At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and security across multiple retail locations while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join OCS, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, digital learning, and exclusive retail perks through our Hapi app.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team that values trust, respect, unity, and empowerment.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid SIA Licence and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
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)
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.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.
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.
Retail Area Support Officer in Eastbourne employer: OCS Group
At OCS UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being an award-winning employer that values our colleagues and fosters a culture of Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. With access to the OCS Academy for professional growth, flexible pay options through Wagestream, and exclusive retail perks via our Hapi app, we ensure our Retail Area Support Officers are well-supported in their roles. Join us in creating safe and secure environments while enjoying a diverse and inclusive workplace that champions career progression and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Area Support Officer in Eastbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might have connections in the retail or security sectors. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Retail Area Support Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching OCS and their TRUE values. Show us how your skills align with their mission to create safe and secure environments. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in customer service and security.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Retail Area Support Officer, you'll need to de-escalate situations and interact with customers. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can sign up for job alerts to stay updated on new opportunities that fit your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Area Support Officer in Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Retail Area Support Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in security and customer service, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your strong observational skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Use specific examples in your application to demonstrate how you've successfully managed similar scenarios in the past.
Be Professional and Personable:As a Retail Area Support Officer, you'll need to be approachable and professional. Make sure your written application reflects this by using clear, polite language and showcasing your communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep you updated on your progress. Plus, you can sign up for job alerts to stay in the loop for future opportunities!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS Group
✨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, 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 Your Flexibility
Since the job involves working across multiple locations and varied shifts, be ready to discuss your flexibility. Share any previous experiences where you adapted to changing environments or schedules. This will highlight your reliability and willingness to meet the company's operational needs.
✨Align with OCS Values
OCS values Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. Think about how your personal values align with these and prepare to discuss them. Sharing specific examples of how you've embodied these values in your work can set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their culture.