates assessing their fit within a retail operations setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an online application and possibly an automated or phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: Typically a one-on-one interview with the Hiring Manager (Framing Manager or Store Manager). This will focus on behavioral questions, customer service scenarios, and an assessment of your sales aptitude.

• Skills Assessment: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss your understanding of framing processes.

• Team Interaction: You might meet other team members to assess cultural fit and collaboration potential.

• Final Offer: Based on the interview, assessment, and background check.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Conceptual Portfolio: Since a formal portfolio isn't standard, prepare to discuss your "portfolio of experiences." This means having clear, concise examples ready for:

  • Customer Service Successes: A time you went above and beyond for a customer.
  • Sales Achievements: How you positively influenced sales, met targets, or upsold a product effectively.
  • Problem-Solving: Instances where you resolved a customer issue or operational challenge.
  • Process Improvement Ideas: Even simple suggestions you might have for making a task more efficient.

• Framing Knowledge: Be prepared to talk about your understanding of framing, materials, and design principles, even if basic. If you have examples of framing projects you've done (personal or professional), have photos ready.

• Metrics Focus: Frame your achievements in terms of results. Instead of "I helped customers," say "I helped an average of X customers per shift find solutions, leading to Y positive feedback comments."

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for questions like:

  • "A customer wants a frame for a very unusual piece of art. How would you approach this?"
  • "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their framing order?"
  • "How do you prioritize tasks when the store is busy and you have framing orders to complete?"

• Sales Pitch Practice: Mentally rehearse how you would introduce the custom framing services to a customer who might not be actively seeking them.

• Company Research: Understand Michaels' mission, values, and commitment to creativity. Be prepared to articulate why you want to work for Michaels specifically.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice tailored for a retail operations role. It reframes "portfolio" expectations and offers specific preparation strategies for interviews and potential challenges, focusing on demonstrating core competencies like customer service, sales, and process adherence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer accounts, and potentially tracking sales performance. Proficiency in cash handling, card processing, and basic system navigation is key.

• Custom Framing Equipment:

  • Framing Machines: Various types for cutting mats, joining frames, and assembling finished pieces. Requires safe and precise operation.
  • Glass Cutter: For custom-sized glass or acrylic.
  • Heat Press: For specific mounting or finishing techniques.

• Basic Computer Skills: For internal communications, potential online training modules, and accessing company resources.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Metrics: Understanding and contributing to departmental KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) such as sales revenue, average transaction value, and conversion rates.

• Customer Feedback Tools: Familiarity with how customer feedback (e.g., VOC surveys) is collected and used to improve service.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Elements: Through the Rewards program, the role involves interacting with customer data to personalize service and drive loyalty.

• Inventory Management Systems: Potentially used for tracking ready-made frames and framing supplies, ensuring stock availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific tools and technology a Framer would use. For operations professionals, understanding the technology stack is crucial for assessing the technical environment and required proficiencies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A primary value is placing the customer at the center of all interactions, ensuring a positive and memorable experience, especially within the framing service.

• Creativity & Inspiration: Michaels champions creativity. This role should foster an environment where both customers and team members feel inspired to create.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality work in custom framing, ensuring that products meet exacting standards and customer expectations.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Operating effectively within store hours, managing time well, and executing tasks efficiently to meet sales and production goals.

• Teamwork & Support: Fostering a collaborative atmosphere where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work together to achieve store objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Support: Team members are expected to assist across departments as needed, maintaining a cohesive store operation.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often revolves around following established procedures and SOPs to ensure consistent service and operational flow.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team dynamics.

• Shared Goals: Working towards collective store goals, such as sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights how core company values translate into operational expectations for team members, providing insight into the expected work culture for operations-minded individuals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Service: Effectively transitioning between providing detailed custom framing consultations and handling high-volume customer traffic and transactions.

• Meeting Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of artistic tastes, budgets, and project complexities in custom framing.

• Production Demands: Managing the workload of custom framing orders while also fulfilling other store operational duties, especially during peak seasons.

• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with new framing techniques, materials, and design trends to better serve customers.

• Adapting to Retail Pace: Thriving in a fast-paced retail environment that requires constant engagement and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn more specialized framing skills and potentially gain certifications.

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

• Leadership Development: Potential to gain experience in leading a team, managing operations, and stepping into supervisory roles.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of art, design, and crafting materials offered by Michaels.

• Cross-Training: Learning about other areas of store operations to become a more versatile team member.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges and growth paths, which are critical considerations for operations professionals evaluating a role. It frames challenges as opportunities for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Process & Sales:

  • "Describe your experience with custom framing or similar detailed sales processes. How do you ensure accuracy?"
  • "How would you approach selling a premium framing package to a customer who is initially hesitant about the cost?"
  • "Imagine a customer is unhappy with their framing order. Walk me through how you'd resolve this."
  • "How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple custom framing orders to complete, customers to serve, and restocking duties?"

• Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Michaels and our commitment to creativity?"
  • "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?"
  • "Describe a time you had to work with a difficult customer or colleague and how you handled it."
  • "Why are you interested in this Framer role specifically?"

• Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Framing Project Examples: If you have personal framing experience, be ready to describe a project, the materials used, the customer's needs, and the outcome.
  • Sales Scenarios: Be prepared to role-play a sales consultation for a custom framing order.
  • Problem-Solving Case Studies: Think of a time you solved a customer service issue or improved a process in a previous role and present it using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

📝 Enhancement Note: This provides targeted interview question preparation, focusing on operational execution, sales skills, customer service, and cultural fit, all crucial for operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, attention to detail, and any experience with production or hands-on work. Use keywords like "customer engagement," "sales," "customization," "merchandising," and "operational efficiency."

• Portfolio Preparation: Prepare specific examples of successful customer interactions, sales achievements, and instances where you demonstrated strong attention to detail or problem-solving skills. If you have any framing or art-related projects, be ready to discuss them.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method, focusing on scenarios related to customer service, sales, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your understanding of retail operations and how you contribute to a store's success.

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

⚠️ 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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