Senior Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Midlothian-11647 Midlothian Tpke, Ste A, Midlothian, VA, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Sales Support Date Posted: 2025-09-12 Experience Level: 0-2 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on driving customer engagement and sales within the custom framing department, acting as a key point of contact for custom art and framing solutions.
• It involves managing daily operations of the framing department, ensuring high-quality output and timely order completion, crucial for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• The position requires a hands-on approach to customer service, sales, and operational tasks, including inventory management and maintaining store presentation standards.
• Acts as a lead in the absence of the Framing Manager, demonstrating a foundational understanding of retail operations and team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Senior Framer" might suggest extensive experience, the "0-2 Years" AI-derived experience level indicates this role is more about stepping into a lead capacity with existing foundational skills rather than deep, long-term expertise. The focus is on customer interaction, sales, and operational support within the framing department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations and creating memorable custom framing solutions, directly impacting customer loyalty and repeat business.
• Drive sales performance within the custom framing department by actively engaging customers, understanding their needs, and effectively presenting framing options and benefits, contributing to revenue targets.
• Ensure the highest quality of custom framing orders through precise execution of design specifications, material selection, and production techniques, minimizing errors and rework.
• Operate framing equipment, including glass cutters and other specialized tools, safely and efficiently to produce custom framing orders according to established standards and timelines.
• Act as a designated lead in the absence of the Framing Manager, overseeing daily operations, assisting team members, and ensuring departmental goals are met, requiring a grasp of operational priorities.
• Support the Framing Manager in achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through proactive engagement, accurate order processing, and contributing to a positive sales environment.
• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, including adherence to Single Item, Single Out (SISO) and Directed Replenishment protocols for optimal inventory management.
• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive and efficient checkout experience, adhering to all cash handling standards.
• Participate actively in truck unloading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and operational efficiency within designated timelines.
• Uphold company policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety programs to ensure compliance, a secure work environment, and operational integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction, sales focus, and operational execution within the framing department. The "lead capacity" aspect implies a need for basic supervisory skills and understanding of operational workflow management, even at an entry-level experience bracket.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is generally expected for retail roles. Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing environment. Experience in custom framing or art services is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to build rapport with customers, understand their needs, and provide tailored solutions, essential for driving sales and satisfaction in a consultative sales environment.
• Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to use point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic computer applications, and potentially CRM or order management software for sales and operational tasks.
• Sales Acumen: Capability to effectively sell products and services, understand customer needs, and close sales by presenting value propositions, crucial for meeting department revenue goals.
• Framing Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating framing equipment, including glass cutters and potentially other specialized machinery, safely and accurately to produce high-quality custom frames.
• Cash Handling Proficiency: Skill in accurately processing transactions, managing cash drawers, and adhering to all company cash handling policies and procedures to maintain financial integrity.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with team members, assist colleagues, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment, including training support.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to identify customer needs, address issues, and provide solutions that meet customer expectations and company standards, particularly within the custom framing context.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in measuring, designing, and producing custom framing orders to ensure accuracy, quality, and customer satisfaction, minimizing errors in a detailed process.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a retail setting, particularly in sales-focused roles, which can translate to a better understanding of customer engagement and sales strategies.
• Custom Framing Experience: Hands-on experience in custom framing, including knowledge of matting, framing techniques, and materials, providing a significant advantage in understanding the core service.
• Visual Merchandising: Ability to maintain the visual appeal and organization of the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas, contributing to the overall store presentation.
• Training and Mentorship: Experience or aptitude for training and assisting other team members, supporting the development of the framing department's overall skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level suggests that while formal experience is beneficial, the company is likely looking for strong transferable skills in customer service, sales, and a willingness to learn the technical aspects of framing. Basic measuring and computer skills are foundational requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Engagement Case Studies: Examples showcasing how you built customer relationships and provided tailored solutions, demonstrating consultative sales abilities and customer satisfaction focus.
• Sales Performance Metrics: If available, documentation of sales achievements, conversion rates, or average transaction value in previous roles, highlighting your impact on revenue generation.
• Operational Process Execution: Evidence of adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs, illustrating your ability to follow guidelines for quality and compliance in past roles.
• Quality Control Examples: Demonstrations of attention to detail and commitment to quality in finished products or services, particularly relevant for custom framing where precision is key.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: While not explicitly stated, demonstrating an understanding of efficient workflow in a retail or production setting is beneficial. This could be shown through examples of how you optimized your tasks or contributed to team efficiency.
• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how you successfully implemented new processes or utilized tools to improve efficiency in your work.
• Measurement & Analysis: If applicable, examples of how you tracked your own performance metrics or contributed to team performance tracking, showing an understanding of data-driven improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level to early-career role like this, a formal "portfolio" might not be expected in the same way as for a Revenue Operations Analyst. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples from their past experiences that demonstrate the required skills, particularly in customer service, sales, and operational execution. Think of it as being ready to provide "mini case studies" within your resume and during the interview.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a "Senior Framer" with 0-2 years of experience in a retail setting in the Midlothian, VA area, the estimated hourly wage would likely fall between $12.00 - $16.00 per hour.

Methodology: This estimate is derived from reviewing similar retail associate and specialized sales roles in the Richmond, VA metropolitan area, considering the specific responsibilities related to custom framing, sales, and lead capacity. Data from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, and Indeed for retail sales associates and specialists in the region supports this estimated range. The "Senior" title, combined with the limited experience requirement, suggests a role that pays above entry-level but is not yet at a seasoned professional level.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans, supporting overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off benefits for both full-time and part-time team members, allowing for work-life balance.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development, offering opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth.
• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products, fostering a connection with the brand and its creative offerings.
• Other Benefits: Potential for additional benefits such as 401(k) plans, life insurance, and employee assistance programs, depending on employment status and tenure.

Working Hours: The role is designated as FULL_TIME, implying approximately 40 hours per week. Work hours will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating schedules and peak customer traffic times. Flexibility in scheduling is important for this position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in the specified geographic region. Benefits are listed as provided in the job description, with an emphasis on their value to retail professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the largest specialty arts and crafts retail chain in North America, serving a broad customer base interested in DIY projects, hobbies, and creative expression. Company Size: Michaels operates over 1,300 stores across the United States and Canada, employing a significant workforce. This large scale indicates established operational processes and a structured corporate environment. Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-established brand presence and a deep understanding of its market and customer base. Headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The Senior Framer is part of the store's operational team, with a specific focus on the Custom Framing department.
• Reporting Hierarchy: Reports to the Framing Manager. In the absence of the manager, the Senior Framer takes on lead responsibilities, indicating a clear line of authority and support.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works alongside other store team members (e.g., sales associates, cashiers) to provide a cohesive customer experience, and potentially collaborates with other departments for inventory or operational support.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a data analyst role, the position requires using sales data and customer feedback (VOC) to improve performance and customer satisfaction.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on efficient execution of framing orders, maintaining department standards, and supporting the manager in operational improvements.
• Automation & Efficiency: Utilizes framing equipment and POS systems to streamline processes and enhance productivity.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission "to fuel the joy of creativity" suggests a culture that values passion, innovation, and customer engagement in the arts and crafts space. The large store footprint implies a need for standardized operational procedures that ensure consistency across all locations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career position within the retail operations framework. It offers a stepping stone for individuals looking to gain experience in sales, customer service, and operational support within a specialized department. Reporting Structure: The Senior Framer reports to the Framing Manager. This structure provides direct guidance and mentorship, with opportunities to learn management and operational oversight skills by acting as a lead in the manager's absence. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts operational efficiency through timely and quality custom framing production, customer satisfaction via excellent service and sales, and store revenue through sales performance. It also contributes to overall store presentation and inventory accuracy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Department Progression: Potential to advance to Framing Manager or other supervisory roles within the framing department, taking on more responsibility for sales, operations, and team leadership.
• Retail Management Track: Opportunities to cross-train in other store departments and advance into broader retail management roles (e.g., Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager) within Michaels.
• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with specialized equipment, consultative sales techniques, customer relationship management, and basic leadership skills, enhancing overall retail competencies.
• Specialized Training: Access to training programs, including tuition assistance, for professional development in areas relevant to retail operations, sales, and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, despite the low experience requirement, suggests a pathway for growth within the framing specialization or a broader retail management career. The role is designed to develop foundational leadership and operational skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary work environment is the sales floor and the custom framing department within a Michaels store. Office Location(s): Specifically located at 11647 Midlothian Tpke, Ste A, Midlothian, VA. This is a customer-facing retail location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires constant interaction with customers and fellow team members, fostering a dynamic and collaborative workspace focused on service and sales.
• Tools and Technology: Access to framing equipment (glass cutters, heat presses), POS systems, and potentially inventory management tools.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Framing Manager and other store associates, supporting a team-oriented approach to operations and customer service.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, involving approximately 40 hours per week. This includes working nights, weekends, and early mornings. Flexibility is key to accommodate retail operating hours and customer demand, ensuring operational coverage during peak times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail store, emphasizing customer interaction and operational tasks within a specific department. The framing shop itself contains specialized equipment that requires careful handling.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves an online application and potentially a brief phone screen with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• In-Store Interview: Expect a face-to-face interview at the store location. This will likely include behavioral questions focused on customer service, sales, teamwork, and problem-solving. You may also be asked about your experience with framing or similar technical tasks.
• Practical Assessment: You might be asked to demonstrate basic skills, such as how you would approach a customer or discuss your understanding of the framing process.
• Leadership/Operational Questions: Given the "Senior" title and lead responsibilities, expect questions about how you would handle situations in the Framing Manager's absence, manage tasks, or support the team.
• Final Stages: May involve a second interview with store management or a more in-depth discussion about your fit with the company culture and operational standards.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Transferable Skills: Since formal framing experience might be limited, highlight examples from past roles that demonstrate strong customer service, sales success, problem-solving, attention to detail, and any experience with tools or production processes.
• Quantify Achievements: If possible, use numbers and metrics to illustrate your impact. For example, "Increased customer satisfaction scores by X%" or "Assisted Y customers per day."
• Showcase Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to describe specific instances where you encountered a customer issue or operational challenge and how you resolved it effectively.
• Demonstrate Operational Awareness: Discuss your understanding of maintaining a clean and organized workspace, following procedures, and supporting team goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Interaction Scenarios: Prepare to role-play customer interactions, from greeting and assisting to handling complaints or upselling.
• Operational Task Discussions: Think about how you would manage your time to complete framing orders, restock the ready-made frame department, and assist customers simultaneously.
• Leadership Hypotheticals: Consider how you would motivate a team, handle a difficult situation, or ensure operational standards are met if you were in charge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be geared towards assessing practical skills, customer-facing abilities, and a proactive attitude suitable for a retail environment. Emphasize your ability to learn and take initiative.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Proficiency in operating specialized machinery such as glass cutters, mat cutters, framing presses, and potentially other finishing tools is crucial for executing custom framing orders accurately and efficiently.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Experience with retail POS systems for processing transactions, managing sales, and potentially handling customer orders and loyalty programs.
• Basic Computer Applications: Familiarity with standard office software for basic tasks, communication, and potentially accessing operational information.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Customer Voice of Customer (VOC) Surveys: Understanding and potentially collecting customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in service and operations.
• Sales Performance Tracking: Awareness of how individual and departmental sales performance are measured (e.g., sales targets, conversion rates) to contribute to achieving KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicitly stated, a CRM or a robust POS system might be used to track customer preferences and order history, aiding in personalized service.
• Inventory Management Systems: Likely utilizing internal systems for managing stock levels in the ready-made frame department and tracking materials for custom orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While advanced technical skills are not explicitly required, familiarity with retail technology, especially POS systems, and a willingness to learn specialized framing equipment are key. The role implies a hands-on interaction with these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through excellent service, creative solutions, and a positive shopping experience, aligning with Michaels' purpose to "fuel the joy of creativity."
• Quality and Precision: Commitment to producing high-quality custom framing orders with attention to detail, ensuring customer delight and minimizing errors.
• Teamwork and Support: Valuing collaboration, assisting team members, and contributing to a positive and productive work environment, especially when acting in a lead capacity.
• Efficiency and Productivity: Striving for efficient execution of tasks, timely order completion, and effective management of departmental operations to meet sales and production goals.
• Initiative and Responsibility: Demonstrating a proactive attitude, taking ownership of tasks, and a willingness to learn and grow within the role and the company.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store associates to provide a unified customer experience, ensuring smooth transitions between departments (e.g., from browsing to framing consultation).
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve processes, customer service, and team performance.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share best practices and assist in training new team members, particularly within the framing department, to elevate the team's collective skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity, customer engagement, and a supportive team environment. Employees are expected to be proactive and contribute to a positive atmosphere that fuels creative pursuits.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling customer consultations, order production, sales tasks, and general store duties simultaneously requires strong organizational and time management skills.
• Meeting Quality and Speed Expectations: Ensuring custom framing orders are completed with high quality while meeting production deadlines can be demanding.
• Upselling and Sales Targets: Consistently driving sales and meeting departmental KPIs requires effective sales techniques and customer engagement.
• Handling Customer Dissatisfaction: Addressing customer concerns or issues with framing orders or service requires patience, problem-solving, and adherence to company policies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Craft Skills: Opportunities to become proficient in custom framing techniques, material selection, and design principles, developing a niche skill set.
• Sales and Customer Service Training: Enhancing consultative sales abilities, customer relationship management, and problem-solving skills through on-the-job training and potential company programs.
• Leadership Exposure: Gaining experience in a lead capacity provides a foundation for future management roles, including decision-making, team support, and operational oversight.
• Industry Knowledge: Learning about art, framing materials, and design trends to better serve customers and provide expert recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to develop practical skills in a creative retail environment, with clear pathways for advancement within the company's operational structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service Scenarios: "Describe a time you went above and beyond to help a customer." or "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with a framing choice?" Focus on your approach to problem-solving and customer satisfaction.
• Sales Approach: "How would you approach a customer who is browsing the framing department?" or "How would you explain the value of custom framing to a customer?" Prepare to discuss your sales process and how you identify customer needs.
• Operational Organization: "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple demands?" or "Describe your experience with maintaining a clean and organized workspace." Highlight your organizational skills and attention to detail.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for Michaels?" or "What do you know about our custom framing services?" Research the company's mission, values, and specific offerings.
• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team." or "How do you contribute to a positive work environment?" Be ready to share examples of collaboration and support.
• Role Understanding: "What do you understand the responsibilities of a Senior Framer to be?" Ensure you can articulate the key duties and your understanding of the "lead" aspect.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Relevant Experiences: If you have previous retail, sales, or customer service experience, be prepared to discuss specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your skills.
• Use the STAR Method: For behavioral questions, structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide clear and concise examples of your capabilities.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be ready to walk through a specific problem you solved, detailing your thought process and the outcome.
• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for creativity, customer service, and the arts and crafts industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess your customer service aptitude, sales potential, organizational skills, and ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced retail environment. Be prepared to provide concrete examples from your past experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels careers portal.
• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service achievements, sales experience, attention to detail, and any experience with tools or production processes. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Specific Examples: Gather concrete examples from past roles or experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle customer interactions, drive sales, manage tasks efficiently, and work as part of a team.
• Research Michaels and Framing: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' brand, products, and the general process of custom framing. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.
• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral and situational scenarios relevant to customer service, sales, and operational responsibilities.

⚠️ 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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