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 working hours, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique background and perspective.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in keeping customers and staff safe while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Valid SIA Licence and strong communication skills required.
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.
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 Edinburgh employer: OCS Group
Contact Detail:
OCS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Area Support Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might have connections in the retail security sector. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for the unexpected! Since this role involves varied shifts and locations, prepare yourself for on-the-spot interviews or assessments. Keep your SIA licence handy and be ready to showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your communication and de-escalation abilities. They want to see how you handle challenging situations, so share your experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you can sign up for job alerts to never miss a beat!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Area Support Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Retail Area Support Officer role. Highlight your security experience, customer service skills, and any relevant qualifications like your SIA Licence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations or provided excellent customer service in the past.
Showcase Your Flexibility: Since this role requires flexibility across various locations and shifts, mention your availability and willingness to adapt. This will show us that you're ready to meet the demands of the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you can easily sign up for job alerts while you’re there!
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
Since excellent communication is crucial for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Think about times when you had to de-escalate a situation or provide support to customers. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your experience clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
This role requires flexibility in working across multiple locations and varied shifts. Be ready to discuss your availability and any previous experiences where you adapted to changing circumstances. Highlighting your willingness to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays will show that you're committed to the job.
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
As a Retail Area Support Officer, strong observational skills are essential. Prepare to talk about situations where your attention to detail made a difference, whether it was spotting suspicious behaviour or ensuring safety protocols were followed. This will reinforce your suitability for the role and align with the company's focus on safety and service.