Senior Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer Company: Michaels Stores Location: Hawthorne, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Date Posted: July 31, 2025 Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry to Mid-Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive customer engagement and sales within the custom framing department by providing expert design consultation and solutions.
• Act as a key support for the Framing Manager, assisting with operational efficiency, team training, and achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Execute daily operations, including order completion, department maintenance, and customer service excellence, ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Serve as a designated lead in the absence of the Framing Manager, demonstrating leadership potential and operational oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Senior Framer" might suggest extensive experience, the AI-derived experience level of "0-2 Years" indicates this role is likely for individuals with some foundational experience in framing or a strong aptitude for learning, rather than seasoned professionals. The "Senior" aspect likely pertains to the responsibility of acting as a lead in the manager's absence and training other team members.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers using the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology to build relationships and provide tailored custom framing solutions.
• Achieve personal sales and production targets for the custom framing department.
• Provide support and training to other team members on framing processes, customer service, and sales techniques.
• Complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and within the specified timelines.
• Maintain the visual merchandising and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, including Sales in Store Out (SISO) and Directed Replenishment processes.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by assisting customers with product location, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.
• Execute efficient and friendly checkout processes, adhering strictly to cash handling and credit card processing standards.
• Participate actively in truck un-loading and stocking activities, ensuring adherence to truck standards and budget compliance.
• Promote and enroll customers in the Michaels Rewards program and educate them on the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey.
• Assist with and process Omni-channel orders and customer requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction, sales execution, operational support, and team mentorship, indicating a role that requires a proactive and versatile individual. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer engagement that candidates should be prepared to learn and implement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for retail roles.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in customer-facing roles, with a focus on sales and service.
• Experience in custom framing or a related craft/artisan field is beneficial.
• Previous retail experience is preferred, particularly in visual merchandising or department operations.
• Experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is a plus, given the "Senior" title and responsibilities.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to build rapport, understand customer needs, and provide effective solutions.
• Framing Expertise: Proficiency in operating framing equipment (e.g., mat cutters, saws, mounting tools) and understanding framing techniques.
• Sales Acumen: Skill in selling products and services, identifying upsell opportunities, and driving revenue.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues and support the Framing Manager.
• Basic Computer Skills: Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and basic computer operations.
• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accuracy and integrity in managing financial transactions.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address customer issues and operational challenges effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Crucial for accurate order fulfillment and quality craftsmanship in framing.

Preferred Skills:

• Art & Design Aptitude: A keen eye for design, color theory, and aesthetic principles relevant to custom framing.
• Training & Mentorship: Capability to train and guide junior team members.
• Inventory Management: Understanding of stock rotation, merchandising, and replenishment processes.
• Omni-channel Operations: Familiarity with handling online orders, in-store pickups, and cross-channel customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Framer" title, coupled with the "0-2 Years" experience, suggests that while prior framing experience is preferred, the ability to learn quickly, demonstrate strong customer service and sales skills, and possess basic technical aptitude are paramount. The "Senior" designation likely acknowledges the responsibility of stepping into a leadership role when needed and contributing to team development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Customer Engagement Case Studies: Examples of how you have built customer relationships and provided solutions, ideally highlighting successful sales or problem-solving scenarios.
• Framing Project Examples (if applicable): Visual documentation of custom framing projects demonstrating quality, creativity, and technical execution. This could include before-and-after photos or descriptions of the design process.
• Sales Performance Metrics: Evidence of achieving or exceeding sales targets in previous retail or sales roles. Quantifiable achievements are highly valued.
• Process Improvement Contributions: Documentation of any instances where you identified and implemented improvements to store operations, customer service, or workflow efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase understanding of retail workflows, particularly in a specialized department like custom framing, and how to optimize them for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Implementation & Automation: While direct automation is less likely in this specific role, demonstrate an understanding of implementing new processes or using technology (like POS systems) effectively to streamline tasks.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you track personal performance (e.g., sales, order accuracy) and contribute to team performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on customer interaction and operational execution within a specific department, a portfolio should emphasize customer service skills, sales achievements, and any experience with process efficiency or quality control in a retail or service environment. For framing-specific roles, visual examples of work are always beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $17.75 - $20.90 per hour.
• This range is competitive for a full-time retail position with specialized responsibilities in the Hawthorne, California area. The cost of living in Southern California is higher than the national average, which is reflected in this hourly rate.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time off for vacation, sick leave, or personal needs.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and skill development, which can be valuable for career advancement.
• Generous Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products, encouraging personal creativity and savings.
• Other potential benefits: Depending on full-time status, may include 401(k) matching, life insurance, and disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Typically a 40-hour work week for full-time employees.
• Expect a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and early mornings, as common in retail operations. The role requires availability to cover various shifts, including potential peak shopping periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range aligns with entry to mid-level retail positions in a high cost-of-living area like Hawthorne, CA. The benefits package is standard for a large retail organization and offers valuable support for employees' well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the largest specialty arts and crafts retail chain in North America. Company Size: Large (over 1,300 stores across North America). This indicates a structured corporate environment with established processes and career paths. Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has a well-defined brand identity and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The framing department is typically part of the larger store team, reporting to a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager.
• The Senior Framer will work closely with other Sales Associates and potentially a dedicated Framing Manager.
• Collaboration extends across departments for inventory management, customer service, and store operational support.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales & Service: Emphasis on sales targets, customer relationship management (CRM) principles through the rewards program, and customer feedback (VOC).
• Process Standardization: Adherence to SOPs ensures consistency in operations, customer experience, and safety across all locations.
• Customer-Centric Operations: Focus on creating a positive shopping experience from browsing to checkout and post-purchase engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates a large, established retail network. The culture emphasizes customer service, sales performance, and adherence to standardized operational procedures. As a Senior Framer, you'll be integral to the success of a specialized department within this larger framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to early-mid level position within the retail operations spectrum. It offers a stepping stone into department leadership and specialized retail functions. Reporting Structure: Typically reports to the Framing Manager or Store Manager. Will also be responsible for mentoring and guiding less experienced team members in the framing department. Operations Impact: Directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer retention. Contributes to operational efficiency by assisting with department management and team support, indirectly affecting overall store performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Department Leadership: Potential to advance to Framing Manager, overseeing the entire custom framing department's operations, sales, and team.
• Store Management Track: Develop skills transferable to Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager roles, managing broader retail operations.
• Specialized Retail Skills: Deepen expertise in custom framing, visual merchandising, or customer relationship management.
• Cross-Functional Training: Opportunities to learn about other store operations and potentially move into different retail support roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and lead responsibilities suggest a clear pathway for career progression within Michaels, either specializing further in custom framing or moving into broader store management roles. Demonstrating strong performance and leadership qualities will be key to advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic and customer-facing. Office Location(s): Hawthorne, California - 14370 Ocean Gate Ave. This is a specific store location.

Workspace Context:

• Front-End: Involves customer interaction on the sales floor, operating the cash register, and engaging with customers regarding loyalty programs and feedback.
• Frame Shop: A specialized area within the store where custom framing work is performed. This area contains equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring adherence to safety protocols.
• Stock Rooms: May include areas that are not climate-controlled, requiring adaptability to different temperature conditions during stocking and inventory tasks.

Work Schedule:

• Requires flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings.
• The 40-hour work week will be scheduled by management to ensure adequate coverage for store hours and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable in a fast-paced retail environment with constant customer interaction and a variety of work areas, including the specialized frame shop and stock rooms. Schedule flexibility is a critical requirement for success in this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an online application followed by a brief phone or video screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• In-Person Interview: Expect a formal interview at the store location with the Framing Manager and/or Store Manager. This will assess customer service skills, sales aptitude, framing knowledge, and cultural fit.
• Skills Assessment: May involve a practical demonstration of basic measuring skills or a discussion about handling customer scenarios.
• Final Interview/Offer: Further discussions might occur, potentially involving a review of any provided portfolio or a more in-depth discussion of responsibilities and expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Customer Interaction: Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed customer inquiries, resolved issues, and driven sales through personalized service.
• Showcase Sales Success: Quantify your achievements with specific sales figures, conversion rates, or contributions to team sales goals.
• Demonstrate Framing Skills (if applicable): If you have custom framing experience, bring visual examples (photos, digital portfolio) of your work, explaining your design process and technical execution.
• Emphasize Operational Support: Detail instances where you assisted with inventory management, store maintenance, or team training, showcasing your ability to support broader store operations.
• Tailor to Michaels: Research Michaels' brand, customer base, and framing offerings to align your portfolio examples and interview responses with their specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario Role-Playing: Be ready to role-play common customer interactions, such as assisting a customer with selecting a frame, handling a complaint, or promoting a loyalty program.
• Problem-Solving Questions: Prepare for questions about how you would handle specific operational challenges (e.g., stock shortages, equipment issues, difficult customers).
• Sales Pitch Practice: Be ready to articulate the value proposition of custom framing and Michaels' services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will focus heavily on customer service, sales ability, and operational awareness. A portfolio that demonstrates tangible results in these areas, especially with visual examples for framing, will significantly strengthen an application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• POS System: Michaels utilizes a proprietary Point-of-Sale system for transactions, customer management, and inventory lookup. Proficiency with retail POS systems is essential.
• Framing Equipment: Standard custom framing tools including mat cutters, saws, mounting presses, staple guns, and potentially specialized cutting or finishing tools.
• Inventory Management Software: Systems used for tracking stock levels, managing replenishment, and conducting cycle counts.
• Basic Computer Software: Familiarity with standard office applications for communication and task management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Used to track individual and departmental sales performance, key metrics, and KPI achievement.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools: Integrated into the POS and rewards program to manage customer data and engagement.

CRM & Automation:

• Michaels Rewards Program: A key customer engagement tool that requires understanding and promotion.
• Omni-channel Platforms: Systems supporting buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and other integrated shopping experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should highlight any experience with retail POS systems, inventory software, and customer loyalty programs. Familiarity with specific framing equipment is a distinct advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and creating memorable experiences is paramount.
• Creativity & Passion: Embracing the company's core mission to "fuel the joy of creativity."
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals and support colleagues.
• Accountability & Results: Taking ownership of responsibilities, driving sales, and meeting performance targets.
• Integrity & Respect: Maintaining a positive and respectful work environment for all.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly collaborating with other store associates to ensure smooth operations across all departments.
• Managerial Support: Working closely with the Framing Manager to execute departmental strategies and achieve performance goals.
• Mentorship & Peer Support: Sharing knowledge and providing assistance to fellow team members, especially newer associates.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels values a collaborative and customer-centric environment. Individuals who are passionate about creativity, possess strong interpersonal skills, and are dedicated to achieving results will thrive in this culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Service: Effectively managing customer consultations, design choices, and sales processes while maintaining high service standards.
• Time Management: Juggling multiple responsibilities, including customer assistance, order production, department maintenance, and team support.
• Performance Pressure: Meeting sales targets and production KPIs in a competitive retail environment.
• Adapting to Trends: Staying updated on framing techniques, materials, and design trends to best serve customer needs.
• Operational Demands: Handling stock replenishment, merchandising, and maintaining store standards alongside specialized framing duties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in custom framing design, material selection, and advanced assembly methods.
• Sales & Customer Service Training: Continuous development in sales strategies, customer engagement, and loyalty program promotion.
• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in team leadership, training, and operational oversight, preparing for management roles.
• Industry Knowledge: Learning about art, design, and preservation techniques relevant to custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation in retail operations, sales, and customer service, with specific expertise developed in custom framing. The challenges are typical of a dynamic retail environment, while the growth opportunities are clear for those seeking advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Service & Sales: "Describe a time you went above and beyond for a customer. How do you approach selling a premium service like custom framing?" Focus on STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and quantify achievements.
• Operational Acumen: "How would you ensure the framing department is always ready for customers and that orders are completed accurately and on time? What steps would you take if you noticed a decline in department sales?" Emphasize process adherence, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving.
• Teamwork & Leadership: "How would you train a new team member on our framing services and customer service standards? How do you handle disagreements with colleagues or managers?" Highlight collaboration, mentorship, and conflict resolution skills.
• Company & Culture Fit: "Why Michaels? What interests you about custom framing?" Research Michaels' mission, values, and the specific role of framing in their business.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of Michaels' commitment to creativity and customer experience.
• Research current promotions or initiatives Michaels might be running, especially related to framing or seasonal crafts.
• Understand the importance of the Michaels Rewards program and how you would promote it.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio item, briefly explain the context, your role, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results or positive outcomes.
• Visual Aids: If presenting digital examples of framing work or sales charts, ensure they are clear, professional, and easy to understand.
• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your contributions directly benefited customers, sales, or operational efficiency.
• Enthusiasm for Framing: Convey a genuine interest in art, design, and the craft of custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating excellent customer service, sales aptitude, operational awareness, and a genuine interest in the creative aspects of the Michaels brand, particularly custom framing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Customization: If you have relevant framing projects, sales achievements, or customer service success stories, prepare a concise document or digital portfolio that highlights these accomplishments. Focus on quantifiable results and demonstrable skills.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in customer service, sales, retail operations, and any specific framing or craft-related skills. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and demonstrating your understanding of customer service, sales, and operational best practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with the Michaels brand.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, product offerings (especially custom framing), and customer loyalty programs. Understanding the company culture will help you align your responses during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.