At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and security across multiple retail locations while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to values.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, diverse work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be a key player in creating safe spaces for customers and staff while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid SIA Licence and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
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.
About The Role: Days of Working: Flexible Locations | Varied Shifts | SIA Licence Required
Purpose of the Role: As a Retail Area Support Officer, you’ll play a key role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for customers, staff, and stock across multiple retail locations. You’ll act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity, deliver excellent customer service, and respond effectively to incidents. This is a mobile role requiring flexibility to cover different sites, shifts, and operational needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain a strong and visible security presence to deter theft, anti-social behaviour, and other risks.
- Conduct regular patrols across store premises, ensuring safety and vigilance at all times.
- Monitor CCTV and other security systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
- Carry out searches in line with company policy and legal guidelines.
- Respond promptly to alarms and incidents, escalating where necessary to management or emergency services.
- Complete accurate and timely incident and observation reports.
- Collaborate with store teams to address security concerns and support loss prevention.
- Provide a professional, approachable presence for customers, staff, and visitors.
- Assist with directions, queries, and general support as needed.
- Calmly and effectively de-escalate confrontational situations.
- Adhere to all site-specific procedures, company policies, and legal requirements.
- Support the wider security team and undertake additional duties as directed by the Site Supervisor or Security Manager.
Essential Requirements:
- Right to work in the UK.
- Valid SIA Licence – Door Supervisor (DS) or Security Guarding.
- Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage challenging situations professionally.
- Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
- A proactive, reliable, and professional approach to safety and service.
- Flexibility to work across multiple locations, including travel between sites.
- Willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
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.
SIA Licensed Mobile Retail Security Officer – Flexible Shifts in Reading employer: Manchester Arndale
OCS UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where flexibility and teamwork are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring that our colleagues thrive in their roles. Our TRUE values of Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful employment in the security sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SIA Licensed Mobile Retail Security Officer – Flexible Shifts in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might have connections in the security industry. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for anything! Since this role requires flexibility, prepare yourself for different interview formats. Whether it’s a phone call, video chat, or face-to-face, practice your responses and stay calm.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During interviews, highlight your observational skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Use real-life examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed similar scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SIA Licensed Mobile Retail Security Officer – Flexible Shifts in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your SIA licence and any relevant experience in security. We want to see how your skills match up with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get straight to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description that you’ve handled before. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Retail Area Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like maintaining security presence, conducting patrols, and responding to incidents. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent communication, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past situations. Think about times when you’ve de-escalated confrontational situations or provided exceptional customer service. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your experiences clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Proactivity
Since the job involves flexible shifts and covering multiple locations, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Share instances where you've shown proactivity in previous roles, whether it was taking initiative during a crisis or going above and beyond to ensure safety and service.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare for scenario-based questions by thinking through how you would respond to specific incidents, such as theft or anti-social behaviour. This will help you convey your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
