Retail Security Officer

OCS; Exeter; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is recruiting a Retail Security Officer to protect customers, staff and stock in a busy retail environment. You will act as a visible deterrent, patrol premises, monitor CCTV, conduct searches as required, and respond to alarms with prompt escalation to management or law enforcement where needed.

The role requires excellent communication, professional conduct, and flexibility for weekend/evening shifts.

Qualifications

• Valid SIA License – Door Supervisor (DS) or Security Guarding required.

Responsibilities

• Act as a visible security presence within the store, deterring theft and anti-social behaviour.
• Conduct regular patrols of the store premises, ensuring safety and security at all times.
• Monitor CCTV and other security equipment to identify and respond to suspicious activities.
• Carry out searches of individuals if required in accordance with company policies.
• Respond to alarms and incidents promptly, escalating issues to management or law enforcement as necessary.
• Complete detailed and accurate incident and observation reports.
• Liaise with store management and staff to address security concerns or potential threats.
• Provide a professional and welcoming approach to customers, staff, and visitors.
• Assist customers with directions or queries where needed.
• De-escalate confrontational situations calmly and professionally.
• Ensure compliance with all site-specific procedures, company policies, and legal requirements.
• Support the wider security team and assist with additional duties as requested by the Site Supervisor or Security Manager.

Skills

SIA DS License

Observation skills

De-escalation

Verbal & written communication

Flexibility

Job description

About The Role

Days of Working - Wednesday - Saturday 12:00-23:00 and Sunday 10:00-16:00

As a Retail Security Officer, you will play a vital role in protecting customers, staff, and stock, ensuring a safe and secure shopping environment. You will act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity, provide excellent customer service, and respond effectively to incidents within the retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a visible security presence within the store, deterring theft and anti-social behaviour.
• Conduct regular patrols of the store premises, ensuring safety and security at all times.
• Monitor CCTV and other security equipment to identify and respond to suspicious activities.
• Carry out searches of individuals if required in accordance with company policies.
• Respond to alarms and incidents promptly, escalating issues to management or law enforcement as necessary.
• Complete detailed and accurate incident and observation reports.
• Liaise with store management and staff to address security concerns or potential threats.
• Customer Service
• Provide a professional and welcoming approach to customers, staff, and visitors.
• Assist customers with directions or queries where needed.
• De‑escalate confrontational situations calmly and professionally.
• Compliance and Support
• Ensure compliance with all site‑specific procedures, company policies, and legal requirements.
• Support the wider security team and assist with additional duties as requested by the Site Supervisor or Security Manager.

Purpose of the Role

As a Retail Security Officer, you will play a vital role in protecting customers, staff, and stock, ensuring a safe and secure shopping environment. You will act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity, provide excellent customer service, and respond effectively to incidents within the retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a visible security presence within the store, deterring theft and anti-social behaviour.
• Conduct regular patrols of the store premises, ensuring safety and security at all times.
• Monitor CCTV and other security equipment to identify and respond to suspicious activities.
• Carry out searches of individuals if required in accordance with company policies.
• Respond to alarms and incidents promptly, escalating issues to management or law enforcement as necessary.
• Complete detailed and accurate incident and observation reports.
• Liaise with store management and staff to address security concerns or potential threats.
• Customer Service
• Provide a professional and welcoming approach to customers, staff, and visitors.
• Assist customers with directions or queries where needed.
• De‑escalate confrontational situations calmly and professionally.
• Compliance and Support
• Ensure compliance with all site‑specific procedures, company policies, and legal requirements.
• Support the wider security team and assist with additional duties as requested by the Site Supervisor or Security Manager.

Essential Requirements

• Valid SIA License – Door Supervisor (DS) or Security Guarding required.
• Strong observational skills with the ability to identify suspicious behaviour.
• Proven ability to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting and interactions.
• A proactive and professional approach to ensuring safety and security.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and evenings.

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)

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.