Senior Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Brandon, FL, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive customer engagement and build strong relationships through personalized custom framing consultations and solutions.

• Achieve and exceed sales and production targets within the framing department, contributing directly to store revenue goals.

• Provide leadership and support to the framing team in the absence of the Framing Manager, ensuring operational continuity.

• Act as a trainer and mentor for other team members, sharing expertise in custom framing and customer service best practices.

• Maintain high standards of store presentation, including the ready-made frame department, and support omnichannel fulfillment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior Framer," indicating a need for established skills in custom framing and customer interaction, with an expectation of leadership potential and the ability to train others. The focus on sales, production, and acting in a lead capacity suggests this is a key contributor role within the framing department, bridging experienced associate and supervisory functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute custom framing orders with a high degree of quality and adherence to delivery timelines, ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Actively engage customers using the Elevated ABC Deliver methodology to build rapport and identify their framing needs and preferences.

• Provide expert advice and recommendations on framing materials, matting, and design to create unique and appealing solutions.

• Operate and maintain all framing equipment, including the mat cutter, and other specialized tools safely and efficiently.

• Assist the Framing Manager in tracking and driving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the framing department, such as sales, production, and customer satisfaction.

• Support team members by answering questions, providing guidance, and assisting with training on framing processes, sales techniques, and operational procedures.

• Manage inventory for the ready-made frame department, ensuring stock levels are appropriate and visual merchandising standards are maintained.

• Contribute to overall store operations by assisting with stocking, merchandising, and maintaining a clean and organized sales floor.

• Process customer transactions accurately and efficiently at the cash register, adhering to all cash handling and security standards.

• Support and implement company-wide shrink and safety programs to ensure a secure and accident-free work environment.

• Participate in the truck un-load and stocking processes, ensuring adherence to established procedures and timelines.

• Engage customers in discussions about the Rewards program, explaining benefits and facilitating enrollment to enhance customer loyalty.

• Educate customers on the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey to gather feedback and identify areas for service improvement.

• Assist with various omnichannel processes, such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical framing skills, sales acumen, customer service excellence, and operational support. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" and "Voice of Customer (VOC)" indicates a structured approach to customer engagement and feedback collection, which are critical for retail operations focused on customer experience and continuous improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is typically expected for this role. Specific coursework in art, design, or vocational training related to framing or craftsmanship may be advantageous but not strictly required.

Experience:

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

• Demonstrated ability to operate basic framing equipment and glass cutters.

• Proficiency in basic computer skills for POS systems and potential inventory management software.

• Experience with measuring and cutting techniques for various materials. Required Skills:

• Custom Framing Expertise: Ability to design, cut, and assemble custom frames according to customer specifications and quality standards.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions that exceed expectations.

• Sales Acumen: Skill in selling products and services, upselling, and cross-selling to achieve sales targets.

• Cash Handling Proficiency: Accurate and efficient operation of a cash register and adherence to all cash management policies.

• Merchandising & Presentation: Ability to maintain visually appealing displays and organized product areas, particularly within the framing department.

• Basic Measuring & Cutting: Competence in precise measurement and cutting of materials for framing.

• Equipment Operation: Familiarity with operating framing equipment, glass cutters, and potentially heat presses.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, provide support, and contribute to a positive team environment.

• Adherence to SOPs: Discipline in following Standard Operating Procedures for all aspects of the job.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Prior experience in a retail environment, ideally with a focus on custom products or design services.

• Selling Products/Services: Proven track record of successfully selling products or services to customers.

• Visual Merchandising: Advanced skills in creating attractive and effective product displays.

• Inventory Management: Experience in managing stock levels, conducting counts, and maintaining inventory accuracy.

• Team Leadership/Training: Experience in guiding or training junior team members.

• Omnichannel Operations: Familiarity with supporting online order fulfillment and in-store pickup processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a level of proficiency beyond basic entry-level. While 0-2 years is listed as "experience level," the expectation is likely for a candidate who can quickly become proficient and potentially take on lead responsibilities. The "Minimum Type of experience" and "Preferred Type of experience" in the raw description are consolidated and clarified here to distinguish between essential and advantageous qualifications for a Senior Framer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Custom Framing Project Examples: Showcase a range of completed custom framing projects, demonstrating variety in materials, styles, and complexity. Include high-quality images of finished pieces.

• Customer Consultation Scenarios: Present examples of how you would approach a customer consultation, detailing your process for understanding needs, recommending materials, and presenting design options.

• Sales Performance Metrics: If available, provide anonymized examples of sales targets achieved and any contributions to increased framing sales or average transaction value.

• Process Flow Documentation: Illustrate your understanding of the custom framing process from order taking to final product delivery, highlighting key quality control steps.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of how to map out the custom framing workflow from initial customer interaction through production and completion, identifying potential bottlenecks and areas for efficiency improvement.

• Quality Assurance Protocols: Outline the steps you would take to ensure the quality of each custom framing order, from material selection to final assembly and inspection.

• System Usage Examples: If applicable, provide examples of how you have used POS systems, inventory management tools, or design software to support framing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Senior" role, a portfolio is highly recommended, even if not explicitly requested. It allows candidates to visually demonstrate their skills in custom framing design, execution, and customer interaction. Highlighting sales contributions and process efficiency is crucial for demonstrating value beyond just technical framing ability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Framer in Brandon, FL, the estimated salary range is between $35,000 - $48,000 annually. This estimate considers the experience level (0-2 years with senior responsibilities), the specific retail and custom framing nature of the role, and the cost of living in the Brandon, Florida area. The higher end of the range reflects strong performance, leadership potential, and demonstrated sales success.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with employer match: Financial planning support for retirement.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.

• Medical Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance options.

• Dental Coverage: Oral health benefits.

• Vision Coverage: Eye care benefits.

• Telemedicine Services: Convenient remote access to healthcare professionals.

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

• Commuter Benefits: Support for transportation costs.

• Tuition Assistance: Financial aid for continuing education and skill development.

• Adoption Assistance: Support for team members growing their families.

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

• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Michaels products and services, including framing.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 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.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical retail associate and lead roles with specialized skills. Actual compensation will vary based on the candidate's specific experience, performance during the interview process, and Michaels' internal compensation structure. The detailed benefits listed are directly from the provided text, highlighting the comprehensive package offered to Michaels employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels Stores is a leading retailer in North America, specializing in arts, crafts, home decor, and custom framing. This industry demands creativity, customer engagement, and a focus on product knowledge.

Company Size: Over 1,300 stores across the U.S. and Canada, with a significant online presence. This large scale implies established operational processes, brand recognition, and opportunities for internal mobility.

Founded: 1973. With a long history, Michaels has developed a strong brand identity and a deep understanding of its customer base and market.

Team Structure:

• Framing Department Focus: This role is embedded within the store's framing department, a key revenue-generating area.

• Lead Capacity: The Senior Framer is expected to act as a lead in the absence of the Framing Manager, indicating a hierarchical structure within the department.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While focused on framing, the role involves interaction with other store team members for general customer service, stocking, and omnichannel support. Collaboration with the store management team is also expected.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasizes building customer relationships and providing memorable solutions, driven by methodologies like "Elevated ABC Deliver."

• Data-Driven Performance: Focuses on achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and driving sales results, suggesting a performance-oriented environment.

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

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Michaels likely emphasizes creativity, customer service, and a team-oriented environment. For a Senior Framer, understanding the balance between creative execution and operational efficiency within a large retail structure is key. The company's long history suggests a stable work environment with established best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Framer," indicating an intermediate level within the retail operations structure. It requires a solid foundation of technical framing skills, customer service experience, and a capacity for leadership and training. It's a step above a standard Framer associate, with expectations of contributing to team performance and potentially mentoring new hires.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Framer reports to the Framing Manager. In the manager's absence, the Senior Framer is expected to assume lead responsibilities. This implies a clear reporting line and a defined escalation path.

Operations Impact: The Senior Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and production. Their ability to build customer relationships and provide high-quality solutions contributes to customer loyalty and repeat business. Furthermore, their role in training and supporting other team members enhances the overall operational efficiency and effectiveness of the framing department.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Manager: Advancement to a management role within the framing department, overseeing operations, sales, and team performance.

• Specialized Design Roles: Potential opportunities in larger stores or regional support roles focusing on advanced design or custom project management.

• Retail Store Management: Progression into broader retail management roles within Michaels stores, leveraging developed leadership and operational skills.

• Training & Development Specialist: Opportunities to focus on training new team members across multiple stores or within a specific region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title is a crucial indicator of growth potential. Candidates should view this role not just as a job, but as a stepping stone within Michaels' retail operations framework. Highlighting leadership aptitude and a willingness to train others will be key for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail store environment, specifically within a Michaels store location. The primary workspace is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing shop.

Office Location(s): The specific location is Brandon, FL (2564 W Brandon Blvd). This is a customer-facing retail setting.

Workspace Context:

• Customer Interaction Hub: The framing shop and sales floor are active areas with constant customer interaction. The role requires comfort and proficiency in engaging with diverse clientele.

• Tools & Technology: Access to framing equipment (mat cutter, glass cutter, heat press), POS systems for transactions, and potentially basic computer systems for order management or inventory.

• Team Collaboration Space: The store environment fosters continuous interaction with other team members, management, and customers, creating a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The schedule will be varied, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, to meet operational demands and customer needs. Flexibility is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is highly customer-centric and fast-paced. The framing shop itself involves specialized equipment and materials, requiring attention to safety and organization. The need to work various shifts, including weekends, is standard for retail operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Framing Manager and potentially another store leader. Expect questions about your custom framing skills, customer service approach, sales experience, and ability to handle operational tasks.

• Skills Demonstration/Scenario: You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring and cutting skills or discuss how you would handle specific customer scenarios (e.g., a challenging framing request, dealing with an unhappy customer).

• Team Interaction: Assessment of your ability to collaborate with team members and fit within the store culture.

• Final Interview/Offer: Depending on the store's structure, a final interview with a district or regional manager may occur before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and visually appealing. High-quality photos of your best framing work are essential.

• Process Narrative: For each project, briefly describe the customer's need, the materials you selected, your design process, and any unique challenges you overcame.

• Sales & Customer Focus: Highlight instances where your framing solutions directly addressed customer needs or led to increased sales or customer satisfaction.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key highlights that demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to the Senior Framer role.

• Digital or Physical: A digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, online album) is often convenient, but a well-organized physical portfolio can also be effective.

Challenge Preparation:

• Framing Skills Assessment: Be ready to discuss your experience with different framing techniques, materials, and equipment. You might be asked about specific types of artwork or framing challenges.

• Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare to answer questions about how you handle customer inquiries, complaints, and how you build rapport.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Think about how you would present the value of custom framing to a customer who may be hesitant.

• Operational Awareness: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of store operations, including inventory, merchandising, and cash handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be explicitly required for every retail role, for a "Senior" position involving custom work and sales, preparing one demonstrates initiative and professionalism. It's a strong way to showcase tangible skills and experience beyond what's on a resume.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Mat cutters, glass cutters, framing saws, staple guns, glue presses, heat presses. Proficiency in operating and maintaining these tools safely is essential.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, rulers, calipers for precise measurements.

• POS System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially accessing sales data.

• Basic Computer Skills: For potential use of inventory systems, email, or internal communication platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data: Understanding how to interpret sales reports related to framing department performance.

• Customer Feedback: Familiarity with using feedback from VOC surveys to identify areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): While not a dedicated CRM role, understanding how to use customer profiles within the POS system to track preferences and purchase history can be beneficial.

• Rewards Program Enrollment: Assisting with the enrollment process for the Michaels Rewards program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on the tools of the trade (framing equipment) and basic retail operational systems (POS). Emphasis is on hands-on skill with tools and efficient transaction processing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Fostering an environment where creativity is encouraged, both in custom framing solutions and in problem-solving.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and experiences, aiming to build lasting relationships through exceptional service and personalized solutions.

• Teamwork & Support: Promoting a collaborative atmosphere where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work towards common store goals.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding high standards for the quality of custom framing work, ensuring durability, aesthetics, and customer satisfaction.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Balancing creative output with operational efficiency to meet sales targets and maintain smooth store operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Working closely with fellow store associates, management, and potentially other departments to ensure seamless customer experiences (e.g., assisting with omnichannel orders).

• Mentorship & Training: A culture where senior team members are willing to train and guide newer employees, fostering skill development across the team.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values likely align with Michaels' brand as a creative hub. For a Senior Framer, demonstrating a blend of artistic sensibility, customer care, and a proactive, team-oriented attitude will be key to fitting into the culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Customization with Efficiency: Meeting the demand for unique, high-quality custom framing while maintaining production speed and profitability.

• Customer Expectations Management: Handling diverse customer needs, from simple requests to complex artistic visions, and ensuring satisfaction with the final product.

• Leading in Manager's Absence: Stepping into a lead role requires confidence, decision-making ability, and the capacity to motivate and guide peers.

• Staying Current with Trends: Keeping abreast of design trends, new materials, and framing techniques to offer contemporary solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn specialized framing methods, handle delicate artwork, or work with unique materials.

• Sales & Customer Engagement Training: Development in consultative selling, relationship building, and advanced customer service skills.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Gaining experience in leading a team, training new hires, and contributing to operational management.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of art conservation, framing materials, and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to develop both technical and soft skills. The challenges are designed to foster growth, pushing individuals to refine their problem-solving abilities and leadership potential within a supportive retail framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a custom framing solution for a customer with a unique or challenging piece of art. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, material selection, and customer satisfaction.)

• "How do you approach building rapport and trust with a customer who is unsure about their framing needs?" (Focus on consultative selling and customer service techniques.)

• "Imagine you are the Framing Manager's lead assistant. How would you handle a situation where a team member is struggling with a framing order or customer interaction?" (Focus on leadership, training, and problem-solving.)

• "What are your thoughts on the balance between creative design and efficient production in custom framing?" (Focus on operational awareness and process thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Michaels Stores and our commitment to creativity?" (Research the company's mission, values, and product offerings.)

• "How do you handle feedback from customers or management, especially if it's critical?" (Demonstrate openness to learning and improvement.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it." (Highlight collaboration and a positive attitude.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Impact: For each project, focus on the problem solved for the customer, the aesthetic achieved, and any positive feedback received.

• Quantify if Possible: If you have sales data or can speak to increased customer satisfaction from your framing work, include it.

• Showcase Range: Present a variety of projects to demonstrate versatility in materials, styles, and types of artwork framed.

• Narrative Flow: Tell a story for each project, explaining your thought process and how you arrived at the final solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical framing skill, strong customer service aptitude, sales drive, and leadership potential. Be prepared to provide specific examples from your experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Framer position:

• Submit your application: Complete the online application through the Michaels Careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your custom framing experience, customer service achievements, sales success, and any leadership or training experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather examples of your best custom framing work, focusing on variety and quality. Be ready to discuss your process and customer interactions.

• Research Michaels: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' products, services, values, and current marketing initiatives, especially regarding custom framing.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your skills, experience, and alignment with the company culture. Be ready to discuss your portfolio.

⚠️ 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.