Retail Area Support Officers

OCS Group limited; Parkeston; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Digital Learning

Wagestream App

Hapi app discounts

Award-winning employer

Job summary

OCS Group Limited is seeking a mobile Retail Area Support Officer to cover multiple supermarket locations around Harwich. You will deter theft, patrol store perimeters, monitor CCTV, respond to incidents, and liaise with store management while delivering excellent customer service.

Applicants must hold a valid SIA licence, have right to work in the UK, and be able to pass DBS/BS7858 checks. A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are required.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK and ability to pass an enhanced DBS and BS7858 clearance.
• Valid SIA Licence (DS or Security Guarding) and relevant security experience.
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle.
• Previous experience in retail security or customer-facing roles (preferred).
• Willingness to travel between sites and cover multiple stores.

Responsibilities

• 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 and identify suspicious activity in real time.
• Respond quickly 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 and assist with queries.
• 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.

Skills

Observation skills

Decision making

Conflict handling

Communication skills

Professional attitude

Tools

SIA Licence (DS or Security Guarding)

Job description

Days of Working: This is a mobile, multi-site role, requiring flexibility to support operational needs around Harwich, shift patterns will vary depending on site requirements | SIA Licence Required We are looking for professional, adaptable Retail Area Support 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
  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
  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)