Senior Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Vancouver-665 W Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Operations / Customer Service & Sales

Date Posted: 2026-09-12

Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences through expert custom framing services, driving sales, and contributing to overall store operational excellence.

• Involves building strong customer relationships by understanding their creative needs and translating them into high-quality framing solutions.

• Requires hands-on operation of framing equipment and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure quality and efficiency in production.

• Acts as a key support to the Framing Manager, potentially taking a lead role in their absence, and assists in training other team members to foster a skilled and cohesive store team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Senior Framer" suggests a role that goes beyond basic framing tasks, implying a level of expertise, customer consultation, and potentially some leadership or training responsibilities within the framing department, even if formal experience requirements are entry-level. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "personal designer" points to a consultative sales approach within the framing service.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and nurture customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations for custom framing projects, utilizing the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology.

• Achieve and exceed sales and production targets for the custom framing department, directly impacting store revenue and performance metrics.

• Operate and maintain framing equipment, including specialized tools and glass cutters, ensuring precision, quality, and adherence to safety protocols.

• Complete custom framing orders accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines, meeting customer expectations for quality and delivery.

• Maintain the visual standards and stock integrity of the ready-made frame department, as well as other assigned areas, including SISO (Single Item, Single Order) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Provide friendly and efficient customer service throughout the store, assisting with product location, checkout, and promoting loyalty program enrollments.

• Act as a key resource and trainer for other team members, sharing knowledge of framing techniques, customer service best practices, and operational procedures.

• Support the Framing Manager in driving Key Performance Indicator (KPI) achievement and operational efficiency within the department.

• Ensure a safe, clean, and clutter-free store environment, adhering to all safety and shrink prevention programs.

• Assist with Omni-channel processes, such as online order fulfillment or customer pick-ups, to provide a seamless customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on specialized custom framing expertise and general retail operations. The mention of "Elevated ABC Deliver" indicates a specific sales and service training program that candidates should be prepared to learn and implement, focusing on consultative selling and relationship building. The "Senior" title implies a higher standard of execution and potential for guiding junior staff.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for entry-level retail roles, though not explicitly stated, it's a common baseline. Experience:

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

• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new skills, particularly in technical or creative areas. Required Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency for point-of-sale systems and potentially order management.

• Fundamental measuring skills for accurate project specifications.

• Ability to operate specialized framing equipment and a glass cutter safely and effectively.

• Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and follow instructions.

• Basic understanding of inventory management and merchandising principles.

• Cash handling proficiency and adherence to financial transaction standards. Preferred Skills:

• Previous retail sales experience, particularly in consultative selling environments.

• Experience selling products or services, demonstrating an ability to understand customer needs and offer solutions.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes, materials, or design principles.

• Experience with visual merchandising and maintaining store presentation standards.

• Previous experience in a lead or training capacity, even informally.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the explicit experience requirement is low, the "Senior" title implies that candidates who can demonstrate a proactive learning attitude, a knack for consultative sales, and a keen eye for detail will be highly valued. The ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter is a critical technical skill for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate examples of successful customer interactions where you identified needs and provided solutions, particularly in a sales or service context.

• Showcase any projects where you had to meticulously follow instructions or specifications to achieve a desired outcome, reflecting the precision required for framing.

• Include examples of how you've contributed to maintaining organized work or retail environments, demonstrating an understanding of visual standards and efficiency.

• If applicable, provide any examples where you've taken initiative to learn a new skill or process quickly, highlighting adaptability and a proactive learning approach. Process Documentation:

• While a formal process portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and how they ensure consistent execution.

• Be ready to articulate how you would approach learning and implementing new operational processes or sales techniques as introduced by management.

• Candidates should be able to explain how they monitor their own work for quality and accuracy, especially in tasks involving precise measurements or detailed steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a formal portfolio is unlikely to be required. However, candidates can significantly strengthen their application by preparing to speak to specific examples from their past experiences that align with the responsibilities and required skills, framing them as evidence of their capabilities in areas like customer consultation, precision work, and adherence to procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated base pay range is $19.75 - $23.00 CAD per hour. This range is competitive for skilled retail positions in Vancouver, British Columbia, reflecting the specialized nature of custom framing and the lead support responsibilities. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous time off for rest and personal needs.

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

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services, a valuable perk for creative individuals.

• Other Benefits: Access to additional benefits as detailed on mikbenefits.com, which may include retirement savings plans or other wellness programs.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically involving approximately 40 hours per week.

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, reflecting the demands of a retail environment. Flexibility is expected to meet operational needs and customer traffic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific and provided in CAD, appropriate for the Vancouver location. The benefits package is robust, particularly the employee discount which aligns well with the company's creative focus. The mention of "interactive process" for reasonable accommodations suggests a commitment to inclusivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail, Arts & Crafts, Custom Framing. Michaels is a leading North American retailer in the arts and crafts industry, with a significant presence in custom framing services. This context implies a culture that values creativity, customer engagement, and a passion for DIY and artistic expression.

Company Size: The Michaels Companies, Inc. operates over 1,300 stores across North America. This large scale means established processes, significant brand recognition, and opportunities for structured career development within a large retail organization.

Founded: Founded in 1973, Michaels has a long history and deep roots in the creative community. This longevity suggests stability and a well-understood business model focused on customer needs in the arts and crafts sector.

Team Structure:

• The immediate team likely consists of the Framing Manager, other Framers, and general store team members. The Senior Framer will support the manager and work collaboratively with peers.

• Reporting is directly to the Framing Manager, with potential for oversight from store management.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving interaction with all store departments to ensure a cohesive customer experience and operational flow, especially regarding Omni-channel services. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and sales targets.

• Structured workflow planning and optimization through adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Focus on customer-centric processes, including consultative selling ("Elevated ABC Deliver") and feedback mechanisms ("Voice of Customer" surveys).

Company Website: www.michaels.com and www.michaels.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on creativity and community is a significant cultural element. For operations roles, this translates to a need for attention to detail, a customer-first mindset, and an ability to work within established frameworks while still offering creative solutions. The scale of Michaels suggests robust training programs and clear operational guidelines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior position with "Senior" responsibilities. It's an excellent starting point for individuals interested in retail operations, sales, and specialized craft services. It offers hands-on experience in customer service, sales, production, and team support.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Framer reports directly to the Framing Manager. This provides a clear line of communication for guidance, feedback, and development. The role also involves supporting the manager and potentially acting as a point person in their absence.

Operations Impact: The Senior Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer engagement. Their ability to deliver quality products and excellent service contributes to customer loyalty, repeat business, and positive brand perception. Efficient operations in the framing department also support overall store performance by meeting production targets and maintaining visual standards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, materials, and design, potentially leading to more advanced framing roles or specialization.

• Retail Leadership: Potential to advance to Framing Manager or other supervisory roles within the store by demonstrating leadership, sales acumen, and operational proficiency.

• Cross-Departmental Skills: Development of broad retail skills, including sales, customer service, merchandising, and inventory management, which are transferable across various retail functions.

• Training and Development: Opportunities to develop training and mentorship skills by assisting in onboarding and guiding new team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation in an entry-level role indicates a fast-track potential for motivated individuals. Success in this role can open doors to management positions within Michaels or provide a strong foundation for careers in retail management, sales, or even specialized design fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a position within a public retail store setting. The primary workspace will be on the retail floor and within the dedicated custom framing shop.

Office Location(s): The specific location is 665 W Broadway in Vancouver, BC. This is a busy retail area, suggesting consistent customer traffic and a dynamic work environment.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is customer-facing, requiring constant interaction with the public in a climate-controlled retail space.

• The framing shop itself involves specialized equipment, including a glass cutter and heat press, necessitating careful adherence to safety protocols. Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled.

• Opportunities for team interaction are high, with collaboration expected among store team members and direct support provided to the Framing Manager. Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The schedule is variable and will include nights, weekends, and early mornings to cover store operating hours and customer demand. Flexibility is a key requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical of a busy retail setting, demanding adaptability, customer focus, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The framing shop environment requires specific attention to safety due to the tools and materials used.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially with the Framing Manager and/or Store Manager. This will focus on customer service philosophy, sales approach, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the framing services.

• Skills Assessment/Demonstration: Candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills or discuss how they would approach a framing consultation. Practical assessment of operating framing equipment could also occur.

• Team Interaction: An opportunity to meet other team members to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio is not expected, be prepared to discuss specific projects or experiences from your resume.

• For any past sales or customer service roles, prepare examples of how you've successfully:

  • Consulted with customers to understand their needs.
  • Recommended products or services that met those needs.
  • Handled challenging customer situations.
  • Achieved sales targets.

• If you have any examples of creative projects or precise work (even personal hobbies), be ready to briefly describe them to illustrate your attention to detail and creative aptitude. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for situational questions such as: "A customer wants to frame a very valuable piece of art; what steps would you take?" or "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their framing order?"

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of customer service and how you would apply it to the custom framing experience at Michaels.

• Think about how you would manage your time effectively if you had multiple framing orders and customer consultations happening simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both customer-facing skills and a candidate's aptitude for the technical aspects of framing. Preparation should focus on articulating past achievements in terms of customer impact, sales results, and attention to detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Proficiency or ability to learn operation of specialized tools like mat cutters, frame saws, assembly tools, and potentially computerized mat cutters (CMCs) if available.

• Glass Cutter: Essential tool for custom glass sizing.

• Heat Press: May be used for specific mounting or finishing techniques.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Standard retail system for processing transactions, managing sales, and potentially looking up customer orders.

• Basic Computer Skills: For accessing training modules, company communication, and potentially order entry systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Metrics: Familiarity with tracking personal sales goals and understanding how they contribute to store-wide KPIs.

• Inventory Management Systems: Understanding how to check stock availability for framing materials and ready-made frames.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicitly detailed, the "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "Rewards Program" enrollment suggest some form of customer data tracking and loyalty program management.

• Omni Channel Support: Familiarity with systems that facilitate online order fulfillment and in-store pickup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on specialized retail equipment and standard POS systems. The key is the willingness and ability to quickly learn and master the operation of framing-specific tools and software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the customer experience through personalized service and quality solutions.

• Creativity & Celebration: Supporting the company's mission to fuel creativity and celebration in customers' lives.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve store goals and provide seamless service.

• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing speed of service with the high-quality craftsmanship expected in custom framing.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding company values in all interactions and maintaining a positive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively collaborating with other store departments to support customer needs and operational tasks (e.g., assisting with general floor coverage, supporting Omni-channel).

• Feedback Exchange: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback, particularly in training and process improvement discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise in framing with team members to build collective capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Michaels is likely to be energetic, creative, and customer-centric. For operations roles, this means a need for individuals who are not only efficient and process-oriented but also passionate about art, crafts, and helping customers bring their creative visions to life.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales and Production: Effectively managing time to provide excellent customer consultations and sales while simultaneously completing framing orders to high standards.

• Technical Skill Acquisition: Quickly mastering the operation of framing equipment and precision techniques if lacking prior experience.

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

• Adapting to Retail Demands: Handling fluctuations in customer traffic, managing multiple priorities, and working variable hours.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Mastery: Deepen expertise in various framing techniques, materials, and design principles through hands-on experience and potential company training.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhance consultative selling abilities and customer relationship management through practical application and adherence to sales methodologies.

• Operational Proficiency: Develop a strong understanding of retail operations, including inventory management, visual merchandising, and loss prevention.

• Leadership Potential: Gain foundational leadership experience by assisting the Framing Manager and training new team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in retail operations or specialized crafts. The challenges are opportunities for skill development, particularly in managing complex customer requests and mastering technical processes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer find the perfect solution for their needs, even if they weren't sure what they were looking for." (Assesses consultative sales and customer service skills)

• "How would you approach framing a customer's valuable artwork or sentimental item?" (Evaluates understanding of care, quality, and customer consideration)

• "Imagine you have three framing orders to complete, a customer consultation, and a store associate asking for help on the floor. How would you prioritize your tasks?" (Tests time management and prioritization skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does creativity mean to you, and how do you see it applying in a retail environment like Michaels?" (Assesses cultural fit and passion for the brand)

• "Why are you interested in custom framing specifically?" (Gauges genuine interest in the craft and service)

• "How do you stay motivated when working on repetitive tasks or during busy retail periods?" (Explores resilience and approach to work) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Instead of a formal portfolio, prepare to verbally walk through specific examples from your resume that demonstrate:

  • Your customer service approach and problem-solving skills.
  • Any experience with detailed or precise work.
  • Your ability to learn new skills quickly.
  • Examples of successful sales or upselling.

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of the framing process at Michaels and how you would contribute to creating a positive customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on highlighting transferable skills from previous roles, demonstrating a proactive learning attitude, and showcasing a genuine interest in creativity and customer service.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Framer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight customer service, sales experience, any experience with detailed work or tools, and your ability to learn quickly. Use keywords from the job description such as "customer service," "sales," "framing," "measuring skills," and "teamwork."

• Prepare Talking Points: For each responsibility and qualification listed, have a brief, specific example from your past experience ready to discuss. Focus on achievements and how you contributed to positive outcomes.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services (especially custom framing), and company values. Understand their mission to "fuel the joy of creativity and celebration."

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, including situational and behavioral questions, focusing on how your skills and experiences align with the Senior Framer role.

⚠️ 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.