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- Tasks: Protect staff and customers while investigating theft and reducing losses in stores.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookshop chain dedicated to excellent customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a friendly team environment, great discounts, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values your expertise and passion for books.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail loss prevention or policing, with strong communication and IT skills.
- Other info: Role involves travel between stores in the Northwest, including Manchester and Salford.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Loss Prevention Investigator to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones in Manchester. Looking after stores across the Northwest including Salford, Bolton, and Manchester Trafford you will be based predominately at our Manchester Arndale and Deansgate shops.
Your role will be to protect staff, customers, property, and the business by ensuring that all physical security equipment is in working condition, following up on all workplace incidents and advising teams how best to respond to incidents that may involve violence. To deliver the Loss Prevention strategy as outlined by the Group Loss Prevention Manager.
What you will be doing
To be a field based, security and shrink expert, working to identify potential risks/losses to reduce loss in your given area.
As the Loss Prevention contact in your designated area, you will give advice and guidance to regional managers, cluster leaders, bookshop managers and booksellers on all aspects of Loss Prevention.
To prioritise and visit Waterstones, Foyles, and Blackwells stores in your remit on a need\’s basis, based on risk to the business.
You will reduce shrinkage and cash loss by identifying risk in stores and providing solutions, coaching and support to store teams.
Proactively investigate reported thefts, data, and missing stock to identify and apprehend offenders. Building criminal cases resulting in arrest and prosecution of offenders.
Use data and instore intelligence and security systems to identify and analyse trends and similarities across active cases and collaboratively work with the wider LPI team to glean and share information to identify and prosecute offenders.
To establish professional working relationships with internal stakeholders, law enforcement and outside agencies to further reduce risk and loss to the business.
Work in collaboration with maintenance and audit teams to ensure compliance and safety standards are consistently met.
To complete all set tasks within the given timeframe and escalate identified issues in an appropriate and effective manner.
To undertake other requests and projects as set by the Loss Prevention manager to support the business operation.
What we need from you
Significant demonstrable experience dealing with shrink and crime resolution within a retail or Policing environment.
Ability to travel between the stores in your area.
Knowledge of loss prevention policies and practices.
Knowledge of case building, the criminal justice system and its process, as well as judicial interventions: CBOs, civil recovery methods etc.
IT literate – Efficient in using a variety of platforms and software, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, In-house transaction monitoring software and intelligence sharing programs.
Knowledge on data mining best practises, industry standard investigation and interview techniques (PACE, WZ etc) preferable.
Person Profile
A clear, concise communicator, both written and verbally.
Approachable and personable.
Self-motivated.
Ability to influence at all levels of the organisation, working to win hearts and minds.
Able to manage own time and prioritise effectively.
Inquisitive, calm, and professional approach.
Ability to make decisions as needed with minimal supervision.
Adaptable and resilient.
Coachable and values development.
Why work for WaterstonesAt Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Café W\’s, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one).
In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Legal
Industries
Retail
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Loss Prevention Investigator employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Loss Prevention Investigator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific loss prevention policies and practices used at Waterstones. Understanding their approach will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Waterstones, especially those in loss prevention roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in loss prevention. Being knowledgeable about industry standards and innovations can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're proactive in your field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully dealt with shrinkage or theft. Having concrete examples ready will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills, making a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Loss Prevention Investigator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in loss prevention, retail, or policing. Emphasise your skills in crime resolution, risk assessment, and any specific achievements related to reducing shrinkage.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Waterstones. Mention your understanding of their customer-focused approach and how your background aligns with their loss prevention strategy.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires clear communication, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in previous roles. This could include advising teams or collaborating with law enforcement.
Highlight IT Proficiency: Mention your familiarity with relevant software and data analysis tools. If you have experience with transaction monitoring systems or intelligence sharing programs, be sure to include that in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Know Your Loss Prevention Strategies
Familiarise yourself with the loss prevention strategies that Waterstones employs. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their approach and how you can contribute to reducing shrinkage and improving security.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Loss Prevention Investigator, clear communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with teams or law enforcement in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Investigative Experience
Highlight your experience in investigating thefts and building criminal cases. Prepare specific examples of past incidents where you successfully identified risks, apprehended offenders, or collaborated with law enforcement to resolve issues.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about how you would handle various situations related to loss prevention, such as dealing with a theft in progress or advising a store manager on security measures.