Retail Area Support Officer

Manchester Arndale; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland are recruiting mobile Retail Security Officers to support multiple supermarket locations around Ipswich. A dynamic, fast-paced role requiring flexibility and a strong security presence to deter crime and protect people, property and stock.

You will cover different stores, respond to incidents, and support sites based on operational needs, with shifts that vary by site. An SIA Licence and UK driving licence are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid SIA Licence (Door Supervisor or Security Guarding) and relevant security experience.
• Right to Work in the UK and ability to pass DBS/BS7858 checks.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong observation and decision-making abilities.
• Flexibility to work across multiple locations and varied shifts.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high-profile security presence to deter theft and protect people, property and stock.
• Conduct regular patrols across shop floors, entrances and perimeters.
• Monitor CCTV and identify suspicious activity in real time.
• Respond quickly to incidents, alarms and emergencies.
• Carry out searches in line with policy and law.
• Liaise with store management and local teams to address risks.
• Produce clear, accurate incident reports promptly.
• Deliver professional customer service and assist with queries.
• De-escalate challenging situations calmly and safely.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, legal and client procedures.
• Travel between sites as required and support wider security operations.

Skills

SIA Licence

Right to Work (UK)

Excellent communication

Observation skills

Conflict management

Customer service

Tools

Full UK driving licence

Job description

About The Company:

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values -Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Why Work for OCS?

Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.

Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.

Retail Perks: With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.

Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!

Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)

About The Role:

Days of Working: This is a mobile, multi-site role, requiring flexibility to support operational needs around Ipswich, shift patterns will vary depending on site requirements | SIA Licence Required

We are looking for professional, adaptable Mobile Retail Security Officers to support multiple supermarket locations. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.

You’ll play a vital part in protecting people, property, and stock, acting as a highly visible deterrent to retail crime while delivering excellent customer service. As a mobile officer, flexibility is key, as you’ll cover different stores, respond to incidents, and support sites based on operational needs.

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide a high-profile security presence to deter theft, anti-social behaviour, and store-related incidents
  
• Conduct regular patrols across shop floors, entrances, and store perimeters
  
• Monitor CCTV systems and identify suspicious activity in real time
  
• Respond quickly and effectively to incidents, alarms, and emergencies
  
• Carry out searches in line with company policies and legal requirements
  
• Liaise with store management and local teams to address risks and support loss prevention strategies
  
• Produce clear, accurate incident reports in a timely manner
  
• Deliver a professional and approachable customer experience, assisting with queries when required
  
• De-escalate challenging situations calmly and safely
  
• Ensure full compliance with health & safety, legal, and client-specific procedures
  
• Travel between sites as required and support wider security operations

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have Right to Work in the UK and ability to pass an enhanced DBS and BS7858 security clearance.
  
• A valid SIA Licence (Door Supervisor (DS) or Security Guarding) and relevant security experience
  
• Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle*
• Previous experience in retail security or customer-facing roles (preferred)
  
• Strong observation and decision-making skills
  
• Confident handling confrontation and conflict situations
  
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
  
• A reliable, proactive, and professional attitude
  
• Flexibility to work across multiple locations and varied shifts
  
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.