Senior Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Retail Operations / Custom Framing Specialist

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Specialized role focused on delivering high-quality custom framing solutions and fostering strong customer relationships within a retail environment.

• Key responsibilities include driving sales performance, adhering to operational procedures, and contributing to team development and store standards.

• Requires proficiency in basic computer skills, measuring techniques, and the operation of specialized framing equipment.

• Acts as a key support to the Framing Manager, potentially taking a lead role in their absence, and ensuring customer satisfaction through excellent service and product knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Framer," the experience level is noted as "0-2 Years." This suggests that "Senior" in this context may refer to a lead or more experienced individual contributor role within the framing department, rather than requiring extensive prior senior-level experience. The role emphasizes hands-on framing skills, customer engagement, and sales, aligning with a specialist position rather than a management one.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Custom Framing Expertise: Design and execute custom framing solutions for customer artwork and memorabilia, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to design standards.

• Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong customer relationships by providing personalized design consultations, understanding their needs, and offering tailored framing recommendations.

• Sales & Revenue Generation: Drive sales for custom framing services and related products, actively engaging customers, identifying upsell opportunities, and achieving individual and team sales targets (KPIs).

• Operational Excellence: Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing production, equipment operation, safety protocols, and cash handling to ensure compliance and efficiency.

• Team Support & Development: Act as a resource for other team members, providing training and guidance on framing techniques, customer service, and operational procedures, especially in the absence of the Framing Manager.

• Store Maintenance & Merchandising: Maintain the ready-made frame department, ensure displays are attractive and well-stocked, and support inventory management through processes like SISO (Single Item, Single Out) and Directed Replenishment.

• Customer Engagement & Service: Provide friendly and efficient customer service throughout the store, assisting with product location, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

• Omni-Channel Support: Assist with and execute various omni-channel processes as required, ensuring seamless customer experiences across online and in-store channels.

• Safety & Compliance: Actively participate in and support store safety programs, shrink prevention initiatives, and ensure compliance with all company policies and legal requirements.

• Inventory & Stocking: Participate in truck unloading and stocking processes, adhering to established standards to ensure efficient inventory management and product availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of technical framing skills, direct sales, customer service, and operational duties. The emphasis on "Elevated ABC Deliver" suggests a specific sales methodology focused on building relationships and providing consultative selling, which candidates should be prepared to discuss. The "lead capacity in the absence of the Framing Manager" indicates a need for initiative and basic leadership potential.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Basic Computer Skills: Ability to use point-of-sale (POS) systems, basic software applications, and potentially online design tools.

• Measuring Skills: Accurate and precise measuring capabilities for custom framing projects.

• Framing Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating framing machinery, including but not limited to mat cutters, saws, and assembly tools.

• Glass Cutting: Skill in safely and accurately cutting various types of glass for framing.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to engage customers, understand their needs, provide solutions, and build rapport.

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to sell products and services, identify customer needs, and close sales.

• Cash Handling: Experience with operating a cash register and adhering to strict cash handling procedures and standards.

• Merchandising & Store Standards: Ability to maintain product displays, organize departments (e.g., ready-made frames), and contribute to an appealing store environment.

• Adherence to Procedures: Strong commitment to following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company programs.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Experience: Prior experience working in a retail environment, understanding store operations and customer flow.

• Consultative Selling: Experience in selling products or services through a consultative approach, focusing on customer needs and solutions.

• Team Leadership Potential: Experience or aptitude for assisting in training and guiding team members, and potentially stepping into a lead role.

• Inventory Management Basics: Familiarity with stock replenishment and inventory tracking methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with the "0-2 Years" experience suggests that the ideal candidate will have a strong aptitude and willingness to learn quickly, coupled with a foundational understanding of customer service and potentially some technical skills. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who can contribute to sales and team development beyond basic framing tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Framing Project Examples: While not explicitly a portfolio role, candidates should be prepared to discuss or showcase examples of custom framing projects they have completed, highlighting design choices, materials used, and problem-solving.

• Sales Performance Metrics: Be ready to discuss past sales achievements, KPIs met, and contributions to revenue growth in previous roles.

• Customer Service Scenarios: Prepare to describe how you have handled challenging customer interactions, resolved issues, and built customer loyalty.

• Process Adherence Examples: Be able to articulate instances where you successfully followed SOPs and contributed to operational efficiency or compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Demonstrate an understanding of the custom framing workflow, from initial customer consultation and design to production, assembly, and final delivery.

• Quality Control Awareness: Show an understanding of quality control measures in framing to ensure durability, aesthetic appeal, and customer satisfaction.

• System Usage: Be prepared to discuss experience with POS systems for transactions, order entry, and potentially basic inventory management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal portfolio might not be expected, but candidates should prepare a "verbal portfolio" or be ready to discuss their experiences and skills through specific examples during the interview process. This includes demonstrating their understanding of the framing process, sales techniques, and customer service best practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

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

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

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

• Rewards Program Enrollment: Opportunity to engage customers with the company's loyalty program.

• Other potential benefits: May include retirement savings plans, employee assistance programs, and other perks common in the retail sector.

Working Hours:

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

• Work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings, aligning with retail operational needs.

• Flexibility to work various shifts is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general retail associate and specialist roles in Canada, adjusted for the specific responsibilities of a Senior Framer. Actual compensation may vary based on individual experience, performance, and any applicable sales commission structures. The benefits listed are explicitly mentioned in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Arts and Crafts, Home Decor, Custom Framing)

Company Size: Large (Over 1,300 stores in North America)

Founded: 1973

Company Description: Michaels is a leading retailer in North America for arts, crafts, and home decor, dedicated to inspiring creativity and celebration. They operate a vast network of physical stores and e-commerce platforms, alongside a custom framing manufacturing division, Artistree. Their mission is to be the go-to destination for all things creative.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The role is within the Framing department of a retail store, working closely with other store team members.

• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Framing Manager. Will act in a lead capacity in the manager's absence.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborates with sales associates, cashiers, and potentially other departments for omni-channel fulfillment and general store operations.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building customer relationships through personalized service and consultative selling ("Elevated ABC Deliver").

• Process-Oriented Operations: Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for framing, sales, and store management.

• Performance Driven: Focus on achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sales, production, and customer satisfaction.

• Teamwork & Support: Encourages a supportive environment where team members assist and train each other.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels aims to foster a culture that celebrates creativity and supports its employees. The "Senior Framer" role is integral to the in-store customer experience, requiring a balance of technical skill, sales ability, and a team-oriented mindset.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Specialist / Lead Contributor

Reporting Structure:

• Direct reporting to the Framing Manager.

• Expected to provide support and guidance to other team members, acting as a key resource.

Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts revenue through custom framing sales and upselling opportunities.

• Enhances customer loyalty and store reputation through high-quality service and product delivery.

• Contributes to operational efficiency by adhering to SOPs and supporting team training.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Department Advancement: Potential to progress to Framing Manager or specialized roles within the framing division (e.g., Production Specialist).

• Retail Management Track: Opportunity to move into broader retail management roles, such as Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, by demonstrating leadership, sales, and operational skills.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in custom framing techniques, design trends, sales strategies, and potentially advanced operational processes.

• Company-Wide Opportunities: Potential for roles in visual merchandising, inventory management, or training development within Michaels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title is a stepping stone. Candidates should view this role as an opportunity to hone their craft, develop sales and customer service skills, and gain experience that can lead to further advancement within Michaels' extensive retail network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Store Environment

Office Location(s): Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (1723 Preston Ave N Ste 201)

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Facing: Primarily works on the retail floor and within the dedicated custom framing shop area.

• Collaborative Space: Works closely with other store associates, requiring good interpersonal skills and teamwork.

• Equipment & Tools: Access to specialized framing equipment, glass cutters, heat presses, POS systems, and other retail operational tools.

• Dynamic Environment: The store can be busy, requiring the ability to manage multiple tasks and customer needs simultaneously.

Work Schedule:

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

• Requires availability for nights, weekends, and early mornings.

• Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet retail operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is hands-on and customer-centric, demanding adaptability and a positive attitude. The framing shop itself requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols due to the nature of the tools and materials used.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• In-Store Interview: May involve meeting with the Framing Manager and potentially other team members. This stage will likely include:

  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing past experiences related to customer service, sales, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Situational Questions: Posing hypothetical scenarios to gauge how you would handle specific customer interactions or operational challenges.
  • Skills Assessment: Discussion or demonstration of framing techniques, measuring skills, and equipment knowledge.

• Practical/Sales Challenge (Potential): Candidates might be asked to demonstrate their sales approach by "selling" a framing solution or discuss how they would approach a design consultation.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or a final discussion with the Framing Manager to confirm fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Verbal Portfolio: Since a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for key accomplishments in:

  • Custom Framing Projects: Describe challenging or unique framing projects, your design process, and the client's satisfaction.
  • Sales Achievements: Quantify your sales success. Mention specific targets met or exceeded, and how you achieved them.
  • Customer Service Excellence: Share examples of going above and beyond for customers or resolving difficult situations effectively.
  • Team Support: Illustrate instances where you helped train or mentor colleagues.

• Process Knowledge: Be ready to articulate your understanding of the framing process from start to finish and your commitment to SOPs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Pitch Practice: Rehearse how you would approach a customer looking for custom framing, focusing on needs assessment, solution presentation, and closing.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would handle common retail issues like customer complaints, stock shortages, or equipment malfunctions.

• Company Research: Understand Michaels' mission, values, and current promotions. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work for Michaels specifically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical skills, customer interaction abilities, and sales aptitude, given the nature of the role. Demonstrating passion for creativity and a customer-first mindset will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Mat cutters (e.g., Logan, Fletcher), saws (e.g., underpinner, chop saw), assembly tools, mounting equipment, heat presses.

• Glass Cutting Tools: Standard glass cutters and potentially specialized equipment for different types of glass.

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing customer orders, and potentially inventory. (Specific system not named, but common in retail).

• Basic Computer Software: For order entry, communication, and potentially design software (e.g., basic CAD or design visualization tools if used).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting: Understanding of sales reports generated by the POS system to track individual and departmental performance.

• Inventory Management Tools: May involve basic POS functions or separate inventory software for tracking stock levels (e.g., SISO, Directed Replenishment).

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Database: The POS system likely functions as a basic CRM, storing customer information, purchase history, and loyalty program data.

• Rewards Program: Familiarity with enrolling customers in and explaining the benefits of the Michaels Rewards program.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized framing equipment is paramount. While advanced software skills aren't explicitly required, comfort with POS systems and basic computer functions is necessary for efficient operations and customer transactions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: A core value of Michaels, encouraging a passion for arts, crafts, and creating.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through excellent service, personalized solutions, and building relationships.

• Integrity & Respect: Maintaining a positive and respectful work environment, treating all team members and customers with acceptance.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, adhering to SOPs, and striving to meet performance goals (KPIs).

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another to achieve common objectives.

• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing speed of service with high-quality craftsmanship in all framing work and store operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-On Support: Team members are expected to assist each other across various tasks, from customer service to operational duties.

• Knowledge Sharing: The role encourages mentoring and training of newer team members, fostering a learning environment.

• Open Communication: Encouraged to communicate openly and respectfully, especially when addressing challenges or providing feedback.

• Process Adherence: Collaboration often involves ensuring everyone follows established procedures to maintain consistency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels promotes a culture that values creativity, customer experience, and teamwork. Candidates who can demonstrate these values and a willingness to contribute positively to the store's atmosphere will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The need to produce high-quality framing work efficiently to meet customer deadlines and store throughput.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Effectively communicating framing options, timelines, and costs while managing diverse customer needs and potentially budget constraints.

• High-Volume Retail Environment: Working in a busy store requires strong multitasking abilities, stress management, and maintaining a positive demeanor.

• Technical Skill Development: Mastering the operation of various framing equipment and techniques to handle a wide range of framing projects.

• Sales Pressure: Consistently meeting sales targets in a competitive retail environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Framing Techniques: Opportunities to learn new framing methods, materials, and design trends to enhance expertise.

• Sales & Customer Service Training: Development programs focused on consultative selling, customer engagement, and loyalty program promotion.

• Operational Leadership: Gaining experience in team support, training, and potentially stepping into a lead or supervisory role.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of art, preservation techniques, and different types of materials used in framing.

• Cross-Training: Potential to learn about other areas of store operations, expanding skill sets within the retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a great opportunity for individuals looking to build a foundation in specialized retail services, combining technical craft with customer-facing sales and operations. The challenges are directly tied to the growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Framing Process & Design: "Describe your process for consulting with a customer on a custom framing project, from initial concept to final product." (Focus on needs assessment, material selection, design rationale, and quality checks.)

• Sales & Customer Service: "Tell me about a time you successfully upsold a product or service, or how you handled a difficult customer situation." (Prepare examples demonstrating consultative selling and problem-solving.)

• Operational Adherence: "How do you ensure you are always following company SOPs, even when under pressure?" (Highlight attention to detail, understanding of compliance, and commitment to standards.)

• Teamwork & Leadership: "Describe a situation where you helped train a colleague or stepped up to assist the team." (Showcase your ability to support others and take initiative.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Michaels, and specifically in a custom framing role?" (Connect your passion for creativity, art, or customer service to Michaels' mission.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" (Provide examples of your teamwork and interpersonal skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Verbal Walkthrough: Be ready to verbally "walk through" a complex framing project you managed, detailing the customer's request, your design approach, material choices, challenges overcome, and the final outcome.

• Quantify Achievements: For sales experience, use numbers and percentages to illustrate your success (e.g., "Exceeded sales targets by 15% last quarter," or "Successfully enrolled 20 customers in the rewards program per week").

• Highlight Problem-Solving: When discussing challenges, focus on the steps you took to resolve them and the positive results achieved.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with framing equipment and techniques, and your commitment to safe operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that showcase your blend of technical framing skills, sales ability, and customer service acumen. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the creative aspect of the role and a strong work ethic.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in custom framing, customer service, sales, and retail operations. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer engagement," "sales," "merchandising," and "SOP adherence."

• Portfolio Preparation: Mentally prepare your "verbal portfolio" by recalling specific examples of framing projects, sales successes, and customer service interactions. Practice articulating these using the STAR method.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Michaels website, focusing on their mission, values, and the custom framing services they offer. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, with a particular focus on sales techniques, handling customer issues, and demonstrating your technical framing knowledge.

⚠️ 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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