Retail Area Support Officer

OCS; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a Mobile Retail Area Support Officer to safeguard staff, customers and stock across multiple retail locations. You’ll be a visible deterrent to theft and respond to incidents, delivering excellent service while maintaining a professional presence across sites.

This role requires a valid SIA Licence (DS or Security Guarding), the ability to patrol, monitor CCTV, de-escalate confrontations, and travel between sites with flexible shifts including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK.
• Valid SIA Licence – DS or Security Guarding.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage challenging situations professionally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Flexible to work across multiple locations and shifts.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a strong and visible security presence to deter theft, anti-social behaviour, and other risks.
• Conduct regular patrols across store premises, ensuring safety and vigilance at all times.
• Monitor CCTV and other security systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
• Carry out searches in line with company policy and legal guidelines.
• Respond promptly to alarms and incidents, escalating where necessary to management or emergency services.
• Complete accurate and timely incident and observation reports.
• Collaborate with store teams to address security concerns and support loss prevention.
• Provide a professional, approachable presence for customers, staff, and visitors.
• Assist with directions, queries, and general support as needed.
• Calmly and effectively de-escalate confrontational situations.
• Adhere to all site-specific procedures, company policies, and legal requirements.
• Support the wider security team and undertake additional duties as directed by the Site Supervisor or Security Manager.

Skills

Observational skills

Excellent communication

De-escalation skills

Flexible / adaptable

Customer service orientation

Education

SIA Licence – DS or Security Guarding

Tools

CCTV monitoring

Job description

About The Role

Days of Working: Flexible Locations | Varied Shifts | SIA Licence Required

Purpose of the Role: As a Retail Area Support Officer, you’ll play a key role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for customers, staff, and stock across multiple retail locations. You’ll act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity, deliver excellent customer service, and respond effectively to incidents. This is a mobile role requiring flexibility to cover different sites, shifts, and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a strong and visible security presence to deter theft, anti-social behaviour, and other risks.
• Conduct regular patrols across store premises, ensuring safety and vigilance at all times.
• Monitor CCTV and other security systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
• Carry out searches in line with company policy and legal guidelines.
• Respond promptly to alarms and incidents, escalating where necessary to management or emergency services.
• Complete accurate and timely incident and observation reports.
• Collaborate with store teams to address security concerns and support loss prevention.
• Provide a professional, approachable presence for customers, staff, and visitors.
• Assist with directions, queries, and general support as needed.
• Calmly and effectively de-escalate confrontational situations.
• Adhere to all site-specific procedures, company policies, and legal requirements.
• Support the wider security team and undertake additional duties as directed by the Site Supervisor or Security Manager.

Essential Requirements

• Right to work in the UK.
• Valid SIA Licence – Door Supervisor (DS) or Security Guarding.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage challenging situations professionally.
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
• A proactive, reliable, and professional approach to safety and service.
• Flexibility to work across multiple locations, including travel between sites.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.