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 / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on delivering exceptional custom framing solutions and driving sales within a retail environment.

• Key responsibilities include building strong customer relationships through personalized design consultations and ensuring high-quality, timely order fulfillment.

• The position involves supporting store operations, including merchandising, inventory management, and maintaining a positive shopping experience for customers.

• This role requires proficiency in operating specialized framing equipment and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in a retail setting, the "Framer" title and focus on "custom framing solutions" indicate a specialized, craft-oriented operational function within the store. The responsibilities blend direct customer interaction with the operational execution of a specialized service.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Sales:

  • Build strong customer relationships by understanding their needs and providing expert custom framing design consultations using the "Elevated ABC Deliver" methodology.
  • Drive sales performance by effectively selling custom framing products and services, meeting or exceeding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  • Actively engage customers to help them find products, offer solutions, and educate them on the benefits of the Michaels Rewards program, completing enrollments as needed.
  • Educate customers on the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey to gather feedback and drive service improvements.

• Custom Framing Operations:

  • Accurately complete custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to production timelines.
  • Operate framing equipment, including specialized machinery and a glass cutter, safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure the ready-made frame department and other assigned areas (e.g., SISO, Directed Replenishment) are well-maintained, merchandised, and stocked.

• Store Operations Support:

  • Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance and operational consistency.

  • Assist the Framing Manager in driving KPI achievement and act in a lead capacity in their absence.

  • Provide training and support to other Team Members in framing processes and customer service.

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

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment.

  • Provide a fast and friendly checkout experience, adhering to cash handling standards.

  • Support loss prevention and safety programs.

  • Assist with Omni-channel processes as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on customer-facing sales and the operational execution of custom framing. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a structured sales and consultation process. The inclusion of "SISO" (Store-In-Stock-Out) and "Directed Replenishment" points to inventory management and stock optimization tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing role is preferred.

Required Skills:

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

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficient in using basic computer applications for order entry, POS systems, and communication.

• Measuring & Calculation: Accurate basic measuring skills for custom framing projects.

• Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate framing equipment and a glass cutter.

• Cash Handling: Proficiency in operating a cash register and adhering to cash handling procedures.

• Merchandising: Understanding of visual merchandising principles to maintain department appearance.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication for customer interactions and team collaboration.

• Adherence to Procedures: Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs consistently.

Preferred Skills:

• Custom Framing Experience: Prior hands-on experience in custom framing or a related craft.

• Retail Sales Experience: Proven ability to meet sales targets and drive revenue.

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with inventory control and stock replenishment processes.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for resolving customer issues and operational challenges.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with team members and support a positive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "basic" computer and measuring skills suggests this is an entry-level role, with significant on-the-job training provided for specialized framing tasks. The preferred skills indicate that prior retail sales or specific framing experience would make a candidate more competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Project Examples: Showcase a few examples of custom framing projects, highlighting complexity, material selection, and the final aesthetic outcome.

• Customer Consultation Process: Describe your approach to consulting with customers to understand their framing needs, preferences, and budget constraints.

• Sales Achievement Examples: Quantify any sales achievements or contributions to team sales goals, ideally with specific examples of how you influenced a sale.

• Operational Efficiency: If applicable, provide examples of how you've contributed to process improvements or efficiency gains in a previous role (e.g., faster order processing, improved stock management).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: While not explicitly required to design workflows, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they follow established framing and sales workflows.

• Quality Control: Demonstrate an understanding of quality standards in framing and how to ensure the final product meets customer expectations and company benchmarks.

• System Usage: Be ready to discuss your experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems, basic computer applications, and any inventory management tools used in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level retail operations role like this, a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense might not be expected. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss their past work, especially any custom framing projects or sales successes, as if presenting a mini-portfolio during interviews. The emphasis will be on understanding their process and how they apply learned procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

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

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

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

• Rewards Program: Participation in the company's customer loyalty program.

• Other Benefits: Potential for additional benefits as detailed by the company.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• Work hours may include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the operational needs of a retail environment. Flexibility in scheduling is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical entry-level retail roles with specialized functions in a moderate cost-of-living area like Sarasota, Florida. Specific benefits may vary for full-time vs. part-time employees, but the listed benefits are generally comprehensive for full-time positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail / Custom Framing Services

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally)

Founded: 1973

Company Description: Michaels is the largest specialty arts and crafts retail chain in North America, operating over 1,300 stores across the US and Canada, as well as online. Their purpose is to "fuel the joy of creativity and celebration." They also own Artistree, a custom framing merchandise manufacturer.

Company Specialties: Arts and crafts supplies, custom framing, DIY project materials, seasonal decor, party supplies.

Team Structure:

• Store Level: Typically consists of a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager(s), Framing Manager, Team Leads, Framers, and Sales Associates.

• Reporting Structure: The Framer reports directly to the Framing Manager. The Framing Manager reports to the Store Manager.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Framers will collaborate closely with other sales associates and store leadership to ensure seamless customer service and operational flow across all store departments.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building relationships and providing personalized solutions, particularly in custom framing.

• Process Adherence: Strong reliance on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all stores.

• Sales-Driven Culture: Focus on achieving sales targets and promoting customer loyalty programs.

• Team Support: Encouragement of teamwork and mutual support among store associates.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels operates in a highly customer-centric retail environment that values creativity and personal expression. The operational structure emphasizes standardized processes for efficiency and consistency across a large retail footprint, combined with a strong focus on sales performance and customer engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Specialist

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to become a skilled custom framer, mastering various techniques, materials, and design principles.

• Sales Advancement: Potential to develop strong sales acumen, moving into roles with higher sales targets or commission opportunities.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated performance and leadership qualities, opportunities may arise to become a Framing Lead, Framing Manager, or an Assistant Store Manager.

• Cross-Departmental Experience: Gaining experience in other store operations (e.g., merchandising, inventory) can broaden skill sets for future retail management roles.

• Tuition Assistance: The company offers tuition assistance, supporting further education that can aid in career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a foundational step within Michaels' retail operations. Growth is primarily vertical within the store structure or horizontal into other specialized retail functions. The company's emphasis on training and development, coupled with tuition assistance, supports career advancement for motivated individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public Retail Store Setting

Office Location(s): 127 N Cattleman Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232 (and other Michaels store locations nationwide).

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing Areas: Work will primarily occur in the main retail floor and the designated custom framing department, which are climate-controlled.

• Stock & Production Areas: Some stock room areas may not be climate-controlled. The frame shop itself contains specialized equipment like glass cutters and heat presses, requiring careful operation.

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands constant interaction with customers and close collaboration with other store team members and management.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Point of Sale (POS) systems, basic computer terminals, framing equipment, and potentially inventory management tools.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time position, requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• The schedule will be varied and will include nights, weekends, and potentially early mornings, aligning with retail operating hours and customer traffic patterns. Flexibility is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, typical of a busy retail store. The framing department is a specialized operational hub within the store, requiring both customer interaction on the sales floor and hands-on work with tools and materials in the production area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or online screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves meeting with the Framing Manager and potentially the Store Manager. This stage will assess customer service skills, sales aptitude, understanding of framing concepts (or willingness to learn), and cultural fit.

• Practical Assessment (Optional): May include a brief demonstration of basic measuring skills or a discussion about handling a customer scenario.

• Final Interview: May involve a final discussion with higher-level management or a review of any submitted examples of work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For Custom Framing: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, be prepared to discuss any custom framing projects you've completed or admire. Highlight your understanding of aesthetics, materials, and customer needs. If you have photos of past work (even personal projects), bring them or be ready to describe them vividly.

• For Sales: Prepare to discuss your sales approach. Quantify your achievements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example, "In my previous role at [Store Name], I was tasked with increasing loyalty program sign-ups (Situation). I actively engaged customers at checkout, explaining the benefits (Task). I used a specific script and offered a small incentive for sign-ups (Action), resulting in a 15% increase in sign-ups over two months (Result)."

• For Operations: Be ready to discuss your experience following procedures, maintaining a clean workspace, and managing inventory. If you have examples of how you improved efficiency or organization in a previous role, share them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Be prepared to role-play handling a difficult customer or a complex framing request. Focus on active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.

• Sales Pitch: Practice a short, compelling pitch for custom framing services, highlighting benefits like preserving memories, enhancing artwork, and personalized design.

• Operational Questions: Anticipate questions about your understanding of safety procedures, inventory management, and adherence to company policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess a blend of customer service, sales orientation, and operational responsibility. Candidates should emphasize their willingness to learn specialized framing skills and their ability to follow established procedures. Demonstrating enthusiasm for the creative aspect of framing will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Specialized machinery for cutting mats, assembling frames, and potentially heat presses for sealing.

• Glass Cutter: Essential tool for precision glass cutting for framed items.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, and potentially specialized framing measurement guides.

• Safety Equipment: Gloves, eye protection, and proper handling tools for materials and equipment.

Analytics & Reporting:

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

• Basic Computer Applications: For email communication, internal systems access, and potential order management software.

• Company Intranet/Systems: Access to internal portals for SOPs, training materials, and company communications.

CRM & Automation:

• Michaels Rewards Program System: Used for enrolling customers and tracking loyalty benefits.

• Order Management System: Integrated within the POS or a separate system to track custom framing orders from creation to fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing tools is critical. While advanced software skills are not typically required, a comfort level with POS systems and basic computer operations is essential for daily tasks and order management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value reflecting the company's focus on arts, crafts, and DIY projects. Framers are expected to bring a creative eye to customer solutions.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through excellent service, personalized recommendations, and high-quality product delivery.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding ethical standards in all interactions and fostering a respectful environment for team members and customers.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together to achieve store goals and support colleagues, especially in a dynamic retail setting.

• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing the need for quick service with the requirement for precise, high-quality custom framing work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Framers work alongside sales associates, cashiers, and management, requiring clear communication and mutual support to ensure a smooth customer experience.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture where following established processes is key, but feedback on how to improve efficiency or quality within those processes is valuable.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, especially regarding framing techniques, customer service strategies, and sales approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture that blends creative passion with operational discipline. The values encourage a positive, collaborative environment where individual contributions to customer satisfaction and sales are recognized, all within a framework of established procedures and ethical conduct.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales activities while ensuring timely and high-quality custom framing production.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer expectations for custom framing, which can range from simple to highly complex and bespoke designs.

• Physical Demands: The role requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and performing repetitive tasks, which can be physically demanding.

• Pace of Retail: Adapting to the fast-paced, often unpredictable environment of a busy retail store, including peak seasons and busy weekends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Develop specialized skills in custom framing design, material selection, and production techniques.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhance abilities in consultative selling, customer relationship management, and conflict resolution.

• Retail Operations Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of store operations, inventory management, and visual merchandising.

• Leadership Training: Opportunities to participate in leadership development programs for aspiring managers.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue further certifications or training in framing or related arts and crafts fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid entry point into retail operations with a specialized craft focus. The challenges are typical of hands-on retail roles, while the growth opportunities are geared towards developing both technical skills in framing and broader retail management capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Framing Process: "Describe your understanding of the custom framing process, from initial customer consultation to final product delivery. What are the key elements you'd focus on to ensure customer satisfaction?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to outline the steps, emphasizing customer needs assessment, material selection, design consultation, accurate production, and final quality check.

• Sales Approach: "How would you approach selling custom framing services to a customer who is unsure about the value or cost?"

  • Preparation: Focus on highlighting the benefits (preserving art, personalization, enhancing decor), demonstrating value, and understanding customer budget constraints. Mention the Michaels Rewards program as an added incentive.

• Problem Solving: "Imagine a customer is unhappy with their finished framing order. How would you handle this situation?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize active listening, apologizing for the inconvenience, understanding the specific issue, and proposing solutions (e.g., re-doing the work, offering a discount, escalating to the manager) while remaining calm and professional.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and specifically in a custom framing role?"

  • Preparation: Connect your interest to the company's mission of creativity, your passion for art/crafts, or your desire to develop specialized skills.

• "How do you handle working as part of a team, especially during busy periods?"

  • Preparation: Provide examples of your teamwork, highlighting collaboration, communication, and willingness to support colleagues.

• "How do you ensure quality and accuracy in your work, especially when dealing with detailed tasks like framing?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your attention to detail, adherence to procedures, and commitment to delivering high-quality results.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Walkthrough: If you have examples of past framing work or sales achievements, be prepared to describe them clearly and concisely, focusing on the process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Highlighting Skills: Emphasize how your existing skills (customer service, attention to detail, basic measuring) align with the role's requirements and how you are eager to learn the specialized framing aspects.

• Enthusiasm for Craft: Convey genuine interest in the art of custom framing and the creative aspect of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is customer-focused, sales-oriented, detail-oriented, and possesses a strong work ethic. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and a passion for the creative industry will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any customer service, sales, or hands-on experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer engagement," "sales," "merchandising," and "equipment operation." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss specific examples of your customer service interactions, sales successes, and any experience with detailed, quality-focused work. If you have personal framing projects, be prepared to describe them.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions and preparing specific examples for sales and customer service scenarios. Research the Michaels brand and its commitment to creativity.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services (especially custom framing), and company culture. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit 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.

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