Senior framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead customer engagement to deliver exceptional custom framing solutions and drive profitable sales outcomes.

• Provide leadership and support in the absence of the Framing Manager, ensuring seamless store operations and team guidance.

• Contribute to team development by assisting with training and onboarding new team members in framing techniques and customer service standards.

• Uphold operational excellence by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and executing company programs to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Maintain high standards of visual merchandising and inventory management within the ready-made frame department and other assigned retail areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Framer," the AI-derived experience level of "0-2 years" suggests this role may be more accurately described as a skilled framer with potential lead responsibilities rather than a role requiring extensive prior senior-level experience. The emphasis on training and supporting the Framing Manager indicates a developmental path within the custom framing department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships through personalized consultations, understanding their artistic vision to create compelling custom framing solutions.

• Drive sales and production targets by effectively promoting custom framing services, upselling relevant products, and ensuring timely order completion with superior quality.

• Act as a key resource and provide on-the-spot leadership in the absence of the Framing Manager, ensuring operational continuity and team support.

• Contribute to the development of team members by sharing expertise in framing techniques, product knowledge, and customer service best practices.

• Support the Framing Manager in achieving departmental KPIs by actively participating in sales initiatives, production management, and operational efficiency drives.

• Execute framing orders with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to production deadlines.

• Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels of the ready-made frame department, including managing SISO (Sales In, Stock Out) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Deliver friendly and efficient customer service throughout the store, assisting shoppers with product location, providing solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

• Facilitate a fast and friendly checkout process, strictly adhering to all cash handling policies and procedures.

• Ensure compliance with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs, supporting loss prevention and safety initiatives.

• Foster a positive and respectful work environment, embodying company values and serving as a role model for team members.

• Participate actively in the truck un-loading and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and completion within budget.

• Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and offer solutions to meet their needs.

• Engage customers in promoting the benefits of the Michaels Rewards program and facilitate new enrollments.

• Educate customers on the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey to gather feedback and drive service improvements.

• Assist with and support Omni channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Major Activities" section in the raw description provides a comprehensive list of responsibilities. These have been expanded and categorized to reflect a typical retail operations role with a focus on customer service, sales, and operational support, emphasizing the "Senior" aspect through leadership and training duties.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education requirements are not specified, but a strong understanding of basic math for measurements and calculations is essential.

Experience:

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

• Proven ability to operate framing equipment and glass cutters safely and efficiently.

• Basic computer proficiency for order processing, inventory lookups, and potential system navigation.

Required Skills:

• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to build rapport, understand customer needs, and provide solutions.

• Custom Framing Expertise: Proficiency in operating framing equipment, using a glass cutter, and executing framing orders with quality.

• Sales Acumen: Skill in suggesting products, upselling, and driving sales results.

• Cash Handling Procedures: Accurate and secure management of financial transactions.

• Merchandising & Display: Ability to maintain visually appealing and organized retail spaces.

• Inventory Management: Understanding of stock levels, replenishment, and SISO processes.

• Basic Computer Skills: Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and basic software applications.

• Measuring Skills: Accurate execution of measurements for custom framing projects.

• Equipment Operation: Safe and effective use of framing machinery and tools.

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

• Adherence to SOPs: Commitment to following established operational procedures and company standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior retail sales experience, particularly in a consultative selling environment.

• Experience selling products and/or services directly to customers, with a focus on solution-based selling.

• Familiarity with heat press operation.

• Experience with Omni channel retail processes (e.g., online order pickup, in-store returns).

• Knowledge of customer loyalty programs and survey feedback mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived experience level of "0-2 years" is crucial here. While titled "Senior," the actual requirements point to a role that values practical skills and customer interaction over extensive management experience. The preferred skills highlight a desire for candidates who can immediately contribute to sales and customer engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Case Studies: Showcase examples of diverse framing projects, highlighting the process from customer consultation to final product, including creative solutions and problem-solving.

• Sales Performance Metrics: Quantify achievements in driving sales, such as increased custom framing revenue, successful upsells, or loyalty program enrollments.

• Operational Efficiency Examples: Demonstrate understanding of SOP adherence, inventory management contributions (e.g., reducing stock discrepancies), or participation in process improvement initiatives.

• Customer Interaction Examples: Illustrate strong customer service skills through examples of resolving issues, building rapport, or handling challenging customer interactions effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to follow and contribute to established custom framing workflows, with an understanding of how each step impacts quality and efficiency.

• System Implementation & Automation: Familiarity with using POS systems, inventory management tools, and potentially CRM or loyalty program platforms to support operational processes.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Understanding how to track personal performance against KPIs and contribute to team metrics related to sales, production, and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Senior Framer" role with limited stated experience, a "portfolio" is likely to be demonstrated through interview discussions and anecdotal evidence of past work rather than a formal, curated portfolio document. The focus should be on practical examples of skills and achievements in customer service, sales, and framing execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Framer role in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $30,000 - $40,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Saskatoon, the retail industry benchmark for specialized roles, and the full-time employment type.

Benefits:

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

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

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

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

• Rewards Program: Participation in the company's customer loyalty program, with potential incentives.

• Retirement Savings Plan: (Likely available, though not explicitly detailed in provided text).

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically involving approximately 40 hours per week. Work hours may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the demands of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling is expected to meet operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided location (Saskatoon, Canada), job type (FULL_TIME), and AI-derived experience level (0-2 years). This is a common practice for roles where salary is not explicitly stated, aiming to provide a realistic expectation. The methodology involves consulting general Canadian retail salary benchmarks and cost of living data for Saskatoon.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts & Crafts, Custom Framing). Michaels operates as a leading destination for creative individuals, offering a wide range of art supplies, craft materials, and custom framing services. The company plays a significant role in the North American arts and crafts market, fostering a culture of creativity and celebration.

Company Size: The Michaels Companies, Inc. operates over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a large-scale retail organization with a substantial employee base. This size suggests established operational processes and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels has a long-standing history in the retail sector, building a strong brand presence and deep customer loyalty.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Framer will likely be part of a store-level team, reporting directly to the Framing Manager.

• The team structure includes various retail roles such as Sales Associates, Key Holders, and potentially a Store Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with other departments within the store, particularly in areas related to inventory, customer service, and operational support.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: Emphasis on adhering to SOPs, executing company programs, and meeting KPIs, suggesting a process-oriented approach to retail operations.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on building customer relationships, providing solutions, and delivering a memorable experience, particularly within the custom framing service.

• Team Development: Commitment to training and supporting team members to enhance overall store performance and customer service quality.

• Efficiency and Quality: Balancing sales and production targets with a high degree of quality and adherence to established standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company information is synthesized from the provided text, highlighting aspects relevant to an operations role. The size and history of Michaels suggest a well-established operational framework and a stable work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Framer," indicating a level beyond a basic framing associate. It involves taking a lead role in customer consultations, production, and potentially team support and training, especially in the absence of a Framing Manager. This suggests a stepping stone towards a supervisory or management track within the custom framing department or broader retail operations.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Framer reports directly to the Framing Manager, who oversees the custom framing operations within the store. This structure provides clear lines of accountability and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Senior Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer acquisition. Their ability to deliver quality products and excellent service contributes to customer satisfaction, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth, all key drivers of retail success. They also influence operational efficiency by adhering to SOPs and supporting team performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Manager: Progression to a Framing Manager role, involving greater responsibility for team leadership, sales strategy, inventory management, and operational oversight of the framing department.

• Specialized Retail Roles: Potential to move into other specialized retail roles within Michaels, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or department management, leveraging transferable skills.

• Team Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership and training skills, preparing for future supervisory roles.

• Product & Sales Expertise: Deepening knowledge of framing materials, techniques, and sales strategies, becoming a subject matter expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, combined with the AI-derived experience level, suggests this role is designed for individuals with foundational framing skills who are ready to take on more responsibility and learn advanced operational and leadership aspects within the custom framing department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail store environment, specifically within a Michaels store location. The role is primarily based in the front of the store for customer interaction and sales, and within the dedicated custom framing shop area for production.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, at 1723 Preston Ave N Ste 201. This is a public retail setting.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Zone: Primarily in the retail floor and the custom framing consultation area, requiring a friendly and professional demeanor.

• Production Area: The framing shop is equipped with specialized tools and machinery (e.g., framing equipment, glass cutter, heat press), which require careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• Stock Rooms: May involve working in climate-controlled or non-climate-controlled stock rooms for inventory management and stocking.

• Collaborative Environment: Interaction with fellow team members, including sales associates, other framers, and management, is integral to daily operations.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The schedule will be varied and may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with typical retail operating hours and customer traffic patterns. Flexibility is key to accommodate peak periods and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a typical retail setting, including potential variations in climate control and the need for physical activity. The framing shop itself is a specialized workspace with unique equipment and safety considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the application and resume to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with company values.

• In-Person Interview: Candidates will likely meet with the Framing Manager or a Store Manager. This interview will focus on customer service skills, sales approach, framing knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of past customer interactions and framing projects.

• Skills Demonstration/Practical Assessment: For a framer role, there may be a practical component where candidates demonstrate their ability to operate framing equipment, use a glass cutter, or discuss how they would approach a specific framing challenge for a customer.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with other team members may be part of the process to assess cultural fit and collaboration style.

• Final Evaluation: Focus on overall fit, potential for growth, and ability to meet the demands of the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Verbal Portfolio: Since a formal portfolio might not be required, be prepared to verbally "walk through" examples of your work. Describe challenging framing projects you've completed, how you collaborated with customers to achieve their vision, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: If discussing past sales roles, be ready to share metrics on sales performance, customer satisfaction improvements, or successful loyalty program enrollments.

• Process Explanation: Clearly articulate your understanding of the custom framing process, from initial customer consultation to final product delivery, emphasizing quality control and efficiency.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult customer requests or technical framing challenges, showcasing your resourcefulness and customer-centric approach.

• Cultural Alignment: Be ready to discuss why you are interested in Michaels and how your values align with the company's purpose of fueling creativity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Anticipate a scenario where a customer has a unique or challenging piece to frame, and be ready to outline your consultation and solution-building process.

• Sales Pitch: Be prepared to "sell" the benefits of custom framing to a potential customer, highlighting value beyond just the product.

• Operational Questions: Expect questions about SOP adherence, safety procedures, and how you would handle inventory discrepancies or merchandising tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the nature of a framing role, the "portfolio review" is likely to be more conversational and based on demonstrated skills and experience during interviews, rather than a formal submission of work. The focus will be on practical application and customer interaction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Proficiency with various framing machinery, including mat cutters, saws, v-nailers, and potentially heat presses.

• Glass Cutter: Skill in accurately cutting glass or acrylic to size for framing.

• Measuring Tools: Accurate use of rulers, tape measures, and other measuring devices.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Ability to operate the store's POS system for sales transactions, order entry, and customer lookups.

• Computer: Basic computer skills for accessing company systems, email, and potentially internal training modules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to interpret and contribute to sales figures, production metrics, and customer feedback (VOC) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Michaels Rewards Program: Understanding how to enroll customers and explain the benefits of the loyalty program.

• Omni Channel Systems: Familiarity with systems that support online order fulfillment, in-store pickups, and returns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on specialized tools for custom framing and standard retail operations technology like POS systems. The emphasis is on practical application rather than advanced analytical or automation software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Celebration: Embodying the company's purpose of fueling the joy of creativity and celebration in every customer interaction.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs, building relationships, and delivering exceptional service and solutions.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to producing high-quality custom framing that meets customer expectations and company standards.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and support a positive store environment.

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, SOPs, and ethical practices in all aspects of the role.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Balancing speed and accuracy in production and customer service to meet sales and operational targets.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with sales associates and other store personnel to ensure a cohesive customer experience, from initial inquiry to final sale.

• Process Review & Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on framing techniques, customer interactions, and operational processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise with team members, particularly in training or assisting less experienced framers.

• Supportive Environment: Contributing to a positive and supportive atmosphere where team members can learn and grow together.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are derived from the company's stated purpose and operational responsibilities. The emphasis is on a blend of creative passion, customer engagement, and operational discipline typical of a retail environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Production & Sales: Effectively managing time to complete custom framing orders accurately and on time while also engaging with customers for sales and service.

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

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Consistently delivering high-quality framing services that meet or exceed customer expectations and company benchmarks.

• Adapting to Retail Pace: Thriving in a dynamic retail environment that requires flexibility, multitasking, and quick problem-solving.

• Staying Updated on Trends: Keeping abreast of framing trends, materials, and techniques to provide current and relevant solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn and master more complex framing methods, material knowledge, and design principles.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Developing expertise in consultative selling, relationship building, and handling challenging customer interactions.

• Leadership Skills: Gaining experience in team support, training, and potentially stepping into leadership roles within the framing department.

• Operational Process Mastery: Deepening understanding of retail operations, inventory management, and merchandising best practices.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Becoming an expert on the wide array of framing materials, mats, and display options available at Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the core responsibilities of a framer in a retail setting, emphasizing the blend of technical skill, customer service, and operational demands. Growth opportunities are tied to advancing within the framing specialization and broader retail management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "Describe how you would ensure custom framing orders are completed on time and to high quality standards, especially during busy periods." (Focus on process, prioritization, and quality checks).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their framing choice, and how would you involve the Framing Manager if necessary?" (Focus on de-escalation, problem-solving, and seeking support).

• Problem-Solving: "A customer wants to frame a very large or unusually shaped item. What steps would you take to assess feasibility and provide options?" (Focus on assessment, material knowledge, and creative solutions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and what excites you about custom framing?" (Focus on passion for creativity, customer service, and company values).

• "How do you approach building rapport with customers, and what's your favorite part about helping someone find the perfect framing solution?" (Focus on interpersonal skills and customer-centricity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Case Studies: Be ready to describe 2-3 specific framing projects you've worked on. Detail the customer's request, your proposed solution, the materials used, any challenges faced, and the final outcome. Highlight how you ensured customer satisfaction.

• Quantify Achievements: If you have sales experience, be prepared to share metrics like "Increased custom framing sales by X% in my previous role" or "Successfully enrolled Y new members into a loyalty program per week."

• Process Walkthrough: Clearly explain your step-by-step process for a typical custom framing order, from initial consultation to final product. Emphasize quality control points.

• Company Alignment: Connect your skills and experiences to Michaels' mission of "fueling the joy of creativity."

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a retail operations role with a focus on custom framing, emphasizing practical skills, customer interaction, and sales ability. The "portfolio" aspect is addressed by focusing on verbal descriptions of past work and quantifiable achievements.