Area Profit Protection Manager in Oxford

Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, JD Group is a leading omni‑channel retailer of sports fashion, outdoors and gym products worldwide. JD Sports Fashion Plc, listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1996 and a FTSE100 company since 2019, continues to grow in the UK and internationally. We aim to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry.

Purpose

Maximise profitability by protecting all company assets including personnel, buildings, stock, and costs, while ensuring that all core department values are upheld.

Responsible to

This role reports to the Territory Profit Protection Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a highly visible role in the designated area.
• Manage and support a team of Zone Profit Protection Managers to achieve the department’s mission.
• Ensure stock audits are conducted in line with company procedures and attend audits on the request of the Territory Profit Protection Manager.
• Review and investigate all stock losses within the territory, taking action to control losses when stock losses exceed prescribed limits.
• Investigate incidents of suspected or alleged internal dishonesty and bring them to a satisfactory conclusion.
• Contact branches prior to an audit to ensure preparation instructions are understood and followed.
• Issue training and guidance to managers responsible for audit completion, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Conduct on‑site investigations into audit results with on‑site administration support.
• Carry out branch closure duties, as required.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of company CCTV systems and their operation.
• Conduct security compliance checklists regularly and provide feedback to managers on how compliance correlates to loss.
• Support and train managers and store personnel on security‑related issues, providing training and guidance as necessary.
• Ensure adequate protection of company property (buildings, stock), recommending actions as appropriate.
• Keep current knowledge of relevant criminal law, HR guidelines, and procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the role.
• Ensure profit‑protection branch administration is properly completed and filed.
• Ensure stores comply with company procedures, providing feedback where necessary.
• Attend courts or tribunals as required, preparing written statements and reports.
• Advise, assist, support, and direct Zone Profit Protection Managers to achieve individual stock‑loss targets.
• Attend burglary incidents as requested by the Group/Territory Profit Protection Manager, conducting thorough investigations and making recommendations to deter repeat occurrences.
• Respond to workplace violence incidents within 24 hours, providing appropriate advice to involved staff and seeking to identify offenders.
• Install and assist with installation of covert/overt CCTV systems as required.
• Maintain and utilise all security equipment supplied to and at stores.
• Prioritise workload, ensuring all reports and investigations are completed within set deadlines.
• Coordinate with outside investigation agencies, including the police, as necessary.
• Utilise crime partnerships, BIDs, and shared security services to deliver value for money.
• Operate with total discretion and confidentiality in respect of duties performed and information obtained.
• Promote a healthy workplace culture that is open to change.
• Complete any other ad‑hoc tasks as assigned by the Group/Territory Profit Protection Manager.

Benefits

Staff discount on JD Group and other brands within the organisation, plus personal development opportunities to learn and grow at work.