Store Detective Lead

Planet Organic; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organic retailer in the UK is seeking a Store Detective Lead to oversee operational security across multiple locations. This role involves managing and training security teams, conducting risk management training, and collaborating with police on theft investigations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a retail security environment, strong communication skills, and a flexible working schedule. Benefits include a generous colleague discount and extensive holiday provisions.

Benefits

35% colleague discount across all stores

33 days of holiday per year

Access to benefits platform after 3 months

Access to pension provider after 3 months

Qualifications

• Must have a valid SIA License.
• Experience in retail security or a similar environment.
• Ability to influence and build trust at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Carry out store detective duties across multiple locations.
• Lead and manage internal and third-party security guards.
• Deliver risk management training for store management teams.
• Oversee theft reporting processes and work closely with police.
• Design processes to improve safety for colleagues and customers.

Skills

Valid SIA License

Proven store detective experience

Experience in delivering training

Strong communication skills

Flexible availability

Job description

Store Detective Lead

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Support Office (Paddington)

Reporting To: Head of Operations

Compensation: £40,000 - £42,000 / year

Description

The Store Detective Lead is a key role in ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of our colleagues, customers, and stores. You’ll take ownership of the operational security function, leading store detective activity, managing and training third‑party guards, and equipping store teams with the tools and knowledge to mitigate risk. This role plays a central part in reducing unknown margin loss (UML), supporting theft investigations, and driving a culture of safety across all Planet Organic stores.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out store detective duties across multiple store locations.
• Lead, train, and manage internal and third‑party security guards, collaborating with our wider security provider to maintain consistent standards.
• Deliver risk management training for store management teams.
• Oversee theft reporting processes and work closely with police to provide evidence and case support.
• Design and implement processes to strengthen colleague and customer safety.
• Build effective partnerships with internal stakeholders and external security providers.
• Analyse customer and store security‑related complaints to identify trends, address root causes, and drive preventative measures.
• Review and assess CCTV footage to support investigations, identify risks, and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate security rotas with our external provider, ensuring schedules are accurate, and aligned with our operational needs.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Valid SIA License.
• Proven store detective experience, ideally across multi‑site retail, hospitality, or a similar security environment.
• Proven experience in delivering training and people management.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels.
• Flexible availability: this role requires working across weekdays, weekends, evenings, and occasional late‑night shifts.
• Genuine passion for the organic and sustainable retail sector is a plus.

Benefits

• 35% colleague discount across all stores
• 33 days of holiday per year, including public holidays
• Access to our benefits platform after 3 months service
• Access to our pension provider after 3 months service
• Be part of a welcoming, mission‑driven team dedicated to making a positive impact