SARASOTA UTC-FT FRAMER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SARASOTA UTC-FT FRAMER

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Sarasota, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of framers to achieve custom framing sales targets and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

• Drive custom framing sales by building strong customer relationships and offering tailored art solutions.

• Ensure operational excellence in the framing department, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.

• Manage team performance, inventory, and safety protocols within the framing studio and store.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a blend of sales leadership and operational management within a specialized retail department (custom framing). It requires a candidate who can motivate a team, drive revenue, and ensure efficient, high-quality production. The "Framer" title, combined with "Lead and coach a team" and "Drive custom framing sales," indicates a leadership position focused on both sales performance and operational execution within the framing department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of framers, focusing on developing their selling behaviors and customer engagement skills to drive custom framing sales.

• Collaborate with the Store Manager to plan workload, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality custom framing solutions to customers.

• Achieve individual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and manage the framing team to meet and exceed their role-specific KPIs.

• Oversee sales and production workload, strategically allocating sales floor time and networking opportunities to maximize custom framing revenue.

• Execute assigned inventory management processes accurately and efficiently within the framing department.

• Manage and implement shrink and safety programs, ensuring a secure and compliant work environment for the framing team.

• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD), taking responsibility for overall store operations and team management during assigned shifts.

• Participate in interviewing, onboarding, coaching, and talent development activities for new team members, supporting performance management.

• Partner daily with other Managers on Duty (MODs) to set expectations for framing and framer performance.

• Foster a positive and respectful work environment, promoting commitment to the organization's vision and values, and serving as a role model for the team.

• Participate in truck unloading and stocking processes to ensure adherence to truck standards and budget compliance.

• Acknowledge customers promptly, assist them in locating products, and provide effective solutions, particularly within the framing context.

• Support and execute Omni-channel processes as required, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on sales leadership ("develop selling behaviors," "drive custom framing sales," "achieve KPI's") and team management ("lead and coach," "talent development," "performance management"), alongside critical operational duties such as inventory, safety, and MOD responsibilities. The inclusion of "Omni channel processes" suggests a need for integration with broader retail operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of retail management principles and sales strategies is expected, often gained through experience or vocational training.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in a retail leadership or supervisory role, with a proven track record in driving sales and managing a team.

• Demonstrated experience in managing operational processes, including inventory control and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Required Skills:

• Basic computer skills for POS systems, internal communication, and basic data entry.

• Proficiency in customer service, with a focus on consultative selling and problem-solving to meet customer needs for custom framing.

• Team leadership and coaching abilities, with experience in motivating and developing sales associates.

• Strong understanding of inventory management principles and execution.

• Familiarity with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the ability to ensure team compliance.

• Performance management skills, including setting expectations, providing feedback, and supporting employee development.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective team and customer interaction.

• Ability to act as Manager on Duty (MOD), demonstrating responsibility and decision-making capabilities. Preferred Skills:

• Previous custom framing experience, including knowledge of materials, design principles, and production processes.

• Retail management experience, particularly in a specialty retail environment.

• Proven experience leading a sales team to achieve revenue targets.

• Familiarity with talent development and employee coaching methodologies.

• Experience with Omni-channel retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between "Minimum Type of experience" (basic computer skills) and "Preferred Type of experience" (custom framing, retail management, leading sales teams) clearly delineates essential versus advantageous qualifications. The AI-derived experience level of "2-5 years" aligns with a role that requires some leadership and specialized knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Case Studies: Examples demonstrating your ability to drive sales growth, particularly in a consultative or custom product environment like framing. Quantify achievements with metrics like revenue increase, average transaction value (ATV), or conversion rates.

• Team Leadership Examples: Document instances where you successfully coached, mentored, or led a team to achieve specific performance goals, highlighting your leadership style and impact.

• Operational Process Improvement: Showcase examples of how you managed or improved inventory processes, implemented safety protocols, or streamlined workflow within a retail setting, emphasizing efficiency gains or cost savings.

• Customer Relationship Management: Illustrate your approach to building customer loyalty and resolving complex customer issues, particularly relevant to custom orders and bespoke services.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of how to document and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing services, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Provide examples of how you would plan and execute production workloads, manage inventory levels, and maintain a safe and efficient workspace.

• Showcase your ability to track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for both sales and operational metrics within the framing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a leadership role with a focus on sales and operational execution, a portfolio demonstrating impact in these areas is crucial. The emphasis should be on quantifiable results and clear processes. For a "Framer" role with leadership duties, showcasing experience in custom product sales and team motivation is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a full-time Retail Team Lead/Framer role with management responsibilities in Sarasota, Florida, and considering the 2-5 years of experience requirement, an estimated annual salary range would be $35,000 - $48,000. This estimate accounts for cost of living in Sarasota and typical retail management compensation structures.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match: A retirement savings plan offering financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance options for employees and potentially dependents.

• Telemedicine Services: Convenient access to healthcare professionals remotely.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax accounts for healthcare or dependent care expenses.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs to and from work.

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

• Adoption Assistance: Financial support for employees pursuing adoption.

• Various Voluntary Insurance Options: Additional coverage for life, disability, and other needs.

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products, fostering engagement with the brand.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role involves nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling may be required, especially when serving as Manager on Duty (MOD).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical retail management roles with sales and operational oversight in a mid-sized Florida market. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are comprehensive, indicating a strong employee support package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Specialty Retail (Arts, Crafts, and Framing)

Company Size: Michaels is a large enterprise, operating over 1,300 stores across North America, indicating a robust corporate structure with established operational frameworks and a significant employee base. This size suggests opportunities for standardized processes and potential for career advancement within a large organization.

Founded: 1973. Michaels has a long history, suggesting stability, established brand recognition, and a mature understanding of its market and customer base. This history implies well-defined operational procedures and a culture that has evolved over decades.

Team Structure:

• The framing team is likely a specialized unit within the larger store, reporting to the Store Manager. This role, as a lead framer, would directly manage a smaller team of framers and potentially cross-train with other store associates.

• The reporting structure would typically be: Framer -> Lead Framer/Framer -> Store Manager.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with other store departments, particularly for customer inquiries, inventory, and general store operations when acting as MOD. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Emphasis on sales data, KPI tracking, and performance metrics to drive sales and operational efficiency within the framing department.

• Workflow Planning: Structured approach to workload management, production scheduling, and resource allocation to ensure timely delivery of custom framing orders.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated for framing, the broader retail context implies leveraging store systems and processes for efficiency, such as POS, inventory management, and potentially Omni-channel fulfillment.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's longevity and size suggest a structured environment with clear operational guidelines. The "purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration" hints at a culture that values customer engagement and creative expression, which is directly applicable to the framing role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-level within store operations, specifically within the framing department. It's a leadership position that requires a blend of sales acumen, team management, and operational execution. It's a step above an individual contributor framer and can serve as a stepping stone to Assistant Store Manager or specialized roles within a larger retail organization.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Framer reports directly to the Store Manager. They are responsible for managing a team of framers and collaborating with other members of the store leadership team (e.g., other MODs).

Operations Impact: The Lead Framer has a direct impact on store revenue through custom framing sales and on operational efficiency by managing the framing department's workflow, inventory, and team performance. Their success contributes to overall store profitability and customer satisfaction metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Store Management Path: Advancement to Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager positions within Michaels, leveraging leadership and operational skills gained in this role.

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in custom framing, potentially leading to roles in design, production management, or even corporate merchandising related to framing.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to various aspects of retail operations, including inventory, visual merchandising, and customer service, which can prepare for broader retail management roles.

• Leadership Development Programs: Michaels, as a large organization, likely offers formal leadership training and development programs for promising team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key contributor within the store's operational hierarchy, offering tangible growth paths within the retail management spectrum. The focus on sales leadership and operational oversight makes it a strong foundation for further career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a customer-facing role within a public retail store environment. The primary workspace is the store floor and the dedicated frame shop area.

Office Location(s): Sarasota-127 N Cattleman Rd, Sarasota, FL. This specific store location is the primary work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves constant interaction with customers and a team of framers. The frame shop is a specialized workspace where craftsmanship and customer consultation occur.

• Tools & Technology: Access to a frame shop equipped with tools like a glass cutter and heat press. Basic computer skills are required, implying use of POS systems, internal communication tools, and potentially inventory management software.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with the framing team for coaching, task delegation, and performance feedback. Collaboration with other store management (MODs) and associates is also integral.

Work Schedule: The schedule includes nights, weekends, and early mornings. This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours/week) requiring flexibility to cover operational needs, especially when acting as Manager on Duty. The frame shop environment includes handling materials like glass and using specialized equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is dynamic, customer-centric, and requires a hands-on approach within a specialized department. The mention of specific tools (glass cutter, heat press) and work hours (nights, weekends, early mornings) provides practical context for operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or video screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest in the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience in sales, team leadership, and retail operations.

• In-Store Interview: This will likely involve a conversation with the Store Manager and potentially another member of the management team. Expect behavioral questions focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, customer service approach, and experience with custom sales or operations.

• Portfolio Presentation (Optional but Recommended): While not explicitly stated as required, preparing a concise portfolio showcasing your achievements in sales growth, team leadership, and operational improvements will significantly differentiate your application. Focus on quantifiable results.

• Manager on Duty (MOD) Simulation/Scenario: You might be asked to handle a customer scenario or a logistical challenge to assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills under pressure.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion about your fit with Michaels' culture and values, and a deeper dive into your operational management strategies.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For sales, highlight percentage increases in revenue, ATV, or conversion rates. For operations, focus on efficiency gains, shrink reduction, or improved turnaround times.

• Showcase Leadership: Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe how you led teams, coached individuals, or resolved team conflicts.

• Highlight Custom Sales Experience: If you have custom framing or similar custom product sales experience, detail your consultative sales process and how you translated customer needs into successful sales.

• Demonstrate Operational Acumen: Include examples of inventory management successes, safety program implementation, or process improvements you've driven.

• Tailor to Michaels: Research Michaels' values and brand. Frame your experiences to align with their mission of "fueling the joy of creativity and celebration."

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenario: Be ready to walk through how you would approach a customer interested in custom framing, from initial consultation to closing the sale.

• Team Motivation: Prepare to discuss how you would motivate a sales team, especially during slower periods or when facing challenging sales targets.

• Operational Problem-Solving: Think about how you would handle a situation like a delayed custom framing order, a stock shortage for a popular framing material, or a team conflict.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a retail leadership role typically involves assessing both interpersonal skills and practical operational/sales capabilities. A portfolio is a strong way to demonstrate concrete achievements, especially for a role focused on custom sales and operational management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially tracking sales performance.

• Inventory Management System: Likely a proprietary or industry-standard system for tracking framing materials, finished goods, and stock levels.

• Basic Computer Skills: Implies proficiency with standard office software for communication, scheduling, and potentially data entry/reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Used to track individual and team KPIs, sales trends, and performance against targets.

• Inventory Reports: For monitoring stock levels, identifying reorder needs, and managing shrinkage.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Functionality: Within the POS or a separate system, for managing customer profiles, order history, and preferences, particularly for custom framing clients.

• Communication Platforms: Internal systems for team communication, task assignment, and management directives (e.g., email, internal messaging apps).

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names aren't provided, the requirements point to standard retail operational technology. The emphasis on "basic computer skills" suggests that advanced technical expertise might not be a prerequisite, but proficiency with core retail systems is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to providing excellent customer service, understanding customer needs, and creating memorable experiences, especially within the custom framing context.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Encouraging a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve store and department goals, with a focus on shared success.

• Creativity & Passion: Aligning with Michaels' core purpose, fostering an environment that values creativity, artistic expression, and a passion for crafting and celebrating.

• Accountability & Performance: Holding oneself and team members accountable for meeting sales targets, operational standards, and quality expectations.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards, treating colleagues and customers with respect, and promoting a positive and inclusive workplace.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store departments and management to ensure smooth store operations and a unified customer experience.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages open communication regarding operational processes, allowing for constructive feedback and continuous improvement in framing services and store management.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing best practices in sales techniques, operational efficiency, and customer service with team members to elevate collective performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated purpose ("fuel the joy of creativity and celebration") is a strong indicator of its cultural values. For an operations role, translating these values into practical behaviors like customer engagement, team support, and quality craftsmanship is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Operations: Effectively managing the dual demands of driving custom framing sales while ensuring efficient production, inventory management, and adherence to operational procedures.

• Team Motivation and Performance Management: Leading a team to consistently meet sales targets and maintain high-quality standards, especially in a retail environment that can have high turnover.

• Customer Expectations for Custom Work: Managing customer expectations for unique, custom-designed framing solutions, which can require significant consultation and potentially longer lead times.

• Adapting to Retail Trends: Staying current with evolving customer preferences in framing styles, materials, and the broader arts and crafts market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in custom framing design, material knowledge, and specialized production methods.

• Retail Leadership Training: Access to formal training programs designed to enhance skills in sales management, team leadership, operational efficiency, and strategic planning within a retail context.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by experienced Store Managers or regional leadership, providing guidance on career progression within Michaels.

• Industry Knowledge: Continuous learning about new products, design trends, and best practices in the arts, crafts, and custom framing industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a leadership role in a specialized retail department. The growth opportunities are significant within a large, established company like Michaels, offering clear paths for career advancement and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully coached a team member to improve their sales performance. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your coaching methodology and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you balance the demands of driving sales with ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to SOPs in a retail environment?" (Highlight your organizational skills and ability to prioritize.)

• "Walk me through your process for handling a customer who is dissatisfied with a custom-ordered product. How would you aim to resolve the situation and retain their business?" (Demonstrate your customer service and problem-solving skills.)

• "Imagine you are the Manager on Duty and face a staffing shortage during a peak sales period. What steps would you take to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction?" (Assess your crisis management and leadership under pressure.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels, and why are you interested in this specific role as a Lead Framer?" (Showcase your research on the company's mission and your understanding of the role's responsibilities.)

• "How do you foster a positive and collaborative team environment, particularly in a sales-driven department?" (Connect your leadership style to the company's values.)

• "How do you ensure that your team consistently meets performance targets while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service?" (Emphasize your results-oriented approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise and Impactful: Select 2-3 key achievements that best represent your skills in sales leadership, team management, and operational execution.

• Quantify Everything: Use specific numbers and percentages to demonstrate your impact (e.g., "Increased custom framing sales by 15% in Q3," "Reduced framing production errors by 10% through process adjustments").

• STAR Method: For behavioral examples, structure your stories clearly: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

• Visual Aids (Optional): If you have examples of process improvements or sales reports, consider presenting them visually if appropriate, but keep it brief and focused.

• Connect to Michaels: Frame your achievements in a way that shows how your skills would benefit Michaels Stores and the Sarasota UTC location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on core competencies for retail leadership: sales, team management, customer service, and operational execution. A portfolio that backs up these claims with data and specific examples will be highly advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in custom sales, team leadership, retail operations, inventory management, and customer service. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "sales management," "team leadership," and "SOPs." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your success in driving sales, managing teams, and improving operational processes. Focus on quantifiable results and be ready to discuss these examples confidently.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, products, and recent company news. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership style, sales strategies, and operational problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss your custom framing experience or transferable skills.

⚠️ 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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