Retail Security Officer

OCS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Award-Winning Employer

Digital Learning via OCS Academy

Retail perks via Hapi app

Professional Growth opportunities

Flexible pay options (Wagestream)

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a Retail Security Officer to protect customers, staff and stock while delivering excellent service in a retail environment.

You will deter theft, monitor CCTV, respond to incidents, and work closely with store teams. The role requires an SIA licence, DBS/BS7858 clearance, UK right to work, and flexibility for weekend/evening shifts. We value professionalism, safety, and customer care across all locations.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK and ability to obtain DBS and BS7858 security clearance.
• Valid SIA Licence (Door Supervisor or Security Guarding) and relevant security experience.
• Strong observational skills to identify suspicious behaviour.
• Proven ability to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting and interactions.
• Proactive and professional approach to ensuring safety and security.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a visible security presence to deter theft and anti-social behaviour.
• Patrol the store and monitor CCTV for suspicious activity.
• Respond to alarms and incidents, escalating where required.
• Conduct searches in line with company procedures when necessary.
• Complete accurate incident and observation reports.
• Work closely with store management and staff on security matters.
• Provide a professional and approachable presence and assist customers and staff with queries.
• De-escalate challenging situations calmly and in line with procedures.

Skills

SIA Licence (DS/Guarding)

Security experience

Observation skills

De-escalation abilities

Reporting (verbal & written)

Customer service

Shift flexibility

Job description

About 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.

Days of Working

Variable shifts

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

• Maintain a visible security presence, deterring theft and anti-social behaviour
• Patrol the store and monitor CCTV for suspicious activity
• Respond to alarms and incidents, escalating where required
• Conduct searches in line with company procedures when necessary
• Complete accurate incident and observation reports
• Work closely with store management and staff on security matters
• Provide a professional and approachable presence
• Assist customers and staff with queries
• De-escalate challenging situations calmly
• Follow all site procedures, company policies and legal requirements
• Support the wider team and undertake additional duties as required

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK and ability to undergo DBS and BS7858 security clearance
• Valid SIA Licence ( Door Supervisor (DS) or Security Guarding) and relevant security experience
• 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 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.