Senior Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Framer

Company: Michaels Stores

Location: San Rafael, California, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Retail Operations / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-08

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive customer engagement and foster strong relationships through personalized custom framing consultations and solutions, aligning with Elevated ABC Deliver methodologies.

• Achieve and exceed sales and production targets by effectively managing the framing order process from consultation to completion.

• Provide leadership and support in the absence of the Framing Manager, including assisting with team training and KPI achievement.

• Maintain a visually appealing and well-stocked retail environment, focusing on the ready-made frame department, SISO, and Directed Replenishment.

• Deliver exceptional customer service throughout the entire shopping journey, from initial greeting to checkout and post-purchase engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Framer" title, combined with the "0-2 years" experience level and emphasis on training and supporting the Framing Manager, suggests a role that is more about developing expertise in custom framing and customer service within a lead capacity, rather than extensive management experience. This role requires a blend of customer-facing sales, operational execution, and foundational leadership skills within a retail context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively build customer relationships by leveraging the Elevated ABC Deliver framework to understand needs and create memorable custom framing solutions.

• Execute sales and production goals by efficiently managing custom framing orders, ensuring high quality and timely delivery.

• Serve as a primary point of contact and support for the Framing Manager, assisting with team training, performance monitoring, and driving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Maintain the visual standards and inventory accuracy of the ready-made frame department, as well as supporting SISO (Store Inventory, Sales, and Operations) and Directed Replenishment processes.

• Provide a consistently positive and friendly customer experience, assisting customers with locating products, offering solutions, and ensuring a well-merchandised and in-stock store.

• Process transactions accurately and efficiently at the cash register, adhering strictly to cash handling standards and procedures.

• Support company-wide shrink prevention and safety programs through diligent adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.

• Engage customers to promote the benefits of the Michaels Rewards program and facilitate new enrollments.

• Educate customers on the Voice of Customer (VOC) survey process to gather valuable feedback.

• Assist with the execution of Omni-channel processes, ensuring a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on sales, customer service, and operational execution within the framing department. The "Senior" aspect implies a degree of autonomy and the expectation to act as a resource and potential leader in the absence of direct management, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Minimum 0-2 years of experience in a retail or customer-facing role. Experience in custom framing or art-related fields is a strong asset.

Required Skills:

• Basic computer proficiency for system navigation and order processing.

• Competency in basic measuring skills for accurate framing specifications.

• Ability to operate specialized framing equipment, including a glass cutter.

• Demonstrated customer service excellence, with a focus on building rapport and providing solutions.

• Proficient cash handling and transaction processing skills.

• Knowledge of merchandising principles to maintain an appealing retail environment.

• Understanding of inventory management basics for stock upkeep.

• Ability to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies. Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience selling products and/or services, with a proven ability to close sales.

• Familiarity with custom framing processes and materials.

• Experience with CRM or loyalty programs (e.g., Michaels Rewards).

• Basic understanding of Omni-channel retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the experience level is listed as 0-2 years, the "Senior" title and responsibilities like training other team members and acting in a lead capacity suggest that candidates with closer to 2 years of relevant experience, particularly in custom framing or a similar consultative sales role, will be better positioned. The ability to operate framing equipment and a glass cutter is a critical technical skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly requested, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of how they have successfully:

  • Built customer relationships and provided tailored solutions in a sales or service environment.
  • Managed and executed sales transactions, demonstrating accuracy and efficiency.
  • Contributed to team goals and supported colleagues in achieving objectives.
  • Maintained visual standards and organized retail spaces.

• Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with operational processes like inventory management, merchandising, and cash handling. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the importance of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent quality and compliance.

• Be prepared to discuss how they would ensure timely and high-quality completion of framing orders, from order entry to final product delivery.

• Ability to describe how they would contribute to maintaining store readiness, including stocking and visual merchandising standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the retail nature of the role and the "Senior" designation, applicants should be prepared to speak to their experience with process adherence and problem-solving. While not a traditional "operations role" requiring extensive process mapping, demonstrating an understanding of workflow efficiency and quality control in a retail setting is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.25 - $20.30 per hour.

This range is based on the provided data and reflects the Senior Framer position in San Rafael, CA, considering the experience level and retail industry standards for a role with lead responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Telemedicine services
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Financial Security:

  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Voluntary insurance options

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition assistance
  • Adoption assistance

• Perks:

  • Employee discounts on Michaels products

  • Access to partner discount programs

  • Commuter benefits Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-time). This role requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and early mornings as needed to support store operations and customer traffic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($17.25 - $20.30/hour) is specific to the San Rafael, CA location, which typically has a higher cost of living and associated wage expectations compared to national averages. The benefits package is comprehensive for a retail position, offering robust health, financial, and development support. Flexibility in working hours is a key aspect of this full-time retail role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts and Crafts Retail. Michaels is a leading destination for creative materials and DIY projects in North America.

Company Size: Large (over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada). This scale offers opportunities for structured training, established processes, and potential for career advancement within a well-recognized brand.

Founded: 1973. With decades of experience, Michaels has a strong foundation in the retail sector, known for its commitment to creativity and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Framer will be part of a store-level team, reporting to the Framing Manager.

• They will collaborate closely with other team members in various departments, including sales floor associates and potentially truck un-load/stocking teams.

• The role involves acting as a lead, which implies a peer-to-peer leadership dynamic, mentoring and assisting colleagues. Methodology:

• Focus on customer-centric sales approaches, emphasizing personalized solutions and relationship building (Elevated ABC Deliver).

• Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent operational execution and compliance.

• Data-driven decision-making through the use of KPIs and Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback to drive performance improvements.

• Emphasis on visual merchandising and inventory management to create an attractive and well-stocked shopping environment.

Company Website: www.michaels.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels' culture is centered around creativity, community, and customer service. For an operations-minded individual, this means applying structured processes and efficiency principles within a dynamic, customer-facing retail environment. The emphasis on "fueling the joy of creativity" suggests a positive and engaging workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" individual contributor with some lead responsibilities, typically considered an entry-level to junior role within the broader operations and retail management hierarchy. It serves as a foundational step for developing expertise in custom framing, sales, and team support.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Framer reports directly to the Framing Manager. This provides a clear line of mentorship and supervision, offering opportunities to learn management principles and operational oversight from an experienced leader.

Operations Impact: The Senior Framer directly impacts store revenue through custom framing sales and customer acquisition/retention. By ensuring high-quality custom work and excellent customer service, they contribute to customer loyalty and positive brand perception, which are critical for sustained retail success. Their role in maintaining store standards also supports overall operational efficiency and sales floor effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Framing Specialization: Deepen expertise in custom framing techniques, materials, and design, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.

• Retail Leadership: Progress into a Framing Manager or Assistant Manager role by demonstrating leadership capabilities, sales acumen, and operational proficiency.

• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Develop skills applicable to other retail operations roles within Michaels, such as visual merchandising, inventory management, or store operations.

• Skill Development: Utilize company-provided training and development programs (e.g., tuition assistance) to enhance skills in areas like sales, customer relations, and potentially business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title in this context implies a step-up from a basic associate role, offering more responsibility and potential for advancement. Growth opportunities are clearly mapped within the retail hierarchy, emphasizing skill development in both customer-facing and operational aspects of a retail store.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Public retail store setting. The primary work environment is the sales floor and the dedicated custom framing shop within the Michaels store.

Office Location(s): San Rafael-400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, CA. This is a physical, on-site role requiring consistent presence at the specified store location.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment includes a climate-controlled public retail space and a specialized framing shop.

• The framing shop is equipped with tools such as a glass cutter and heat press, requiring careful operation and adherence to safety protocols.

• Opportunities for collaboration exist with the store team, particularly the Framing Manager and other sales associates, for customer service and operational tasks.

• Some stock rooms may not be climate-controlled, and outdoor work may be required for tasks like truck un-loads.

Work Schedule: Flexible work schedule, including nights, weekends, and early mornings, is essential to meet business needs and customer traffic patterns. This is typical for retail operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-focused. The framing shop itself is a specialized workspace requiring technical skill and safety awareness, distinguishing it from a typical retail sales floor. Adaptability to various shifts is a key requirement for success in this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Phone/Video Interview: A discussion with an HR representative or Hiring Manager to delve deeper into your customer service, sales experience, and understanding of the Senior Framer role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with framing equipment and customer interactions.

• In-Store Interview: This typically involves meeting the Framing Manager and potentially other team members. You may be asked to demonstrate basic measuring skills, discuss your approach to customer consultations, and explain how you would handle specific scenarios (e.g., a challenging customer, a complex framing request).

• Practical Assessment (Potential): You might be asked to perform a simple task related to framing or customer service to assess your hands-on abilities and problem-solving approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't standard for this role, prepare to discuss specific examples of your work:
  • Customer Success Stories: Detail instances where you successfully built rapport, understood customer needs, and provided a framing solution that exceeded expectations. Quantify results if possible (e.g., increased customer satisfaction, repeat business).
  • Sales Achievements: Highlight any sales targets you've met or exceeded, and describe your sales process.
  • Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to describe how you've resolved customer issues or operational challenges within a retail setting.
  • Operational Contributions: Discuss your experience with tasks like merchandising, inventory upkeep, and adhering to SOPs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Practice answering questions like: "How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with their framing quote?" or "What steps would you take to ensure a framing order is completed accurately and on time?"

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare to discuss situations demonstrating your teamwork, leadership potential, and customer service philosophy using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Company Knowledge: Research Michaels' mission, values, and current promotions to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical skills related to framing and customer service prowess. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples of their experience and demonstrate their fit within Michaels' customer-centric culture.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Custom Framing Equipment: Framing saws, mat cutters, glass cutters, pneumatic nail guns, heat presses, and other specialized tools for creating custom frames.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales, and potentially accessing customer order history.

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency with standard desktop applications for order entry, communication, and potentially basic reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Understanding and contributing to store-level KPIs related to sales, production, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

• Voice of Customer (VOC) Surveys: Familiarity with customer feedback mechanisms and the importance of acting on feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• Michaels Rewards Program: Ability to enroll customers and explain program benefits.

• Omni-channel Support: Familiarity with systems that support online orders, in-store pickup, and other integrated retail processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires proficiency with both specialized physical tools within the framing shop and standard retail technology like POS systems and basic computer software. An understanding of how these tools contribute to overall store operations and customer experience is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Passion: Embracing the company's core mission to fuel the joy of creativity. This translates to a helpful and inspiring approach to customer consultations.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service to build loyalty and drive sales. This means actively listening, offering solutions, and ensuring a positive experience.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive team environment. The "Senior" role implies a responsibility to assist and mentor others.

• Integrity & Accountability: Adhering to company policies, SOPs, and ethical standards in all aspects of work, including cash handling and operational procedures.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for both speed and accuracy in framing production and store operations to meet customer expectations and business goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with other store team members to ensure a cohesive customer experience across all departments.

• Process Adherence & Improvement: Following established operational procedures while also being open to feedback and suggestions for improving efficiency and quality within the framing department.

• Knowledge Sharing: Acting as a resource for less experienced team members, sharing best practices in customer service, framing techniques, and operational tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Michaels emphasizes a culture of creativity, customer-centricity, and teamwork. For operations-minded individuals, this means applying structured approaches and efficiency principles within a supportive and engaging retail environment that values both individual contribution and collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales & Production: Effectively managing customer consultations and sales targets while ensuring the timely and high-quality production of custom framing orders.

• Customer Expectations: Meeting diverse customer needs and aesthetic preferences, sometimes with tight deadlines or budget constraints.

• Technical Skill Development: Mastering the operation of various framing tools and techniques to produce professional-quality work consistently.

• Team Support Role: Providing effective leadership and training support in the absence of the Framing Manager, while also fulfilling individual production and sales duties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Framing Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of framing materials, design principles, and production techniques through hands-on experience and potential specialized training.

• Sales & Customer Service Skills: Enhancing consultative selling abilities and customer relationship management through ongoing practice and potential sales training.

• Retail Operations Acumen: Developing a broader understanding of retail store operations, including inventory management, visual merchandising, and KPI tracking.

• Leadership Potential: Cultivating leadership skills by assisting with team training and acting in a lead capacity, preparing for potential advancement to management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop specialized technical skills in custom framing, alongside valuable soft skills in sales and customer relations. The challenges are typical of a retail environment that requires balancing customer demands with operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Customer Consultation: "Describe your approach to consulting with a customer about their framing needs. How do you uncover their preferences and budget?" (Focus on active listening, asking probing questions, and proposing tailored solutions.)

• Problem Solving: "A customer is unhappy with the proposed framing design. How would you handle this situation to ensure customer satisfaction and potentially secure the sale?" (Emphasize empathy, offering alternatives, and finding a mutually agreeable solution.)

• Operational Efficiency: "What steps would you take to ensure that custom framing orders are completed accurately and on time, especially when you are busy?" (Discuss prioritizing tasks, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in Michaels and specifically the Senior Framer role?" (Connect your passion for creativity, art, or customer service to the company's mission.)

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you had to work with a difficult colleague or overcome a challenge as part of a team." (Use the STAR method to highlight collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.)

• Brand Alignment: "How do you embody the Michaels brand values of creativity and customer focus in your work?" (Provide specific examples of how you've inspired customers or helped them achieve their creative goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Case Study Approach: For sales achievements, prepare a brief "case study" for a complex framing project you managed. Detail the customer's initial request, the challenges, your proposed solution, and the successful outcome.

• Metrics Focus: If possible, quantify your contributions. For example, "I consistently met or exceeded my individual sales targets by X%," or "My focus on efficient production led to a Y% reduction in framing order turnaround time."

• Visual Examples: If you have photos of framing work you've completed (and have permission to share), be ready to showcase them as examples of your quality and creativity.

• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your typical process for handling a custom framing order, from initial customer interaction to final product handover.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of customer-facing skills, operational understanding, and a genuine enthusiasm for Michaels' brand and mission. Be ready to speak confidently about your experience with framing, sales, and customer service.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant retail experience, customer service achievements, any experience with sales or consultative selling, and any familiarity with art, design, or crafting. Use keywords from the job description such as "custom framing," "customer service," "sales," and "merchandising."

• Portfolio Preparation: While not a formal portfolio submission, mentally prepare specific examples of your customer interactions, sales successes, and any framing projects you're proud of. Be ready to discuss these using the STAR method during interviews.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Michaels' mission, values, product offerings, and current promotions. Understand their commitment to creativity and customer experience, which is central to their culture.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common retail interview questions, focusing on scenarios related to customer service, sales, problem-solving, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your experience with framing equipment and your understanding of operational processes.

⚠️ 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.