Senior Framer (Full-time, no framing experience required!)

Michaels Stores
Full_timeSouthlake, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer
Company: Michaels Stores
Location: Southlake, Texas, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing
Date Posted: August 09, 2025
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is centered on leveraging customer engagement skills to drive sales and enhance the custom framing experience.
  • It involves acting as a key point of contact for customers, understanding their needs, and translating them into high-quality framing solutions.
  • The position requires a proactive approach to sales, support for team members, and adherence to operational standards within a retail environment.
  • A focus on building customer relationships and fostering loyalty through personalized service is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Senior Framer" suggests experience, the AI-derived experience level of "0-2 years" and the explicit mention of "no framing experience required" in the title indicate this is an entry-level position. The "Senior" aspect likely refers to a lead capacity in the absence of a manager or a higher level of customer interaction and sales responsibility compared to other store associates. The primary focus is on customer relationship building and sales within the custom framing department, rather than extensive prior framing expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Foster strong customer relationships through consultative selling, utilizing the "Elevated ABC Deliver" approach to understand and meet custom framing needs.
  • Drive sales and achieve production targets for the custom framing department, directly contributing to store revenue goals.
  • Act as a lead associate in the absence of the Framing Manager, demonstrating leadership potential and operational oversight.
  • Train and mentor other team members on framing processes, sales techniques, and customer service standards, enhancing overall team performance.
  • Support the Framing Manager in achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through proactive engagement and operational excellence.
  • Ensure the highest quality standards for all custom framing orders, completing them accurately and on time to meet customer expectations.
  • Maintain the visual presentation and stock levels for the ready-made frame department, including managing SISO (Ship-from-Store) and Directed Replenishment processes.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by assisting shoppers in locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.
  • Execute efficient and friendly checkout procedures, adhering strictly to cash handling and transaction processing standards.
  • Uphold all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs to ensure compliance and operational integrity.
  • Actively participate in shrink and safety programs, contributing to a secure and risk-mitigated store environment.
  • Demonstrate positive and respectful interactions with colleagues and customers, promoting organizational values and serving as a role model.
  • Assist in the truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to truck standards and efficient inventory management.
  • Operate the cash register accurately and efficiently, managing all aspects of financial transactions.
  • Engage customers in conversations about the benefits of the Rewards program and facilitate new enrollments to drive customer loyalty.
  • Educate customers on the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey process to gather valuable feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Support and execute Omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all sales channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction, sales focus, operational execution, and team support. The "Senior" title implies a level of responsibility for guiding other team members and stepping into a leadership role when needed, even without formal management experience. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured approach to customer engagement and needs assessment within the framing context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred, demonstrating foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
Experience:

  • 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, with a preference for retail environments.
  • Experience in sales or service-oriented positions is highly valued, showcasing an ability to influence customer purchasing decisions and provide excellent service.
  • Experience with custom framing or visual merchandising is a plus but not required, as comprehensive training will be provided.

Required Skills:

  • Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers positively, build rapport, and provide solutions that meet their needs.
  • Sales Acumen: Aptitude for consultative selling, identifying customer needs, and promoting products and services effectively.
  • Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using Point of Sale (POS) systems, basic data entry, and navigating store software.
  • Measuring Skills: Accurate measurement capabilities for custom framing orders, ensuring precision in order specifications.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, support team goals, and contribute to a positive work environment.
  • Cash Handling: Competence in managing financial transactions, including operating a cash register and adhering to cash management policies.
  • Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify issues, analyze situations, and implement effective solutions, particularly in customer service scenarios.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in order processing, measurements, and product handling to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines, especially for custom order fulfillment.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication for interacting with customers and team members.
  • Positive Attitude: A proactive, upbeat, and customer-centric demeanor, essential for representing the Michaels brand.
  • Relationship Building: Skill in establishing and nurturing customer connections to foster loyalty and repeat business.

Preferred Skills:

  • Retail Experience: Prior experience working in a retail setting, understanding store operations and customer flow.
  • Product Sales Experience: Demonstrated success in selling products or services, with an understanding of sales cycles and customer motivation.
  • Framing Equipment Operation: Familiarity with operating framing equipment, such as mat cutters or heat presses, is beneficial.
  • Visual Merchandising: Understanding of store layout, product placement, and visual presentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "no framing experience required" note strongly suggests that the company is looking for individuals with core customer service and sales aptitude, and is prepared to invest in training for the technical framing skills. The "Senior" title in this context likely denotes a higher level of responsibility in customer interaction and sales leadership, rather than extensive prior experience in the craft itself.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of past customer service successes or sales achievements.
  • Showcase instances where you effectively built customer relationships, resolved issues, or exceeded service expectations.
  • Be ready to discuss how you approach understanding customer needs and offering tailored solutions.
  • Demonstrate an ability to learn new processes and systems quickly, referencing any past experiences with POS systems or similar retail technologies.

Process Documentation:

  • Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs.
  • Be ready to articulate how you would learn and apply new processes, such as custom framing order fulfillment or customer engagement protocols.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of quality control and timely delivery in a service-oriented retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the entry-level nature and explicit mention of "no framing experience required," the emphasis for candidates will be on demonstrating transferable skills and a strong aptitude for learning and customer engagement, rather than a pre-existing portfolio of framing work. Preparation should focus on behavioral examples related to customer service and sales.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Estimated Range: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour
  • Methodology: This estimate is based on typical entry-level retail associate wages in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, specifically for roles involving customer interaction, sales, and some specialized responsibilities (like custom framing). Factors considered include the cost of living in Southlake, Texas, and common pay structures for similar positions at large retail chains. The "Senior" designation may place it at the higher end of typical associate pay.

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 skill development.
  • Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Michaels products and services, encouraging personal creativity and savings.
  • Other Benefits: Potential for 401(k) plans, employee assistance programs, and other perks as detailed by the company.

Working Hours:

  • This is a full-time position, typically requiring around 40 hours per week.
  • Work hours will include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with retail operational needs and customer traffic patterns.
  • Flexibility in scheduling is expected to cover store operating hours and departmental demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location. Actual compensation will be determined by the employer based on experience, qualifications, and internal pay scales. The provided benefits are explicitly mentioned in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is the leading creative destination in North America, specializing in crafting, decorating, and gifting products. Company Size: Operates over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, indicating a large, established retail organization with significant operational scale. Founded: 1973, with headquarters in Irving, Texas. This history signifies a stable and experienced company with deep roots in the creative market.

Team Structure:

  • The role operates within a store-level team, likely reporting to a Framing Manager or Store Manager.
  • It involves collaboration with fellow Sales Associates, Cashiers, and potentially other department specialists.
  • Cross-functional interaction is expected, particularly with other store associates to ensure overall store operational efficiency and customer service.

Methodology:

  • Customer-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on building customer relationships and providing personalized service ("Elevated ABC Deliver").
  • Operational Standards: Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sales, customer service, and store maintenance.
  • Sales-Driven Environment: Focus on achieving sales targets and KPIs, with opportunities for advancement based on performance.
  • Team Support: Encouragement of teamwork, training, and mutual support among team members.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels positions itself as a company that "fuels the joy of creativity." This suggests a culture that values creativity, passion, and a positive, supportive environment for both employees and customers. The large store footprint implies well-defined operational processes and a structured approach to retail management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level position within the retail operations framework, specifically within the custom framing department. It serves as a foundational role for developing customer service, sales, and basic operational skills.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Framer typically reports to the Framing Manager, and in their absence, may take on lead responsibilities. They also collaborate with and receive direction from the Store Manager and other designated store leadership.

Operations Impact: The Senior Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and by contributing to an enhanced customer shopping experience that encourages repeat business. Their ability to build relationships and provide quality service influences customer loyalty and the store's overall performance metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement to Framing Manager: Proven success in sales, customer service, and leadership within the framing department can lead to opportunities for promotion to Framing Manager.
  • Cross-Training: Opportunities to gain experience in other store departments, broadening skill sets and understanding of overall retail operations.
  • Specialization: Developing expertise in custom framing techniques and sales, becoming a go-to resource for complex customer projects.
  • Leadership Development: Taking on lead responsibilities in the absence of management provides practical leadership experience, preparing for future supervisory roles.
  • Transfer Opportunities: Potential to transfer to other Michaels locations or corporate roles within the company, depending on career aspirations and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, despite the low experience requirement, suggests a potential fast-track for motivated individuals to move into supervisory or management roles within the framing department or store operations. Demonstrating strong sales performance and leadership potential will be key.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The work environment is dynamic, customer-focused, and fast-paced. Office Location(s): The specific location is 1051 E Southlake Blvd, Southlake, Texas. This is a retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

  • Customer Interaction: The primary workspace involves direct interaction with customers on the sales floor and within the custom framing area.
  • Team Collaboration: Close proximity and interaction with other store team members for shared tasks and customer assistance.
  • Tools and Technology: Access to Point of Sale (POS) systems, framing equipment (e.g., mat cutters, heat presses), basic computer systems, and potentially inventory management tools.
  • Physical Demands: The role requires standing for extended periods, bending, lifting, reaching, and carrying, with the ability to lift heavy boxes and frames.

Work Schedule:

  • This is a full-time position, requiring approximately 40 hours per week.
  • Flexibility is essential, as work hours include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings to cover all store operational needs.
  • Weekend availability is a common requirement in retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a large retail store, emphasizing customer engagement and operational efficiency. The framing shop itself is a specialized area within the store, requiring specific attention to detail and safety protocols due to equipment like glass cutters and heat presses.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application by an HR representative or hiring manager to assess qualifications and fit.
  • In-Person Interview: A face-to-face interview with the Hiring Manager (Framing Manager or Store Manager) to discuss experience, skills, and cultural fit.
  • Situational Questions: Expect questions related to customer service scenarios, sales approaches, problem-solving, and handling difficult customers.
  • Skills Assessment: May involve a brief assessment of basic measuring skills or a discussion about how you would handle specific framing customer requests.
  • Team Interaction: You might meet other team members to gauge your ability to collaborate and integrate into the existing team dynamics.
  • Final Decision: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, and cultural alignment with Michaels' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Since formal framing experience isn't required, focus on a "skills portfolio" of your past work experiences.
  • Prepare 2-3 specific examples (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result) of times you excelled in customer service, handled a challenging customer interaction, or drove sales.
  • For sales examples, quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased sales in my category by X%," "exceeded sales targets by Y%").
  • For customer service, describe how you resolved a customer issue or went above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.
  • Highlight any instances where you trained or assisted colleagues.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be ready to discuss how you would approach a customer looking for custom framing solutions. Think about asking discovery questions (e.g., "What is the item you want to frame?", "Where will it be displayed?", "What is your budget?").
  • Prepare to articulate your understanding of Michaels' commitment to "fueling the joy of creativity" and how that translates into your customer interactions.
  • Practice explaining how you would handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with a framing quote or turnaround time.
  • Be ready to discuss your strengths in teamwork and how you contribute positively to a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on assessing soft skills, customer service aptitude, and sales potential. Candidates should be prepared to provide concrete examples of their abilities in these areas, demonstrating their fit for a customer-facing retail role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • POS System: Proficiency with point-of-sale systems for processing transactions, managing inventory, and customer data entry.
  • Framing Equipment: Familiarity with or ability to learn to operate specialized framing tools such as mat cutters, glass cutters, and heat presses.
  • Basic Computer Skills: Use of computers for inventory lookups, order entry, and accessing internal communication platforms.
  • Measuring Tools: Accurate use of tape measures, rulers, and other measuring devices for custom framing specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a data analyst role, understanding basic sales figures and store performance metrics would be beneficial.
  • Familiarity with how sales, customer satisfaction (VOC), and order completion rates contribute to overall store KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

  • Rewards Program Enrollment: Using the CRM or POS system to enroll customers in the Michaels Rewards program.
  • Omni-channel Support: Utilizing systems that support buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) or ship-from-store (SISO) functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technological requirements revolve around standard retail POS systems and the specialized equipment within the framing department. The ability to learn and adapt to these tools is key, rather than prior expertise in complex CRM or automation platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction in all interactions, from sales to service.
  • Creativity: Embracing and promoting the company's mission to "fuel the joy of creativity" through products and personalized service.
  • Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals and support a positive work environment.
  • Quality & Accuracy: Commitment to delivering high-quality custom framing solutions and ensuring precision in all tasks.
  • Integrity: Adhering to company policies, standards, and ethical practices, particularly in cash handling and customer interactions.
  • Positive Attitude: Maintaining a friendly, helpful, and respectful demeanor at all times.

Collaboration Style:

  • Supportive: Team members are encouraged to help each other, especially in assisting customers and completing tasks.
  • Goal-Oriented: Working together towards common store objectives, such as sales targets and customer satisfaction metrics.
  • Communication: Open communication is valued for coordinating tasks, sharing information, and resolving issues efficiently.
  • Learning Environment: A culture that supports training and knowledge sharing, particularly for new team members learning framing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity, customer satisfaction, and teamwork. As a "Senior" associate without formal management, demonstrating a willingness to support colleagues and contribute positively to team goals will be crucial for fitting into this culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Managing Multiple Customer Needs: Balancing the needs of multiple customers simultaneously, especially during peak shopping periods, while also managing framing orders.
  • Learning Technical Skills: Quickly mastering the operation of framing equipment and understanding the nuances of custom framing to provide accurate solutions.
  • Sales Pressure: Meeting sales targets and KPIs in a competitive retail environment.
  • Handling Diverse Customer Requests: Addressing a wide range of customer expectations, budgets, and artistic preferences for custom framing.
  • Physical Demands: Performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy items and standing for long periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Custom Framing Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of framing materials, techniques, and design principles.
  • Sales and Customer Service Skills: Enhancing consultative selling abilities and customer relationship management.
  • Leadership Skills: Developing leadership capabilities through acting in a lead capacity and training peers.
  • Retail Operations Knowledge: Understanding various aspects of retail store management and operations.
  • Product Knowledge: Expanding knowledge of Michaels' diverse product offerings beyond custom framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid entry point into retail operations with a focus on a specialized department. The challenges are typical of a customer-facing retail position, with the added complexity of a custom product service. Growth opportunities are clearly defined within the company's operational structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Customer Service Philosophy: "How do you approach building relationships with customers and ensuring they have a positive experience?" (Prepare examples using the STAR method.)
  • Sales Approach: "Describe your process for understanding a customer's needs and recommending a product or service." (Focus on consultative selling and problem-solving.)
  • Handling Challenges: "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer or resolved a customer complaint. What was the outcome?" (Highlight patience, empathy, and problem-solving.)
  • Teamwork: "How do you contribute to a positive team environment? Give an example of when you helped a colleague." (Showcase collaboration and support.)
  • Learning Agility: "How quickly do you pick up new skills or learn new systems? Provide an example." (Emphasize a proactive learning attitude.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Research Michaels' mission ("fuel the joy of creativity") and values. Be prepared to discuss how you align with these.
  • Understand the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Be ready to talk about why you are interested in Michaels specifically and the Senior Framer role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Prepare 2-3 concise stories about your past experiences that highlight your customer service, sales, and problem-solving skills.
  • For each story, clearly state the Situation, your Task, the Actions you took, and the positive Result.
  • Focus on quantifiable achievements where possible, but qualitative impacts (e.g., improved customer satisfaction) are also valuable.
  • Be ready to discuss how your skills are transferable to the Senior Framer role, even without direct framing experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, a customer-centric mindset, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of retail sales dynamics. The "Senior" aspect means showcasing initiative and a capacity for leadership or guidance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Michaels Careers website.
  • Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight customer service, sales achievements, problem-solving skills, and any experience with teamwork or training. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer relationships," "sales," "service," "teamwork," and "problem-solving."
  • Prepare Behavioral Examples: Develop specific examples using the STAR method for common interview questions related to customer service, sales, and teamwork.
  • Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.
  • Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse your answers to potential interview questions, focusing on clear, concise, and positive communication. Practice discussing your transferable skills and enthusiasm for learning the framing craft.
  • Portfolio Readiness: While not a formal portfolio, have your key achievements and examples ready to discuss verbally during the interview.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Basic computer and measuring skills are required, along with the ability to operate framing equipment. Retail experience and a positive attitude towards customer service are preferred.